University of Galway & Teagasc Secure Proof of Concept Funding for Breakthrough LFP Battery Recycling Technology

Inventive Leap client University of Galway, in collaboration with Teagasc, has secured Proof of Concept Commercialisation Funding for a novel and sustainable Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery recycling technology.

A step-change solution

The global market for LFP batteries is valued at nearly $19 billion and is growing at 17% annually, driven by rapid adoption in electric vehicles and increasing demand for grid-scale energy storage, including data centres and AI infrastructure. However, despite tightening regulations, most LFP batteries are not fully recycled at end of life because current methods are neither economically viable nor environmentally sustainable.

A new process developed in Professor Xinmin Zhan’s lab at the University of Galway by Dr. Jizhong Meng offers a step-change solution. The technology enables full, profitable recycling of LFP battery waste without the use of chemicals. By avoiding energy-intensive smelting and harsh chemical treatments, it provides a truly circular and low-impact approach to recovering critical raw materials and significantly reduces the environmental footprint of LFP battery recycling.

Focusing on potential

Inventive Leap was delighted to support this project through an Enterprise Ireland Commercial Feasibility Assessment, working closely with the University of Galway and Teagasc. As part of this work, we engaged two leading industry experts in battery recycling, Dr. Amrit Chandan and Dr. Anwar Setter, to assess the technology’s performance at scale. The project focused on techno-economic viability and the potential for integration into existing recycling operations used by major industry players.

A unique opportunity

The newly awarded Proof of Concept Commercialisation Fund will now support the team in delivering key technical and commercial milestones, while exploring routes to market in partnership with leading companies in the battery recycling sector.

Stephen McNulty, Founder of Inventive Leap, commented:

“This project is a superb example of both world class research and world class researchers with a unique opportunity to solve a problem worth billions of dollars each year. Delighted to get an opportunity to support this project and to have the expert guidance of Dr. Amrit Chandan & Dr. Anwar Sattar on the journey.”