ZenQuo
Powering the future with safe low-cost storage.
At a glance
-
Development stage
Prototype developed
-
Investment stage
Seed
-
UNSW affiliation
Spinout - staff led
-
Technology readiness level
TRL-4
ZenQuo is developing a safe, low-cost, and recyclable zinc-ion battery for stationary energy storage.
With a projected AUD$250/kWh cost to consumers and 3000+ cycle life, ZenQuo’s aqueous battery technology is poised to disrupt the residential and commercial solar storage market. It is backed by Uniseed, UNSW, and RACE2030 CRC.
-
ZenQuo’s battery utilises abundant, inexpensive, and non-toxic electrode materials based on zinc and manganese, along with an aqueous saltwater electrolyte, to provide a fully recyclable energy storage solution. With projected energy densities of 60-70 Wh/kg and 3000–5000 cycle life, it’s ideal for residential and grid-scale storage. The business model includes direct sales and licensing to manufacturers and energy providers.
-
- Current battery solutions for solar storage are expensive, often costing over AUD1000/kWh, making them inaccessible for many homeowners and limiting broader adoption.
- Safety is also a major concern, as lithium-ion batteries are flammable and pose fire risks, particularly in residential settings.
- ZenQuo addresses both these problems with a non-toxic, water-based battery at a quarter of the cost.
-
- Residential solar users and grid operators
-
- AUD1 million seed-funding including dilutable (VC) and non-dilutable (RACE2030 CRC, Australian Economic Accelerator).
- Validated 1000+ cycle alpha prototypes at 60 Wh/kg
- IP filed: AU2022903850A0; PCT: WO2024124296A1
Discover more UNSW spinouts
Search our catalogue of active spinouts and tech for license.