Piersica, Inc., a U.S.-based developer of ultra-high energy density batteries, has secured a $1.9 million Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Army. The funding will support the company’s efforts to commercialize advanced battery solutions for military applications, including drones, electric ground vehicles, portable electronics, and energy weapons.
The award, part of the Army’s “Energy Demand Reduction and Clean Energy Tech” initiative, follows Piersica’s successful completion of a Phase I contract in November 2024. It marks the company’s third Army SBIR award in as many years and its seventh SBIR grant overall—bringing its total non-dilutive funding from federal agencies to $3.8 million.
“We are excited to continue our collaboration with the U.S. Army,” said Claudiu Bucur, CEO of Piersica. “This funding will accelerate the development of our next-generation battery technology and help transition it toward military acquisition programs.”
The 15-month Phase II project will focus on demonstrating a high-energy battery cell that surpasses current commercial solutions in energy density, cycle life, and reliability. According to the company, these cells incorporate proprietary materials—including a lithium-conductive fiber anode mat and specialized polymer electrolytes—that aim to offer substantial performance improvements while reducing weight and volume.
Beyond funding, the contract gives Piersica access to Army technical experts and mentors from across the defense R&D ecosystem. These resources are expected to guide the technology’s development toward future integration in defense platforms.
With the growing demand for high-capacity, lightweight batteries across defense, robotics, consumer electronics, and electric flight, Piersica’s innovations could play a key role in shaping future mobility and energy solutions.
The contract reinforces the Army’s continued push toward cleaner, more energy-efficient technologies that can support advanced operational needs on the battlefield.
