CHICAGO, IL – Bedrock Materials, an innovative startup emerging from Stanford University and focusing on electric vehicle (EV) battery technology, has announced the establishment of its research and development (R&D) headquarters in Chicago. Following a successful $9 million seed funding round, the company’s expansion reflects Illinois’ strategic emphasis on enhancing its EV ecosystem. This initiative is supported by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Intersect Illinois, and World Business Chicago.
Governor JB Pritzker expressed enthusiasm over Bedrock Materials’ decision to join Illinois’ growing EV sector, noting the potential for job creation and further innovation. Bedrock Materials specializes in sodium-ion battery (SIB) technologies, which are key to making EVs more affordable.
CEO Spencer Gore highlighted Chicago’s optimal mix of technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and a vibrant R&D community, including access to Argonne National Laboratory, as critical factors in choosing the location. Mayor Brandon Johnson also welcomed the company, emphasizing the city’s robust tech ecosystem and academic leadership as instrumental in attracting such pioneering companies.
Bedrock plans to start its operations at mHUB, Chicago’s renowned hardtech incubator, with an investment of $2.5 million and the addition of at least 25 new jobs. This move is part of a broader push by Illinois to lead in the clean energy transition, backed by significant investments in infrastructure and workforce training tailored for the future of the EV industry.
