If A123Systems receipt of a $249 million Department of Energy grant and later success as the largest IPO of 2009 was any indicator, battery start-ups in 2010 are likely to lead the wave of cleantech success. For example, hybrid cars are taking on an increasing portion of the automotive market and in turn, the development of efficient lithium-ion batteries is a continuing hot topic in the research world.
As earth2tech recently highlighted in, 20 Battery Startups Hitting the Road With Lithium-ion, many battery start-up companies are currently focused on lithium-ion and some will likely succeed.
Nanotechnology, albeit small in size, is driving big impacts on advanced materials and cleantech.