NEU Battery Materials closes pre-series A to scale novel LFP battery recycling technology

January 6, 2026

NEU Battery Materials has completed the first-close of its Pre-Series A funding round, marking a pivotal step toward scaling its semi-commercial plant as critical mineral supply chains become central to global energy strategy.

This first-close is a decisive vote of confidence at a moment when mineral supply chain security has evolved from a sustainability concern to a matter of national infrastructure. 

Additionally, the funding round caps off an exceptional 2025 for the company, with key achievements including:

  • Surpassed 2028 critical technology targets three years ahead of schedule
  • Completed pilot scale validation and began semi-commercial scale up in Singapore
  • Won EPIC Hong Kong: Overall Champion and Green Tech Track
  • Named Top 4 finalist at Forbes Asia 100 to Watch Forum
  • Selected as finalist in the FedEx Asia Pacific Small Business Grant Contest

Tailwinds behind critical material technologies

The timing aligns with explosive growth in energy storage globally. The U.S. exceeded its 2025 deployment goal with over 40 GW of capacity, while China added 260 GW of renewables in a single year. Battery deployments continue accelerating worldwide.

The U.S. has reorganized its renewable energy offices under a new Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, while the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act now mandates that battery manufacturers assess lithium supply chain risks.

Mineral supply chain security is now inseparable from energy strategy. Governments worldwide are reorganizing around this reality, treating critical minerals as infrastructure rather than commodities.

Closing the loop and upcoming commercialization

This round is co-led by SGInnovate and Shift4Good, with participation from founders, existing shareholders, and new investors, CJIC and M7 Holdings. NEU Battery Materials is critically positioned to be an enabler of material circularity, offering technology that secures critical mineral supply chains while reducing both costs and emissions. The company plans to use the funding to scale operations from a pilot plant to a 1,300 tons capacity, semi-commercial facility in Singapore. This facility will be able to recycle a range of LFP material into battery-grade lithium. Simultaneously, NEU Battery Materials will be looking to onboard new commercial and collaborative partners globally.

Co-founders of NEU Battery Materials, Kenneth Palmer (L) and Bryan Oh (R)