Sun Catalytix, a spin-out of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has been acquired by Lockheed Martin, a US-headquartered aerospace, defense, security and advanced technology company. Terms and financial details were not disclosed.

Based on research at MIT by Daniel Nocera, Sun Catalytix was formed to commercialise an artificial leaf which could split water into oxygen and hydrogen to use as an energy source. The company later shifted its focus on developing grid-scale energy storage.

The acquisition covers Sun Catalytix’s intellectual property, contracts, facilities and assets, which integrate into Lockheed Martin’s existing technologies around energy management and efficiency. All of the spin-out’s 25 staff will be employed by Lockheed Martin.

Following the acquisition, the company will be known as Lockheed Martin Advanced Energy Storage. It will function as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the multinational and report to its Missiles and Fire Control business area.