Advancing Grid-Scale Storage with Dr. Tom Guarr

Season 1 Episode 9:

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tom Guarr, founder and CTO of Jolt Energy Storage Technologies, a Michigan-based startup developing organic compounds for redox flow batteries. Tom shares his journey from academia to industry—first leaving a tenured faculty role to join Gentex, where he helped develop dimmable windows for the Boeing 787, then returning to research at the MSU Bioeconomy Institute to pursue electrochemical innovation.

We explore how Jolt pivoted from lithium-ion battery safety to large-scale, sustainable energy storage. Tom explains why flow batteries are well suited for the grid, how organic chemistry can reduce reliance on rare earth elements, and how Michigan’s startup ecosystem has supported the company’s growth. He also discusses partnerships with national labs like Argonne and NREL, and what it will take to bring Jolt’s prototype system online by the end of the year.

Host: David Washburn
Guest: Dr. Tom Guarr (CTO, Jolt Energy Storage Technologies)

Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen

Music: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound



Stay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.