The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has showcased three locally developed technologies aimed at creating higher-value applications in energy storage, including innovations involving biomass waste, battery electrodes and Sri Lanka’s vein graphite.
The technologies were presented at the third NIA Dolphin Tech Pitch, themed “Emerging Graphite & Carbon Technologies for Energy Storage,” held at Pullman Colombo on August 25.
The programme brought together researchers, technology developers, industry representatives, financial institutions, regulators and potential investors, with a focus on helping promising Sri Lankan research move from laboratories towards industrial application and commercialization.
Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Acting Ministry Secretary Mahesh Gammanpila and NIA Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Muditha Senarath Yapa were among those attending.
One of the technologies, developed by Prof. G.R.A. Kumara and a team from the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), explores converting locally available biomass waste into high-value materials for energy-storage applications.
A second technology developed by the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) focuses on improving lead-acid battery performance through advanced electrode engineering and nanotechnology. The technology, involving graphene derivative modification, was presented by Dr. R. Chinthaka L. De Silva.
The third project seeks to create higher-value applications from Sri Lanka’s high-purity vein graphite.
The IP-protected platform for graphite purification, surface modification and battery materials was developed by the late Dr. Athula Wijayasinghe and a team from NIFS. According to NIA, the technology could help move Sri Lankan graphite beyond its traditional value chain into advanced materials and battery applications.
Technology developers also held direct discussions with investors and industry representatives on market potential, scalability, investment requirements, industrial partnerships and possible pathways towards commercialization.
NIA said the initiative is intended to bridge the gap between research and industry by connecting local technology developers with potential investors and commercial partners.
The agency said the three technologies demonstrate opportunities for Sri Lanka to combine its scientific expertise, local resources and research capabilities with growing global demand for advanced energy-storage technologies. (Newswire)