Enovix Establishes R&D Center of Excellence in India to Accelerate AI-2™ Platform Development

Core Viewpoint - Enovix Corporation has established an R&D Center of Excellence in Hyderabad, India, aimed at accelerating the development of its second-generation battery platform, AI-2, into 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: R&D Center Details - The new R&D facility spans 18,000 square feet and is located in HITEC City, Hyderabad, employing around 40 full-time employees, primarily engineers and scientists with advanced degrees [2]. - The Hyderabad team will utilize advanced battery modeling and machine learning to expedite the development of AI-2 prototypes for engineering evaluation within the year [2][3]. - The center is designed to integrate electrochemical and mechanical modeling, materials development, and rapid prototyping, which will enhance the speed of AI-2 development [3][4]. Group 2: AI-2 Development Process - The AI-2 product development will leverage global resources, with the Korean team focusing on manufacturing silicon anodes 50% faster than previous methods [3]. - Prototype batteries will be produced in Malaysia, streamlining the transition from R&D to manufacturing, which previously caused delays with the AI-1 technology [3]. - The Hyderabad lab can produce approximately 2,600 prototypes annually and test up to 750 small cells simultaneously, facilitating rapid materials evaluation [4]. Group 3: Leadership Insights - Enovix CEO Raj Talluri emphasized the depth of engineering talent in India and the importance of integrating various development processes to accelerate innovation [5]. - Chairman T.J. Rodgers noted that the Hyderabad R&D center is a permanent improvement to avoid delays experienced with the AI-1 platform, comparing India's educational system favorably to that of the U.S. [7]. - The company aims to replicate Intel's successful strategy of having parallel R&D teams working on multiple generations of technology simultaneously [7]. Group 4: Company Mission and Vision - Enovix is committed to delivering high-performance batteries that enhance the capabilities of various technology products, from IoT devices to vehicles [8]. - The company adopts a materials-agnostic approach to battery development, ensuring flexibility and safety while remaining at the forefront of battery technology innovation [8].