InVert Graphite Secures RapidPulse™ Technology Acquisition to Develop Fully Integrated Battery-Grade Graphite Solution

RapidPulse™ Technology Enables Battery-Grade Graphite Production in Seconds Without Acid Purification

RapidPulse™ technology marks a major breakthrough in graphite processing by enabling rapid conversion of natural graphite feedstocks into battery-grade material through a proprietary catalytic graphitisation process. Initial trials at Curtin University on samples from InVert's Morogoro graphite project in Tanzania showed significantly enhanced crystallinity and achieved around 99% purity without acid purification, successfully upcycling graphite waste. This single-step process eliminates the need for traditional chemical washing and harsh acid treatments commonly used in graphite refinement.

The technology utilizes a proprietary catalyst blend to facilitate rapid, high-temperature graphitisation, reaching temperatures near 3,000 degrees Celsius within seconds—vastly faster than conventional Acheson furnace methods that can take up to 30 days. This speed and efficiency address critical constraints in battery material supply chains and meet growing industry demand for environmentally sustainable graphite processing. Supported by peer-reviewed research and independent technical validation, RapidPulse™ currently holds a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 following laboratory-scale verification.

Integration with Morogoro Graphite Project Establishes Vertically Integrated Supply Chain

InVert's approach combines RapidPulse™ technology with its 100% owned Morogoro natural graphite project in Tanzania to create a vertically integrated solution covering raw material extraction through to battery-grade graphite production. The Morogoro project provides a dedicated feedstock source, enabling full value chain control from mining to advanced processing. This integration addresses supply chain vulnerabilities in battery materials, where quality and supply security are increasingly vital for battery manufacturers and electric vehicle producers.

This strategic synergy between RapidPulse™ processing and the Morogoro resource offers a competitive edge by optimizing product specifications, ensuring consistent quality, and potentially reducing costs compared to companies operating only in isolated supply chain segments. Early test results confirm the compatibility of Morogoro graphite with RapidPulse™ processing, validating the production of battery-grade outputs.

A$2.5 Million Placement to Accelerate Scaled-Up Production Trials

InVert secured firm commitments for a placement raising A$2.5 million before costs from institutions and sophisticated investors to advance scaled-up graphite production trials utilizing RapidPulse™ technology. Existing directors committed A$700,000, reflecting strong board confidence. Taylor Collison acted as Lead Manager, underscoring institutional support and investor interest in InVert's vertically integrated graphite strategy.

Funds will support pre-pilot scale production trials using a Centorr Furnace at Curtin University capable of processing up to 1 kilogram samples. This capital injection enables progression beyond laboratory validation toward pilot-scale production, a critical step in demonstrating commercial viability. The placement timing aligns with the acquisition schedule, facilitating accelerated development over upcoming quarters.

Australian Government AEA Ignite Grant Provides A$439,664 to Support Research and Scaling

RapidGraphite benefits from an Australian Government Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite grant of A$439,664 awarded to Curtin University to assist in scaling RapidPulse™ technology. The grant supports commercialization efforts and signifies substantial government endorsement. Although grant documentation remains in draft, the award highlights external validation and provides significant financial backing for ongoing R&D.

This government funding reduces capital needs for scaling and affirms the technology’s strategic importance to Australia’s battery materials supply chain. The AEA Ignite program targets deep tech innovations with commercial potential, confirming RapidPulse™ has met rigorous feasibility and market opportunity criteria. Combined with InVert’s placement capital, this multi-source funding approach mitigates risks associated with technology scaling and commercialization.

Curtin University Joins as Shareholder to Strengthen Long-Term Research Collaboration

As part of the acquisition, Curtin University is becoming a shareholder in InVert Graphite, fostering strategic alignment between academic research and commercial objectives. This shareholder relationship departs from traditional licensing models, reflecting Curtin’s confidence in InVert’s commercialization capabilities. The partnership formalizes ongoing collaboration via a Research Services and Access Agreement granting RapidGraphite 24-month access to Curtin’s pre-pilot Centorr Furnace for scaled graphite production trials.

