Offgrid Energy Labs Secures $15M for ZincGel Battery Innovation

September 3, 2025, 3:38 am
Ankur Capital
Ankur Capital
Location: India, Maharashtra, Mumbai
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 2014
Offgrid Energy Labs
Offgrid Energy Labs
BatteryCleanTechEnergyStorageHardwareSustainability
Location: India
Employees: 1-10
Total raised: $15M
Offgrid Energy Labs recently secured $15 million in a Series A funding round. This vital investment accelerates the deployment of its groundbreaking ZincGel battery technology. The startup focuses on stationary energy storage, offering a superior, safer, and greener alternative to lithium-ion solutions. Capital will establish a crucial pilot manufacturing facility in the UK and significantly expand research and development capabilities. ZincGel excels in demanding long-duration, deep-cycle applications. It relies on globally abundant zinc, effectively bypassing the supply chain volatility associated with lithium. This strategic funding positions Offgrid to profoundly impact the global clean energy transition, enhancing grid stability and enabling robust off-grid power systems. While India remains a core market, global expansion is firmly on the horizon.

A significant investment recently propelled Offgrid Energy Labs. The deeptech startup secured $15 million in a Series A funding round. This capital infusion champions its innovative ZincGel battery technology. The round was spearheaded by Archean Chemical Industries. Existing investor Ankur Capital also participated. This funding marks a pivotal moment for stationary energy storage solutions worldwide.

Offgrid Energy Labs offers a distinct alternative. Its core technology is ZincGel. This cell chemistry employs non-toxic, proven zinc-bromide. It stands apart from conventional lithium-ion systems. ZincGel batteries are purpose-built for stationary storage applications. They promise enhanced safety and superior performance.

The new funding addresses critical development stages. Offgrid Energy Labs plans to establish a 10-megawatt-hour (MWh) demo manufacturing facility. This pilot plant will reside in the United Kingdom. It will serve as a vital test-bed for the ZincGel technology. This step is crucial before the company commences full commercialization. Funds also bolster research and development capabilities. They will accelerate the overall commercial launch of ZincGel batteries.

ZincGel technology boasts numerous advantages. It is ideal for long-duration energy storage. This includes cycles lasting 6 to 12 hours. Unlike many lithium cells, ZincGel thrives under full daily deep cycles. It performs optimally from 0% to 100% charge or discharge conditions. This robustness is critical for reliable grid-scale deployments.

Safety is a paramount concern for large-scale energy projects. Lithium-ion batteries carry inherent fire risks. ZincGel chemistry eliminates these hazards. Its non-toxic nature makes it a safer choice. This provides peace of mind for significant infrastructure investments.

Supply chain resilience is another major benefit. Lithium supplies face concentration risks. Four countries dominate nearly 90% of global lithium production. Zinc, conversely, is abundant. It is one of Earth's most common metals. Over 50 countries, including India, produce zinc. This widespread availability mitigates geopolitical and logistical challenges. It ensures a more stable and accessible supply chain for battery manufacturing.

Offgrid Energy Labs focuses on several key applications. These include peak shifting. They also target net-zero industrial electricity initiatives. Decentralized off-grid energy solutions form a third pillar. Such solutions serve remote communities and islands. The technology offers stable power where traditional grids are lacking. This expands access to reliable electricity.

The company's roots are in India. It emerged from SIIC-IIT Kanpur in 2018. Founders include Tejas Kusurkar, Rishi Srivastava, Brindan Tulachan, and Ankur Agarwal. While globally ambitious, India remains a strategic market. The nation aims for 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy generation by 2030. This creates immense demand for advanced energy storage. India currently operates about 500 MWh of battery energy storage capacity. This highlights a vast growth potential.

However, global interest is rising. European firms show strong engagement. Companies in the United States also express interest. Offgrid Energy Labs envisions a global market presence. The UK facility is a stepping stone. A subsequent gigawatt-scale manufacturing facility in India is planned. This strategic rollout supports broad market penetration.

Archean Chemical Industries’ involvement is significant. Their expertise in large-scale chemical manufacturing is invaluable. This partnership strengthens Offgrid’s path to giga-factory scale production. It ensures operational excellence as the technology expands. This collaboration bridges scientific breakthrough with industrial execution.

Offgrid Energy Labs already holds over 25 intellectual property assets. Its proprietary electrolyte is a core component. This intellectual property safeguards its unique competitive advantage. The company is actively operating in India and Europe. Future expansion into more regions is a clear objective.

The transition to clean energy demands innovation. Reliable, safe, and cost-effective energy storage is essential. ZincGel technology addresses these needs directly. It offers a viable pathway to reduce reliance on lithium. It promotes greater energy independence. It also supports environmental sustainability.

This funding round represents more than just capital. It validates a promising technology. It accelerates the development of critical infrastructure. It positions Offgrid Energy Labs as a leader in next-generation stationary battery solutions. The global energy landscape requires such advancements. Offgrid Energy Labs is poised to deliver.