Volta Technique Secures Patents in the U.S. and EU for Clean Energy Storage Using Compressed Air

Kamyar Rouindej’s journey to founding Volta Technique began with a dual role as a corporate energy manager for the Region of Waterloo and a full-time PhD student in engineering at the University of Waterloo. His pivotal moment occurred while searching for effective energy storage solutions for a municipal facility. Inspired by his studies, he envisioned a scaled-down version of compressed air storage technology, which led to the establishment of Volta Technique, a startup focused on innovative energy storage.

Volta Technique has developed a patented method called Small Modular Compressed Air Energy Storage (SMCAES). This technology captures excess energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar power, compresses air for storage, and releases it to generate electricity when demand increases. The aim is to offer a safe, sustainable, and scalable alternative to traditional battery storage systems.

After four years of dedicated development, Volta secured its first U.S. patent by the end of 2024, followed by a second U.S. patent and an additional patent in the European Union in 2025. Rouindej emphasized the significance of these advancements, stating that they validate the innovation and enhance the company's value, whether through continued growth or acquisition. He regards the intellectual property as a crucial asset for the company's future.

Rouindej’s career shift towards climate impact was deeply personal. Initially, he left a corporate tech role for a master's degree in engineering, specializing in clean energy, and later pursued his PhD. He was driven by the belief that his work would contribute meaningfully to sustainable energy solutions. This personal mission has translated into the growth of Volta, which has garnered around $500,000 in grants and initial support, and is now seeking pre-seed funding to transition from lab research to pilot implementations.

Volta’s roots lie in Waterloo, where Rouindej sees a strong foundation for building a successful company. The local ecosystem has been supportive, especially for software firms. Rouindej credits Communitech for helping him access resources that have been pivotal in identifying opportunities within the data and AI sectors related to their technology. However, he acknowledges the need for expansion beyond the local area for hardware testing and prototyping, emphasizing the importance of a diverse and long-term approach to innovation.

For Rouindej, the driving force behind Volta is a commitment to solving a lingering problem—developing effective energy storage solutions. He notes the absence of robust alternatives in the market and identifies Volta's technology as a potentially transformative solution.

Ultimately, Rouindej seeks to create something of lasting impact and pride. He aims to contribute to the clean energy landscape while addressing significant challenges head-on, believing in the importance of perseverance and innovation in tackling complex problems.