Show Notes 168: Kodiaq - Metal free electrolytes to power next gen battery tech

Revolutionising Energy Storage: Insights from Kodiaq Technologies & Cambridge’s Vibrant Tech Scene

From innovative startups to deep dives into cutting-edge chemistry, this week’s Cambridge Tech Podcast delivers another must-listen episode for founders, VCs, and anyone tracking the next big wave in technology. Hosts Faye Holland and James Parton not only bring us the latest updates from the Cambridge tech ecosystem but also sit down with David Fife and Camille Sokolowski of Kodiaq Technologies—an exciting company set to disrupt the world of energy storage with a game-changing, metal-free battery chemistry.

Weekly Cambridge Tech Headlines

The episode kicks off with the usual rapid-fire review of the region’s tech news. This week’s highlight:

Collabora Productivity rolls out Collabora Office for Desktop, making their open-source office suite available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. With 100M+ downloads under its belt, CEO Michael Meeks says:

"We’re excited to bring the first release of Collaborative Office to the desktop, letting users work both online and offline in comfort."

The hosts also announce a new podcast feature:

Listeners can now dial in, leave messages, and possibly hear themselves in future episodes! Got a hot news tip or burning question? Head to CambridgeTechPodcast.com.

Meet Kodiaq Technologies: The Future of Grid-Scale Energy Storage

The main event is an interview with David Fife (CEO) and Camille Sokolowski (Co-founder), where we get a behind-the-scenes look at Kodiaq Technologies—a company emerging from University of Cambridge research with a bold vision for energy storage.

What Makes Kodiaq Different?

Metal-Free, Organic Electrolytes: Kodiaq is developing next-gen organic electrolytes for flow batteries, avoiding the supply chain risks and costs tied to traditional metals like vanadium.

Enhanced Energy Density: “They had already demonstrated that the energy their electrolyte could absorb was twice that of existing vanadium technology,” explains David.

Drop-In Replacement: Their solution can potentially retrofit existing vanadium battery systems, instantly increasing capacity without a total system overhaul.

Resilience & Simplicity: Unlike current technologies that need strict air-free conditions, Kodiaq’s electrolyte is “oxygen-tolerant”—making construction, operation, and maintenance more flexible and less expensive.

Sustainability & Sovereignty: Camille notes, "Developing this chemistry removes the dependence on the mining sector. These electrolytes can be produced anywhere and recycled for a second life."

Commercial Model & Market Fit

Licensing-Led Approach: Inspired by models like ARM, Kodiaq plans to supply the chemistry and intellectual property, leaving battery manufacturing and integration to partners.

Global Impact, Local Roots: With worldwide ambitions, they’re actively building collaborations—especially seeking corporate partners ready to pilot their tech.

Key Quotes

“It’s not often you find a market chasing a technology, but that’s what we have here with energy storage.” — David Fife

“Once you realise your research can be translated into real-world application, that’s the driving force to commercialise.” — Camille Sokolowski

“Collaboration is essential. We’re not here to build batteries or chemical plants—we want to provide the secret sauce for the world’s energy transition.” — David Fife

Why This Matters

As renewables explode worldwide, storing energy safely, efficiently, and scalably is the central challenge of our net-zero future. Kodiaq could be the company to crack this problem—right from Cambridge’s legendary cluster.

In Summary

Here’s why you should listen:

1. Direct insights from founders on spinning out deeptech from academia

2. Hard-won lessons on validating a technology for market fit

3. Fresh thinking on commercialisation and global scaling

4. News on Cambridge’s most dynamic startups and innovations

5. Hit play on this episode, subscribe to the Cambridge Tech Podcast, and be part of the conversation shaping tomorrow’s tech. Who knows? You might just hear your own voice next week.

Listen now & subscribe to stay ahead in UK tech!

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