6K Energy, a division of 6K Inc., announced it has been awarded a $1.9 million Battery Network (BATTNET) Program III research and development grant from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the nation’s logistics combat support agency. The award will accelerate domestic, sustainable production of critical lithium-ion battery materials through the development and scale-up of advanced single-crystal (SC) NMC721 cathode powders using 6K’s UniMelt® microwave plasma process.
Under the 12-month program, 6K Energy will focus on scaled synthesis, post-processing optimization, and performance validation of SC NMC721, including coin-cell and full-cell testing in partnership with a U.S.-based lithium-ion cell manufacturer. SC NMC721 is particularly well suited for the “All-US” cell voltage window of 2.5–4.35 V and meets demanding defense-relevant performance targets.
“We are excited about this program on many fronts,” said Dr. Saurabh Ullal, CEO of 6K Inc. and President of 6K Energy. “This award recognizes the capabilities of our UniMelt platform and validates our ability to produce NMC721 domestically and sustainably. We appreciate the confidence that the DLA and the BATTNET program have placed in 6K Energy, and we believe this effort will accelerate the delivery of high-performance NMC721 materials critical to our nation’s defense and energy security.”
BATTNET is a designated Defense Operational Energy Program managed under the Defense Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program. Its goal is to enhance battery logistics and performance by advancing manufacturing technologies through industry partnerships. Program priorities include strengthening the domestic supply chain, improving safety and shelf life, reducing premature disposal, and increasing overall battery availability for defense applications.
In the image: 6K UniMelt® microwave plasma platform driving next-generation single-crystal NMC721 development
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16 December 2025
