Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 16, In October 2023, Hexium, a U.S.-based startup, emerged from stealth with $12 million in funding to advance atomic vapor laser isotope separation (AVLIS) technology. The company focuses on producing lithium-6 and lithium-7, essential isotopes for nuclear fuel cycles, to support energy, space, and medical applications.
Hexium’s initiative aims to demonstrate AVLIS as a viable method for large-scale production of enriched lithium.
Hexium secured an $8 million seed round, co-led by MaC Venture Capital and Refactor, with participation from R7 Partners, Overture VC, Humba Ventures, Julian Capital, and others. An additional $4 million was raised through private, primarily non-dilutive financing. The funds will support Hexium’s efforts to modernize AVLIS, a technology initially developed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) with a $2 billion investment from the U.S. Department of Energy.
The company aims to address isotope production challenges by demonstrating AVLIS as an efficient method for large-scale lithium enrichment. This initiative seeks to ensure a reliable domestic supply of isotopes, reducing dependence on foreign sources. Hexium’s approach is designed to maintain cost competitiveness while supporting the growth of clean nuclear energy.
Charlie Jarrott, Hexium’s co-founder and CEO, stated: “We’ve built our demonstration facility and have a clear roadmap towards proving the most straightforward and efficient pathway to produce enriched lithium at scale. There is a global race to mass produce isotopes, which are critical to the future of clean energy, and this funding positions Hexium as a leader in the race to accelerate enriched lithium supply in the United States.”
Hexium’s patent-pending AVLIS technology offers rapid, high-purity isotope extraction with a compact facility footprint and an established supply chain. The technology also holds potential for producing other critical isotopes, strengthening the U.S. position in global markets.
Mike Palank, general partner at MaC Venture Capital, commented: “[Hexium is] making impressive progress on critical isotope supply chain challenges facing several key industries, including nuclear fusion, fission, and medicine. This team’s clear path to commercialization and obsession with execution should be an example for all hard tech founders seeking to change the world.”
Since its founding, Hexium has rapidly advanced, investing in laboratory and machine construction. The company is preparing for lithium separation demonstrations and collaborates with LLNL and early customers in the fusion, fission, and medical sectors. Hexium’s efforts align with the growing demand for stable isotope supplies to support innovative technologies in clean energy and beyond.
