In an interview with Graeme Purdy, CEO of Ilika PLC (AIM:IKA, OTCQX:ILIKF), we explore the recent advancements in the company's ambitious Goliath programme.
Ilika, known for its innovative approach to battery development, has announced a pivotal milestone, transitioning from laboratory prototypes to advanced product development.
Purdy sheds light on this significant progress, detailing the journey from the 'D4 development point' to the preparation of prototype products (P1) for customer release.
With a focus on consistency, reproducibility, and technological maturity, Ilika's strides represent not just a step forward in battery technology, but also a testament to the company's strategic vision and execution.
This conversation provides a comprehensive overview of Ilika's achievements and a glimpse into what the future holds for this cutting-edge battery developer.
Thomas Warner: Graeme, can you give us an overview of the significant milestone Ilika PLC (AIM:IKA, OTCQX:ILIKF) has achieved in its Goliath programme?
Graeme Purdy: Absolutely, TW. We've transitioned from lab prototypes to product development in our Goliath programme, reaching the 'D4 development point'. This is a critical stage where we finalize product design and prepare prototype products, known as P1, for customer release. It's a significant technical milestone, marking our ability to productize lab-based prototypes.
TW: Could you delve a bit deeper into what this D4 to P1 transition entails?
GP: Sure. After creating a small batch of D4 (development prototypes), we scale up to produce larger batches of P1 (prototype products) at our development centre in Romsey. This process ensures consistency and reproducibility across the batch. These batches are thoroughly tested and characterized before being shipped to customers with detailed specification sheets next year.
TW: Does this development free up resources for other projects within Ilika?
GP: At this stage, most of our technicians, engineers, and a subset of our scientists are focused on producing these reproducible cells. While a portion of our scientific team continues to advance our roadmap, a significant part of our resources is dedicated to delivering this first batch of P1s.
TW: How do you feel about the progress made on the Goliath programme this year?
GP: I'm very satisfied with our progress. We've been on schedule with our milestones, including the D4 point we've been aiming for since summer. Another exciting development is the upcoming lithium-ion parity point, indicating equal energy density to standard lithium-ion cells. This is a crucial measure of our technology's maturity. We're not done yet for the year and expect to share more updates soon, including a trading update later this week.