ABOUT US
Leading the Future of High-
Performance Anode Materials
The Extra Mile, Umicore’s battery anode materials project, delivers
scalable, high-performance Si/C solutions for EV batteries while
meeting cost targets. With strong partners and a robust IP portfolio, it is
set to lead global markets with a focus on process excellence and innovation.
AMBITIONS
Accessible greener power
We developed the greenest anode materials in the world that meet EV requirements. We aim to lead the global lithium-ion battery anode materials market for electric vehicles, with a clear focus on what matters most to us: technological innovation, sustainability, performance and cost-efficiency.
HISTORY
17 years in the making
The story began in the late 2000s, leveraging Umicore's strong expertise in battery materials, metal processing, advanced materials, and nanotechnology. Today, 35 scientists and researchers work in our R&D department, developing the next generation of silicon anode technology and supporting customer integration.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
One of the strongest IP portfolio's
in the world
Global portfolio strength
We have a large coverage and rank in the top for Si/C anode patent strength, a ranking based on factors such as number of patent families, enforceability of patents and geographical coverage.
Freedom to operate
We execute constant reviews and analysis of recently published patent applications and granted patents to prevent pitfalls, to establish our Freedom to Operate (FTO).
Patents
We can boast 193 granted patents on Si and Si/C from the total of 220 living patents. We have at least one grant in 24 of the 28 patent families on Si and Si/C.
R&D & INNOVATION
Futureproof and in the lead
The cutting-edge EMM Si/C technology was built on a strong foundation, with Umicore's battery and industrial process scaling expertise. Through 17 years of R&D, a multi-disciplinary team designed EMM's high-performance anode material and built a strong IP portfolio.
Today, 35 scientists and researchers join forces in EMM's R&D department developing the next generation of anode materials and their processes, while supporting the integration of EMM's Si/C material into customer's flow sheets.
THE TEAM
Meet our innovation leaders
Our anode materials add miles to your driving range.
Our team goes the extra mile. Meet them here.
Boaz Moeremans
Head of R&D
Drawing on 13+ years of experience in battery research, Boaz is responsible for EMM's technology strategy and innovation. Since 2020, he heads the Anode program, blending deep expertise with a pragmatic approach, bridging the gap between R&D and industrial application. He holds a PhD in Chemistry at TUBA Freiberg and UHasselt.
Jean-Sébastien Bridel
Head of Science
At the cradle of the Silicon anode project at Umicore in 2010, Jean-Sé spearheads the scientific strategy of EMM. He holds a PhD in Materials Chemistry at the Université de Picardie and has nearly 20 years of experience in silicon anode technology. He is a recognized innovator with over 30 patents and publications in the field.
Christophe Henninot
Head of Process Technology & Engineering
Christophe is a seasoned material and process engineer with more than 25 years of industrial experience at Umicore, Zinc Chemicals, and Michelin. He is responsible for industrializing the EMM Si/C process technology. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering at CNRS and ENSIC, and holds an MBA at Vlerick Business School.
Jeroen Denys
Head of Production & Quality Control
As an experienced plant manager with more than 25 years of industrial experience, Jeroen manages EMM's manufacturing operations. Jeroen held various operational leadership positions in plants at Umicore and Duracell. He holds a Master of Materials Engineering degree at KULeuven and a degree of Safety prevention advisor level 1.
Roderick Lidner
CEO
Roderick brings 25+ years of experience with global companies and entrepreneurial ventures, specializing in growth and innovation for start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs. As a senior consultant, investor, and coach, he empowers businesses and entrepreneurs to achieve their goals and create lasting market value.
Kenny Willems
CFO
Kenny, CFO and COO with a Master’s in Commercial Engineering and an MBA, brings 20+ years of experience in finance, operations, and scaling tech-driven organizations. He has held leadership roles at United Consulting, iMinds (~imec), and several scale-ups, leading fundraising rounds and overseeing finance, IT, HR, legal, and operations.