Epsilon and Tufts University have unveiled the Tufts Epsilon Materials Institute, an $11.5 million initiative aimed at advancing materials science, particularly in the development of next-generation battery technologies. The institute, located at Tufts’ School of Engineering, will focus on creating innovative battery materials for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.
The partnership will fund the recruitment of three new faculty members and provide seed funding for ongoing research collaborations in clean energy. The goal is to drive forward the development of advanced materials that can enhance the performance and sustainability of batteries used in various industries.
Vikram Handa, Managing Director of Epsilon and a Tufts alumnus, shared that the collaboration underscores the company’s dedication to advancing battery technology. The institute will complement Epsilon’s planned graphite anode facility in North Carolina, furthering the company’s strategy to strengthen its supply chain for the clean energy sector.
“This collaboration solidifies our focus on research and development for high-performance battery materials,” said Handa. “We are excited to see how this institute will bridge the gap between academia and industry to tackle pressing global energy challenges.”
Tufts University President Sunil Kumar added that the initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to developing clean energy solutions. “Creating impactful solutions for today’s energy challenges requires collaboration, collective vision, and the dedication of researchers,” he noted.
The institute will work closely with various departments at Tufts, including the Tufts Institute for AI, as well as with industry stakeholders. One of its key objectives is to support initiatives like India’s EV30@30, which aims for electric vehicles to account for 30% of new vehicle sales by 2030.
Founded in 2010, Epsilon Group operates in multiple sectors within the carbon materials industry, including the world’s first fully integrated carbon plant in Bellary, Karnataka. Its advanced materials division, launched in 2018, focuses on producing anode and cathode battery materials, with operations spanning North Carolina, Finland, and new ventures in lithium-ion phosphate cathode materials. The establishment of the Tufts Epsilon Materials Institute marks a significant step in fostering collaboration between industry and academia, focusing on the development of sustainable energy solutions and advancing research in materials science to support the global transition to cleaner energy.
