KNOXVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)-Today, Safire Technology Group, Inc. (Safire Group), a venture-backed company that designs and manufactures lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology, has announced its expansion in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the opening of a new facility. laboratory at the University of Tennessee Spark Innovation Center. The laboratory will support the continued growth of the company, the Safire Group’s in-house research and development unit and will allow the company to continue developing the SAFe Impact Resistant Electrolyte (SAFIRE ™) additive for Li-ion batteries.
The new location is strategically chosen to allow Safire Group to build on its existing partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). In 2022, Safire Group and ORNL announced a formal agreement for Safire Group to sell ORNL supplements manufactured by SAFIRE. Andrew Hanna, formerly of ExxonMobil Corporation, will oversee Safire Group’s Knoxville offices as Head of Marketing and Brand.
“This new lab, located near ORNL and the University of Tennessee, provides a global pipeline of talented scientists and engineers,” said John Lee, Co-Founder and CEO, Safire Group. “The Knoxville area represents an exciting decision to expand our R&D capabilities and hire the most talented people.”
The Spark Innovation Center, located at the University of Tennessee Research Park, focuses on business development and commercialization of regional technology startups. The invitation to rent space in the joint working area is very competitive, and the selection of Safire Group confirms the progress of the company and its strength in the energy industry.
“The Spark Innovation Center is focused on supporting our region’s most promising technology companies to benefit and grow in Tennessee,” said University of Tennessee Research Park President and CEO Tom Rogers. “We are thrilled that another cleantech company has chosen to call the Research Park and Knoxville home as Safire Group works to sell ORNL’s technology.”
“I am excited to welcome Safire Group to Knox County,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. “Not only will this team help retain and attract talent to our workforce, this announcement is a clear example of the importance of our new engines – in this case, ORNL and the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm – working with local communities to bring better jobs and opportunities.” of Knox County.”
“Safire Group’s move to the Spark Innovation Center in Knoxville is another big win for our city and the region,” said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon. “This cleantech company fulfills our desire to make it easy, safe, and affordable for people and businesses to switch to electric vehicles, making our air cleaner and our city stronger.”
“The Knoxville Chamber is committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are creating high-paying, high-growth businesses,” said Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development, Knoxville Chamber. “This announcement is in direct line with the Chamber’s efforts to transform Knoxville’s economy. The Safire Group is doing a great job of providing a wealth of resources to regional businesses, including ORNL and the Spark Innovation Center. We are excited to see them attract new talent from abroad and retain local talent through internships.”
In conjunction with the Knoxville Chamber and Spark Innovation Center, a press conference and accompanying event will be held on Tuesday, January 24 at 2:00 pm Eastern at the Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing. Scheduled speakers include Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Knox County; Mayor Indya Kincannon, City of Knoxville; Tom Rogers, president and CEO, The University of Tennessee Research Park; Susan Hubbard, Vice President for Science and Technology, ORNL; Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development, Knoxville Chamber; and John Lee, co-founder and CEO, Safire Group.
About Sapphire:
Sapphire Technology Group, Inc. (Safire Group) is a company that produces batteries that prevent fire and explosion and improve performance. The company’s technology, SAFe Impact Resistant Electrolyte (SAFIRE™), is the world’s first certified additive and additive for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that prevents fire and explosion through a liquid-to-solid transition in an instant. electric shock, such as an electric car crash or an eBike crash. The accessory provides a safe, easily integrated solution for EVs and other Li-ion-powered devices, resulting in increased safety and stability, high performance, and projectile and ballistic protection. Safire Group has been granted the exclusive license to five patents so far thanks to its partnership with the technology’s originator, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
For more information, visit www.safire.co and follow us on LinkedIn.
