Nanotherm, a developer of carbon-based thermal materials, has partnered with research and development organization Battelle to launch Novara, a new company focused on next-generation heating technologies for the automotive and industrial sectors.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Novara combines Nanotherm’s work in nanotechnology commercialization with Battelle’s material science capabilities. Battelle brings over 15 years of experience developing advanced heating technologies in automotive and aerospace environments.
Novara will focus on heating applications that require lightweight, low-profile, and uniform thermal performance. These include electric vehicle (EV) battery heating, automotive interior components, and architectural heating systems.
As electrification increases thermal demands across product categories, thin-film, carbon nanotube (CNT)–based heaters offer design flexibility and efficient thermal control.
The company will build on Nanotherm’s transition from CNT coatings to scalable film production. Novara plans to use roll-to-roll manufacturing processes to enable high-volume output with consistent quality, allowing cost-effective integration into a wide range of engineered products.
Initial areas of focus include EV battery and seat heating, with additional R&D exploring use cases in electronics, energy systems, and healthcare. The goal is to extend nanomaterial-based heating into products where traditional resistive or bulky heating elements are less viable.
Battelle will hold a seat on Novara’s board of directors. The agreement includes a license of select Battelle IP to support Novara’s development and commercialization efforts across multiple sectors.
Filed Under: Technology News, Thermal Management