Ann Arbor SPARK will be exhibiting at The Battery Show, North America’s premier event for advanced battery technology, at Huntington Place in Detroit from October 8-10, 2024. Located at booth #713, Ann Arbor SPARK will showcase five cutting-edge mobility startups from Southeast Michigan, each demonstrating innovative solutions aimed at advancing the future of transportation and energy storage.
The five startups – Niftgo, Surge Mobility, 4th Dimension, Arbor Batteries, and ESSPI – represent the dynamic mobility ecosystem that has made the Ann Arbor region a hub for automotive and mobility innovation. With Michigan’s automotive R&D industry employing 1.1 million people and leading the nation with $11.8 billion in annual automotive R&D spending, the region is home to both established companies and state-of-the-art startups.
“We’re proud to support these startups and showcase the incredible mobility innovations coming from our region,” said Bill Mayer, senior vice president of entrepreneurial services at Ann Arbor SPARK. “These companies are developing solutions that address critical challenges in transportation and energy storage, reinforcing Southeast Michigan’s reputation as a living lab for mobility and automotive advancements.”
Each startup will present live demonstrations at the event:
- Niftgo: Offering a wide range of engineering services for self-driving and electric vehicle projects, including mechanical, electrical, and software integration. The company is currently developing a Vertical Takeoff Vehicle (VTV), showcasing its leadership in next-generation transportation technologies.
- Surge Mobility: Simplifying electric car travel with a platform that helps drivers find and manage charging stations along their routes, leveraging AI for intelligent trip planning. Surge’s solutions optimize charging stops, making electric driving more convenient.
- 4th Dimension (Thought Labs): Developing an ultralight-class electric EVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) designed to bring flight to everyone without the need for a pilot’s license, the 4th Dimension EVTOL is being engineered to be safer and smarter than anything currently on the market, with the goal of sparking a revolution in the transportation industry.
- Arbor Batteries: Providing high-performance battery solutions with ultra-fast charging capabilities (0-90% in 10 minutes), higher energy density, and improved low-temperature performance. Arbor’s patented 3-D electrode architecture is designed to enable faster and safer battery charging.
- ESSPI (Energy Safety Storage Products International): Specializing in fire management solutions and safety systems for energy storage technologies, ESSPI is at the forefront of combating the hazards associated with lithium-ion and other battery systems.
Ann Arbor SPARK’s presence at The Battery Show is a testament to the region’s leadership in mobility and advanced automotive R&D. Home to companies such as Toyota Motor North America’s R&D headquarters and emerging startups like May Mobility, the Ann Arbor region continues to drive the future of transportation innovation.
Learn more about Ann Arbor SPARK and the region’s mobility ecosystem.
