Advances cathode tech to support Arkansas lithium supply chain buildout.

Under a United States accelerator program focused on battery independence, Nano One Materials Corp. has broadened its strategic footprint in Arkansas, leveraging its One-Pot process to strengthen domestic cathode production and deepen ties across the state's emerging lithium supply chain.

Driven by national security priorities, electrification mandates, and the race to secure critical mineral supply chains, the U.S. has increasingly turned to regional accelerator programs and industrial partnerships to rebuild domestic capacity across the battery materials spectrum.

From raw extraction to active material production, this shift reflects a broader effort to reduce dependence on foreign inputs – particularly from China, which continues to dominate global lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and cathode manufacturing infrastructure.

Based in Vancouver with a production plant in Quebec, Nano One is a clean technology company developing new methods for producing LFP cathode materials used in rechargeable batteries.

By combining multiple manufacturing steps into a single reaction, its patented One-Pot process cuts costs, reduces environmental impacts, and eliminates the need for foreign-sourced inputs – factors that have made it increasingly attractive to both government and industry.

Backed by U.S. and Canadian funding, the company laid the groundwork for commercial-scale production at its facility, establishing a foundation for joint ventures and licensing opportunities aimed at expanding its reach across North America and allied markets.

In July, Nano One was selected to join the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator (ALTA) – a state-level initiative backed by The Venture Center, Standard Lithium, and the Walton Family Foundation, and aligned with national efforts to strengthen U.S. battery independence.

One of only three companies chosen for the program's first cohort, Nano One was identified for its potential to close critical gaps in the battery supply chain by offering a midstream solution that links raw material extraction to finished cathode production.

"Nano One's participation was critical to the success of ALTA's first cohort, and the feedback from Arkansas' community, industry, and state government leaders has been overwhelmingly positive," said Arthur Orduña, Executive Director of The Venture Center. "We believe Nano One's strategy, leadership, and technology will be key to developing a localized US battery supply chain."

"Their cathode manufacturing process targets the most critical gap in our nation's supply chain, the midstream, with a disruptive innovation that leapfrogs and significantly improves on current processes so we can accelerate breaking our dependence on overseas manufacturing," said Orduña. "This aligns with Governor Sanders' and Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald's vision of leveraging Arkansas' world-class lithium reserves to attract the best upstream and midstream technology providers, maximize statewide economic benefits, and reduce reliance on adversarial supply chains."

Since joining the accelerator, Nano One has begun expanding its network across Arkansas, engaging with government leaders, industrial stakeholders, and academic institutions to align its technology with the state's lithium development strategy.

"The strength of ALTA's first cohort, featuring Nano One and supported by industry leaders like founding partner Standard Lithium, is a good first step toward turning that vision into a true lithium economy," said Orduña.

Early participation included tours of regional facilities, technical discussions on midstream integration, and efforts to position its One-Pot process as a foundation for localized cathode manufacturing.

Framed by this momentum, Nano One has used the program to validate the relevance of its technology within a growing U.S. energy ecosystem – extending its visibility across sectors tied to grid storage, automotive, defense, and AI infrastructure.

Positioned as the only One Big Beautiful Bill–ready LFP solution linking upstream resources to downstream cell production, the company is now advancing regional collaboration and preparing for broader deployment across North America.

"ALTA broadened our exposure to US energy growth, its security mandate and localization efforts in Arkansas' ecosystem," said Nano One Materials CEO Dan Blondal. "Our technology is purpose-built for North American scale-up, and the interest we received confirms that our strategy is accurately focused on a large opportunity in Arkansas that is real and growing. We look forward to working with ALTA to nurture and deepen our presence, collaborations and partnerships across the region."

With regional engagement accelerating, Nano One intends to build on its participation in ALTA by pursuing site-specific opportunities, technical collaboration, and investment alignment that support the wider adoption of its manufacturing platform.

As the company advances toward full-scale implementation, its strategy remains centered on integrating the One-Pot process within supply chain frameworks capable of supporting long-term growth in energy storage, mobility, and national security applications.