InVert Graphite Acquires RapidPulse Technology to Boost Battery-Grade Graphite Output

RapidPulse Acquisition Signals Step Change in Graphite Processing

InVert Graphite (ASX:IVG) has taken a bold leap towards vertically integrating its graphite supply chain by acquiring RapidGraphite Pty Ltd, the holder of an exclusive, royalty-free worldwide licence to the RapidPulse™ technology developed at Curtin University. This novel catalytic graphitisation process promises to convert natural graphite to battery-grade quality within seconds, achieving approximately 99% purity and improved crystallinity without the need for traditional acid purification.

The acquisition includes access to a pre-pilot Centorr Furnace capable of processing up to 1kg samples, enabling InVert to scale up trials rapidly. Early test work on graphite samples from InVert’s 100% owned Morogoro project in Tanzania demonstrated promising results, including upcycling of graphite waste and enhanced battery-grade properties.

Capital Raise to Fuel Scale-Up and Commercialisation

Backing this strategic move, InVert secured firm commitments for a A$2.5 million placement to institutions and sophisticated investors, including A$700,000 from existing directors. The funds are earmarked primarily to advance the RapidPulse™ technology through pre-pilot testing, batch production trials, and independent battery validation at an accredited facility. This follows a similar priced raise completed during the company’s 2025 ASX relisting.

The placement shares will rank equally with existing shares and are priced at a 14.3% discount to the last traded price, reflecting investor appetite for the company’s emerging vertically integrated graphite strategy. Taylor Collison acts as lead manager, also receiving performance options tied to the technology’s commercial milestones.

Curtin University Partnership and Government Grant Support

As part of the deal, Curtin University becomes a shareholder in InVert, reinforcing the ongoing R&D collaboration. The Australian Government’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite programme has awarded a grant of A$439,664 to Curtin University to support scaling the RapidPulse™ technology from its current Technology Readiness Level 4 towards pilot scale.

This grant, although still in draft form, underpins key workstreams including pre-pilot scale production trials and independent battery-cell validation testing. The technology’s rapid heating approach; reaching graphitisation temperatures near 3,000°C within seconds; marks a significant departure from conventional methods that can take up to 30 days.

Morogoro Project Remains Core with Focused Portfolio

InVert continues to advance its flagship Morogoro graphite project in Tanzania, which covers approximately 386km² and hosts high-grade graphite prospects with historical sampling up to 30% Total Graphitic Carbon. Recent metallurgical tests on Morogoro samples processed through RapidPulse™ showed an increase in graphitisation from 90.7% to 98.8%, indicating potential for improved battery performance.

In contrast, the company has decided to relinquish its non-core White Hill rare earth element licences in South Australia after laboratory tests deemed them unprospective. This move allows InVert to concentrate capital and technical resources on its vertically integrated graphite strategy.

Acquisition Terms and Milestones to Watch

InVert will issue 33.3 million shares and 41.7 million unlisted options to RapidGraphite shareholders, with the options contingent on technical milestones such as commissioning the Centorr Furnace and producing repeatable batches of synthetic graphite meeting defined specifications. The options have a three-year expiry and shares issued upon exercise will be escrowed for 12 months.

Completion of the acquisition depends on several conditions including shareholder approvals, regulatory consents, and a minimum equity raise of A$1 million, which the recent placement is designed to satisfy. Post-completion, the RapidGraphite board will include InVert-appointed directors alongside vendor representatives.

Dr Jason Fogg, co-developer of RapidPulse™, is set to join InVert fulltime to lead commercialisation efforts, supported by ongoing scientific input from Curtin University researchers.

Financial Position and Outlook

At quarter-end, InVert held cash reserves of A$1.44 million and reported exploration expenditure of A$126,000 on Morogoro. Corporate and administration costs remain tightly managed. The company estimates it has approximately three quarters of funding available at current burn rates, prior to the completion of the placement.

With the RapidPulse acquisition, government grant backing, and a solid capital base, InVert is positioning itself to disrupt the green battery materials sector by bridging upstream graphite resources with innovative downstream processing technology.