Under this agreement, RapidGraphite will pay Curtin University A$100,000 excluding GST for furnace access and research support. Intellectual property developed during this period will be assigned to RapidGraphite upon exercising the acquisition option post-completion and covered by Curtin’s exclusive licence. This structure safeguards IP rights while maintaining university involvement, aligning incentives between academia and industry.

Exclusive Licence and Acquisition Option Secure Long-Term Intellectual Property Control

RapidGraphite holds an exclusive 15-year licence (commencing December 2025) from Curtin University for the RapidPulse™ catalytic graphitisation process, with rights to assign the technology. Upon InVert’s acquisition completion, it will obtain this exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide licence plus an option to acquire the technology at no cost. The royalty-free arrangement eliminates ongoing fees, improving long-term commercialization economics. The nil-consideration option allows InVert to fully own the technology after satisfying conditions precedent without additional capital outlay.

The 15-year exclusive term provides strong competitive protection, enabling InVert to scale manufacturing and establish market presence without competition from other RapidPulse™ licensees. The worldwide scope extends beyond Australia, positioning InVert to serve global battery materials markets. This IP framework balances Curtin University’s interest in ongoing involvement with InVert’s need for unencumbered ownership as commercialization advances.

Experienced RapidGraphite Team and Out The Back Ventures Drive Commercialization

RapidGraphite was developed by Curtin University’s Carbon Group researchers led by Dr Jason Fogg, Dr Jacob Martin, and Dr Nigel Marks. Co-founded by Out The Back Ventures (OTB), a deep tech venture builder specializing in university and national lab research commercialization, OTB assembled the founding team and investment structure that positioned RapidGraphite for acquisition by InVert. This structured venture creation approach demonstrates effective early-stage technology commercialization.

OTB will continue supporting RapidGraphite’s development and commercialization as a shareholder, providing operational and commercialization expertise during scaling. This multi-stakeholder ecosystem—combining university research, venture commercialization experience, and InVert’s natural graphite assets and funding—creates a robust platform for advancing RapidPulse™ from laboratory validation toward commercial production.

Technology Readiness Level 4 Confirms Advanced Laboratory Validation

RapidPulse™ currently holds Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, indicating integrated component testing and validation in laboratory settings. This status confirms the technology has moved beyond basic proof-of-concept, demonstrating functional performance with repeatable results and key performance metrics under controlled conditions.

Advancing to pilot-scale testing (TRL 5-6) is the next development phase, supported by InVert’s A$2.5 million placement and Curtin University’s Centorr Furnace access. Independent technical reviews and peer-reviewed publications further validate the TRL 4 assessment. This staged development, combining government funding, academic infrastructure, and commercial capital, positions RapidPulse™ for successful scale-up toward commercial deployment.

Sustainability Focus Meets Growing Market Demand for Eco-Friendly Battery Materials

InVert’s adoption of RapidPulse™ as an environmentally sustainable graphite processing method aligns with increasing market demand for battery materials produced via green manufacturing. By eliminating harsh acid purification in favor of catalytic processing, the technology addresses environmental, health, and safety issues linked to conventional acid-based graphite refinement. Battery and electric vehicle manufacturers are prioritizing supply chain sustainability and carbon footprint reduction, creating a commercial edge for suppliers offering eco-conscious production.

Early test work demonstrating upcycling of graphite waste further enhances sustainability credentials, tackling waste management challenges in graphite processing. Embracing circular economy principles and waste reduction meets regulatory requirements and customer expectations for responsibly sourced battery materials. InVert’s vertically integrated model, combining sustainable processing with owned natural graphite resources in Tanzania, positions the company to deliver battery-grade graphite produced through demonstrably sustainable methods, addressing both environmental standards and market demand.