Graphite is a versatile non-metal that possesses unique thermal, chemical, and electrical properties. Biocompatible – derived from carbon — and designated as a critical mineral by the United States due to its supply chain vulnerability and because graphite serves an essential function in the manufacturing of a product, the absence of which would have significant consequences for the economy and national security of USA. It is a driving factor in new innovations and applications, including Graphene “the New Plastics”.
China currently dominates the global supply. Due to the Booming EV and Energy Storage industries, it is now a net importer for the first time in decades. Standard refining method is with Dangerous Hydrofluoric Acid (China) or Energy and Cost Intensive High Temperature Ovens (Western World). After numerous think tanks and journalists shed light on mining and processing standards, the provenance of battery raw materials, ecofriendly- processing techniques, adequate battery manufacturing standards, eco-friendly processing techniques are now required by most end-users.
Urbix is the first and only truly American clean commercial manufacturer of battery anode materials geared to address the opportunities and challenges currently facing the EV graphite market. The Urbix proprietary process is the only clean tech, low cost solution in the world. Urbix technology provides consistent and high-quality graphite that exceeds the criteria for ESG life cycle assessments. Urbix’s battery grade graphite outperforms any synthetic anode, possessing a longer cycle life and greater energy density at significantly lower cost.
Nico’s vision has long been for a future that is clean and green. His passions are for clean technologies and the aerospace industry, and he is motivated to help usher in a new technological age with cutting edge materials. He spent the early part of his career working Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) projects that totaled over $6 billion across five countries in three continents. Nico is a Engineering Management graduate from the University of Arizona who has been able to utilize his passion plus real world experience to great advantage helping Urbix, Inc. rise to international prominence.
Andrea has a PhD from the University of Cambridge where she specialized in graphene. Before joining Urbix, she started a company developing intelligent clothing for health monitoring and performance optimization working with professional sports teams across Europe. Her startup was recognized globally as one of the top 50 startups in wellbeing by Hello Tomorrow; won the Nokia Open Innovation Challenge 2017 and was awarded an Innovate UK grant. Andrea has a strong belief in driving change to improve the lives of people through innovation, technology and education.
Dr. Gangopadhyay has a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics from Calcutta University, a M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from Jadavpur University, and a PhD in Optical Materials & Chemistry from the University of Hyderabad. Most recently, Dr. Gangopadhyay spent the last 10 years as a top research scientist at the University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences where he lead many projects for the DoD, DoE, NSF, and private corporations. Dr. Gangopadhyay has a passion for material science and has invented a number of technologies utilized in energy storage systems, magneto optics, and photonics.
Anthony J. Parkinson is an energetic and engaging visionary with global experience at the most senior level. He is a senior mentor and strategic financial consultant with deep experience in business leadership. A co-founder of Kronos, Inc., Anthony was also previously an investment banking partner at Drexel Burnham Lambert, CEO of FAO Schwarz, Senior VP Hasbro Inc., and a General Partner of the NY Islanders. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania, an M.B.A. in Finance and Accounting from the Wharton Graduate Division and was previously a Board Member of the Wharton School.
Luis Olaguibel has directed and managed and led complex projects in many sectors, including oil and gas, aerospace, software, healthcare and discrete manufacturing. He is also a Theory of Constraints and Lean practitioner experienced in obtaining sustaining results, and knowledge and behavior transfer. Originally hired by Urbix as an operations consultant, he has invested in the company and established structurally sound administrative, operative, and decision-making protocols key to the scalability of Urbix. He holds an undergraduate degree in Industrial and Electromechanical Engineering from the Universidad Autonomica de Mexico.
Kurumi Austin graduated in 2017 with honors from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Material Science and Engineering. Ms. Austin is a standout research scientist with previous experience in the characterization of materials, analysis of the optical and electric properties of materials, materials processing, and optical spectroscopy. Her undergraduate research was on complex carbon based materials for energy storage. Before joining Urbix, Ms. Austin was an intern doing research and development for a leading United States DoD contractor.
The strategic partnership will go beyond other traceability efforts in the graphite industry and will ensure adherence to high ESG standards and humane sourcing practices. Today, Urbix Inc. (Urbix), an environmentally friendly U.S.-based processor of Read more…
On July 9th, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) toured Urbix, Inc. in Mesa, Arizona, the only environmentally friendly U.S.-based processor of natural graphite in the country. During his visit, Senator Kelly met with the Urbix Read more…
In an article for Axios touting batteries for electric vehicles as the new oil, Urbix, Inc. is referenced and CEO and Chairman Nico Cuevas is quoted on the importance of strengthening graphite supply chains. “At Read more…
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