Founded in 2017 by visionaries Sumin Zhu and Hui Du, Ampcera® has emerged as a global leader in the development and commercialization of solid-state electrolyte materials for next-generation batteries. Based in the U.S., the company pioneers advancements in battery technology that promise to revolutionize the energy sector.
Driven by a shared vision for clean energy and innovation, the founders identified a gap in the industry where solid-state battery technology was a theoretical pursuit for many but lacked practical commercialization. Through their combined expertise in materials science, engineering, and business, they built Ampcera to bridge this gap, enabling safe, more efficient, and faster-charging batteries that function in all climate conditions, which could outpace the conventional lithium-ion technology.
Sumin Zhu, co-founder of Ampcera
Sumin Zhu began his career as a materials engineer and quickly evolved into a business executive and serial entrepreneur. With a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology and further credentials from Cornell and the University of Pittsburgh, this co-founder combines technical expertise, leadership roles at renowned companies, and sharp business acumen.
Hui Du, co-founder of Ampcera
Hui Du, co-founder and CTO of Ampcera, on the other hand, brings over 20 years of experience in clean energy R&D and manufacturing. With a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University and a proven track record at institutions like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Sion Power Corporation, Hui is a recognized leader in advanced ceramic materials. His deep understanding of solid-state ionic materials gave Ampcera a significant technical edge. With both Hui and Sumin co-founding MSE Supplies LLC, their entrepreneurial experience has proven invaluable for this next venture.
This company specializes in manufacturing high-performance solid-state electrolyte materials, addressing the key pain points of lithium-ion batteries: flammability, limited energy density, slow charging speeds, and not working well under extreme weather conditions. The solid-state batteries enabled by Ampcera's technology promise longer range, enhanced safety, climate adaptability, and ultra-fast charging—factors critical for the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
"Back in 2017, EVs were gaining traction, but the batteries were a bottleneck," Sumin recalls. "We knew solid-state batteries could solve these issues, but no one was manufacturing the materials at scale. That's when we realized we had the opportunity—and the responsibility—to act."
Ampcera quickly gained recognition for its scalable and cost-effective manufacturing processes. The company now serves over 200 customers worldwide, including major automotive OEMs, battery manufacturers, and technology companies. Its innovations are protected by more than 50 U.S. and international patents and more than 100 trade secrets, reflecting its leadership in this space.
The co-founders' journey goes beyond technical innovation; it's about building an entire industry. From the outset, they focused on collaboration, partnering with stakeholders across the value chain to accelerate development and adoption. "Innovation doesn't happen in isolation," Sumin emphasizes. "We've worked with industry experts, partners, and investors to create a sustainable framework for success—one that aligns with the ESG goals. It's a shared responsibility to educate and uplift the entire ecosystem." The company's commitment to domestic material development and sourcing has also positioned it as a critical player in building a resilient supply chain for solid-state batteries.
As Ampcera continues to scale, its sights are set on commercialization. The company’s business model consists of two segments: the licensing of its battery technology and the sales of its solid-state electrolyte materials. "2025 is a pivotal year for us," Sumin notes. "We're entering joint development agreements and optimizing the manufacturing process to put solid-state batteries in consumers’ hands as early as 2026."
As solid-state batteries edge closer to commercialization, Ampcera® is poised to be at the forefront of this transformative shift. With a foundation built on world-class expertise, relentless innovation, and a clear mission, the company is not just filling a gap in the industry—it's redefining what's possible in clean energy storage.
This post was authored by an external contributor and does not represent Benzinga's opinions and has not been edited for content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.
