Ryan Brow – Ultralight Batteries
With Last Wave Energy, Ryan Brow is developing ultrathin battery current collectors to enable safer, more affordable transportation technologies and portable electronics.
About
Ryan Brow
Ryan Brow is the founder of Last Wave Energy, which is developing ultrathin battery current collectors that remove inactive material from lithium-ion batteries, increasing energy density while reducing battery cost. The technology can extend drone flight times by up to 20% and lower electric vehicle manufacturing costs by an estimated $800–$1,500 per vehicle.
During West Gate, Brow is validating the manufacturability and performance of Last Wave Energy's current collector technology by leveraging NLR's advanced battery testing and roll-to-roll manufacturing facilities.
Critical Need
As demand for electric vehicles, electric aircraft, and drones grows, U.S. manufacturers need a competitive domestic battery supply chain. To compete with low-cost international producers, battery manufacturers must adopt breakthrough technologies that deliver higher energy density, improved safety, and lower costs.
Potential Impact
Last Wave Energy's technology enables lighter, higher-performing batteries by significantly reducing inactive material within lithium-ion cells. By increasing specific energy by approximately 20%, improving volumetric energy density by 10%, and reducing material costs by up to 15%, the technology can extend drone range, lower electric vehicle battery weight, and reduce overall system costs.
Innovation and Advantages
Although manufacturers have reduced inactive material mass by roughly half since 2000, the remaining inactive metal content still limits cell energy density by up to 25%. Existing solutions can reduce current-collector weight but often require trade-offs in battery size and overall energy storage capacity.
Last Wave Energy addresses this challenge with a technology that reduces inactive material mass by up to 95% while maintaining a compact cell design. By improving energy density and lowering material requirements, the technology enables lighter, safer, and more cost-effective batteries for electric transportation and advanced energy applications.
Profile
Status
Bench scale
Industry
Energy storage
Potential Markets
- Long-range, fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems
- Wearable and portable electronics
- Electric aviation and ground transportation
Looking For
- Industry mentors
- Funding
- Strategic partnerships
- Subject matter experts
Share
Last Updated Sept. 2, 2026