Isro’s lithium-ion cell tech offer gets response from over 130 companies

"The response to our announcement to transfer the lithium ion cell technology is overwhelming. More than 130 companies have purchased the RFQ document. The pre-application conference will be held on Tuesday," IANS quoted director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), S Somanath, as saying. 

Isro had in June announced its decision to transfer its lithium ion cell technology to Indian industry on a non-exclusive basis for usage in automobiles for Rs1 crore, a move, which the space agency said, would accelerate the development of the indigenous electric vehicle industry. 

Lithium-ion battery is the dominating battery system which finds applications for a variety of needs, including mobile phones, laptops, PDA, cameras and many other portable consumer gadgets. Recent advances in Li-ion battery technology have made it the preferred power source for electric and hybrid electric vehicles also. Li-ion cells find wide applications in electronic gadgets, telecommunication, and industrial applications as well as in aerospace.

VSSC will transfer the lithium ion cell technology to the successful Indian industries/start-ups on a non-exclusive basis to establish production facilities in the country that can produce cells of varying size, capacity, energy density and power density catering to the entire spectrum of power storage requirements, ISRO had said. 

According to him, the lithium ion cell battery technology buyers can innovate further so address the market needs. 

"Batch manufacturing of lithium ion cells is sufficient for ISRO's needs. Whereas in the case of mass production it is only the industry that can do it," he added. 

Somanath said the ISRO makes lithium ion cell batteries of various sizes and power (1.5 ampere to 100 ampere) to power its rockets and satellites. 

"ISRO will not get any royalty from the buyers of its lithium ion cell technology. Our idea is to enable the industry to develop," Somanath said. 

He said Isro for its use will source lithium ion batteries from Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) as the technology has been transferred to the power equipment major.

Last month, Isro issued the RFQ containing a brief description of the qualification process and technology transfer process, instructions to applicants, eligibility criteria, timelines and other details. 

All queries or request for additional information concerning the RFQ will be addressed at the pre-application conference, the space agency had said. 

ISRO also said that the "competent firm's security deposit will be adjusted against the technology transfer fee of Rs1 crore. The security deposit (Rs400,000) of unsuccessful applicants or withdrawn applications will be returned, without any interest". 

The one-time technology transfer fee has to be paid within 30 days of the qualification date. 

"Technology shall be transferred to all/any of the competent firms who qualify the eligibility criteria as specified in the RFQ. The required process documents shall be provided by ISRO at the time of signing of technology transfer agreement and payment of technology transfer fee," ISRO had said.