Calicat | California Catalysts

About

Calicat, based in Chatsworth, California, is a startup founded in 2020 that specializes in advanced materials for electrolysis. The company focuses on developing catalysts and stack components for the electrolyzer industry, leveraging over $122 million in Department of Energy grants awarded to Caltech and other research institutions. The company's key innovation is its proprietary Catalyst Discovery Engine (CDE), which utilizes an AI-driven approach and high-throughput physical testing to rapidly discover low-cost electrocatalysts. Calicat has developed non-iridium catalysts and Porous Transport Layer coatings aimed at reducing the levelized cost of hydrogen production. A notable achievement includes the creation of a zero-iridium "Amplifier" PEM electrolyzer catalyst that surpasses the 2-volt performance barrier, significantly lowering green hydrogen production costs. Calicat collaborates with leading electrolyzer manufacturers through joint development agreements, enhancing the performance and economics of hydrogen electrolyzer systems. The company has raised $15 million in funding and holds three patents related to electrochemistry and hydrogen production, along with the world's largest electrocatalyst activity database.