Lehigh Startup Energy Storage Technologies (EST) Signs Express License to Commercialize Thermal Battery Technology
In a significant milestone for research commercialization at Lehigh University, Energy Storage Technologies (EST) has become the second startup to sign an Express Startup License with the university’s Office of Technology Transfer. This license provides EST a fast-track to bring its innovative thermal battery system, developed through Lehigh research, to market. The Express Startup License represents a new era of streamlined licensing, designed to help Lehigh-affiliated startups accelerate their journey from lab to marketplace.
“The Express License is a true game-changer for our faculty inventors. … It lowers the barriers to entrepreneurship and opens the door to more faculty, students, and postdocs to become successful startup founders.”
- Rick Smith, Director of Technology Transfer at Lehigh University.
From Lehigh Research to a Market-Ready Solution
Founded in 2025, EST is developing a next-generation thermal energy storage system that stores energy as heat. This innovative thermal battery can capture and store heat from electricity, steam, or industrial waste heat, then release it on demand, offering a scalable, cost-effective solution to support renewable energy, reduce emissions, and lower energy costs.
“Use of EST thermal batteries could be a game changer for industry, particularly when used with methods to upgrade low-grade waste heat such as with Data Centers” says Dr. Sudhakar Neti, EST President and Co-Founder, and emeritus Lehigh professor.
EST’s technology is based on research led by Dr. Carlos Romero, Director of Lehigh’s Energy Research Center, and Dr. Neti. Joining Dr Romero and Dr. Neti at EST is an interdisciplinary team including:
- Dr. Clay Naito, expert in concrete-based energy storage
- Dr. Harun Bilirgen, industrial energy systems specialist
The company’s design uses durable materials and simple components, making it easier and more affordable to scale than many traditional battery systems. It is also adaptable, operating at a wide range of temperatures to fit different industries and applications.
EST joins CarboVolt, which focuses on carbon capture and energy storage, as one of the first startups to license Lehigh IP under the new model.
The express license program is part of Lehigh’s broader push to accelerate research translation, including its recent $6 million NSF grant under the Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program.
The work was made possible thanks to a partnership between Lehigh’s Office of Technology Transfer, Office of General Council, and Office of Entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Research Translation AcceLUrator and others in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A Lehigh venture takes flight! EST, a Ventures Lab client, secures its Express License.
A Fast-Track to Commercialization
The Express Startup License represents the result of a university-wide effort to accelerate the commercialization of Lehigh’s research-driven intellectual property. Formalized in 2025, the new license eliminates the long and complex negotiation process typical of university tech licensing by offering pre-set, startup-friendly terms. The license is expected to pave the way for more faculty inventors to become founders.
Key benefits include:
- Speed: No negotiations—licenses can be finalized in weeks, not months or years
- Affordability: Lower legal costs with a standardized agreement
- Clarity: Fixed terms reduce uncertainty for founders and investors
“The Express License is a true game-changer for our faculty inventors,” said Rick Smith, Director of Technology Transfer at Lehigh University. “Having guided many through the often lengthy and complex negotiation process, I can confidently say this streamlined approach is a welcome shift. It lowers the barriers to entrepreneurship and opens the door to more faculty, students, and postdocs to become successful startup founders.”
The express license program is part of Lehigh’s broader push to accelerate research translation, including its recent $6 million NSF grant under the Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program.
The work was made possible thanks to a partnership between Lehigh’s Office of Technology Transfer, Office of General Council, and Office of Entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Research Translation AcceLUrator and others in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Efforts like this thrive because of the strong partnerships across colleges, centers, and administrative units,” says Lisa Getzler, Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship at Lehigh. “This important milestone shows how aligning efforts across disciplines and departments can lead to real change in how research reaches the world.”