1 August 2025 – Japan

Licube Inc. is pleased to announce that it has been selected for the NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) International Demonstration Program, a prestigious initiative supported by the Japanese government. The grant will fund the construction of a demonstration plant in Houston, Texas, focused on refining lithium extracted from oilfield brine into ultra-high-purity lithium hydroxide—a critical material for next-generation batteries.

This project represents a broader collaboration between Japan and the United States to accelerate the development of advanced energy technologies and strengthen strategic mineral supply chains. Licube’s patented electrodialysis-based lithium polishing technology—originating from nuclear fusion research—will serve as the core innovation behind the demonstration.

Houston was selected for its strategic location near the Smackover Formation, where rapid developments in direct lithium extraction (DLE) are underway. While DLE technologies are advancing quickly, there remains limited domestic capacity for producing ultra-high-purity lithium hydroxide. Licube’s facility will fill this critical gap—working in partnership with DLE producers, not in competition. Our technology complements their extraction efforts by serving as the final polishing step before battery-grade specification.

The grant includes several million dollars in non-dilutive funding to support construction and operation of the plant, advancing Licube’s mission to build a globally scalable, independent lithium refining platform.

As part of its commitment to inclusive growth, Licube also plans to implement an employee wage increase of at least 3% in FY2026 for eligible team members engaged in the R&D program.

For more information on this project or to learn more about Licube, please contact the company at info@licube.nastudioo.com.