In recent years, tech innovation enterprises have been proliferating rapidly. To stand out in an increasingly competitive market, proprietary technologies developed through independent research have become the key to success. Dr. Zijie Tang, a Ph.D. graduate from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at City University of Hong Kong, was deeply inspired by the research achievements of his doctoral advisor, Professor Chunyi Zhi, in the field of aqueous zinc-based batteries. Motivated by these advancements, Dr. Tang decided to dedicate himself to the development of high-safety energy storage solutions. In 2020, Dr. Zijie Tang co-founded AmaZinc with Professor Zhi, aiming to advance aqueous Zinc-based battery technology and promote safe, stable, and efficient energy storage systems.
The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Passion to Profession
Zijie Tang's parents were both product engineers, which sparked his deep interest in machines and industrial products from a young age. During his Ph.D. studies at City University of Hong Kong, he conducted in-depth research on the technological potential of aqueous zinc-based batteries, particularly their advantages in high-safety energy storage. With the meticulous guidance and support of Professor Chunyi Zhi, Tang was determined to bring this innovative technology to the market, providing reliable energy solutions for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
Professor Chunyi Zhi has been dedicated to the research of aqueous electrolyte batteries for many years, with a particular focus on improving zinc battery technology, which has a history of over a century. His research team has accumulated extensive experience in the field of aqueous zinc-based batteries and has made groundbreaking advancements in enhancing battery safety and performance. From its inception, AmaZinc clearly positioned aqueous Zinc-based batteries as its core product, as these batteries offer significant advantages in safety, high-rate discharge capability, and low cost. This makes them highly suitable for applications with stringent safety and performance requirements, such as energy storage systems, data centers, and rail transit.
Support from HK Tech 300 and Market Opportunities
Dr. Zijie Tang's entrepreneurial idea quickly gained recognition and support from HK Tech 300. As the flagship program of City University of Hong Kong promoting tech entrepreneurship, HK Tech 300 provided AmaZinc with seed funding and early-stage incubation services. AmaZinc also received funding and platform support from the Incu-Tech program under Hong Kong Science Park and the Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, laying a solid foundation for the company's early development.
"In my third year of Ph.D. studies, I first received funding from CityU's 'SEEDS' (Student Early Entrepreneurship Development Scheme), followed by support from the 'Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities' (TSSSU), which enabled me to launch the entire project," said Dr. Zijie Tang. "Without this support, it would have been difficult for us to move from the lab to the market."
The High-Safety Advantages of Aqueous Zinc-Based Batteries
Compared to traditional lithium batteries, aqueous Zinc-based batteries offer significantly higher safety due to their use of aqueous electrolytes. These batteries are less prone to thermal runaway and do not pose risks of fire or explosion caused by overcharging or short circuits. Additionally, the zinc metal used in aqueous Zinc-based batteries is abundant on Earth, non-toxic, and offers both environmental and cost advantages.
The aqueous Zinc-based batteries developed by AmaZinc also exhibit excellent high-rate discharge performance and long cycle life, making them ideal for applications that require frequent charging and discharging, such as power peak shaving, grid energy storage, backup power for rail transit, and emergency power supply for commercial and industrial sectors.
Professor Chunyi Zhi particularly emphasized, “The core competitiveness of Zinc-based batteries lies in their outstanding safety performance and stable cycle life, which can meet the urgent demand for sustainable and efficient energy storage technologies in modern society.”
Expanding the Market with Safety and Performance
Dr. Zijie Tang stated that AmaZinc's Zinc-based batteries have begun to gain market recognition, and the company is actively expanding its network of partners and customers. In addition to traditional markets such as data centers and rail transit, the company is exploring more application areas, including home photovoltaic energy storage, communication base stations, and industrial automation equipment. In the future, the company will continue to strengthen its R&D capabilities, enhance product performance and cost-effectiveness, and strive to capture a larger share of the global energy storage market.
"We hope to bring revolutionary changes to the industry through the technological advantages and safety features of zinc-based batteries," Dr. Tang said confidently. "By promoting this technology across various fields, we aim to benefit more enterprises and users."
Since its establishment, AmaZinc has successfully gained multiple orders with its leading aqueous Zinc-based battery technology, driving transformation in data centers, computing power centers, and other high-safety energy storage markets. By continuously innovating and optimizing product performance, AmaZinc is expanding its market applications. The company will continue to increase R&D investment, develop more partnerships, and lead industry development with more competitive products and solutions.
Inheritance and Innovation
The inheritance between teachers and students is not only about academic exploration but also about transforming research achievement into practical applications. Dr. Zijie Tang, driven by his love for technology and determination to pursue entrepreneurship, leads AmaZinc forward, becoming a rising star in the field of high-safety energy storage.
"Many excellent young professors at CityU see the investment in technology in Hong Kong and the opportunities brought by the Greater Bay Area, and have their own ideas or support students in entrepreneurship. HK Tech 300 has created the right atmosphere and made this possibility a reality," said Professor Zhi. "If more teacher-student inheritances could happen, it would undoubtedly be a good thing for CityU, Hong Kong, and even the country’s scientific research development."
(August 2021)