Lithium ion battery manufacturer Anthro Energy unveiled its new headquarters on Bay Farm Island with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 20.
The tech company’s new home occupies 31,748 square feet and features a laboratory, R&D facilities, shipping and storage space, conference rooms, and private offices. Located at The Loop, the facility’s opening was attended by Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft and Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, U.S. representative for California’s 12th congressional district.
Anthro Energy was founded in 2021 by CEO David Mackanic and CTO Joe Papp to create battery cells and electrolytes with high energy density and long lifespan. Previously located in San Jose, the company’s recent successes prompted its expansion to the Alameda campus.
“This facility here in Alameda is to prove the scalability of Anthro’s next-generation battery technology, and create commercial quantities of our advanced battery cells and electrolytes,” Mackanic said during his opening remarks.
Anthro has received over $43 million from the Department of Energy and $5 million from the California Energy Commission in recent years, and had the advocacy of Representative Simon in the Congressional Small Business Committee.
“In that committee, I will be shouting [Anthro’s] mission to the rafters,” Simon said. “These are young innovators in our district who are employing a diverse workforce, and creating a platform and learning space.”
Mayor Ashcraft offered additional praises for Anthro, and commended the impact of its Proteus polymer electrolyte, which is liquid-to-solid and non-flammable.
“This innovation is particularly relevant to the widespread adoption of EVs as they reduce anxiety about battery fires,” Ashcraft said.
She went on to emphasize the value of Alameda as Anthro’s new home base. “I do believe Alameda is the ideal place for businesses to thrive and grow because of our access to the Bay Area’s talented workforce and our excellent quality of life,” Ashcraft said. “If you don’t already live in Alameda, do consider moving here.”
Anthro Energy joins a number of biotech companies at The Loop, which has seen a rise in move-ins in recent years. Other companies include Senti Bio, Penumbra, Exelixis, and Abbott.
Sindhu Ananthavel is a contributing writer to the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Sindhu-Ananthavel.
