TIAX

TIAX LLC
Company type	Private
Industry	Technology development
Founded	2002; 24 years ago
Founder	Kenan Sahin
Headquarters	Lexington, Massachusetts, United States
Key people	Kenan Sahin (President)
Products	Lithium-ion battery technology, fuel cell-based power generators, protective ensembles for aircrew, calorimeters, beer glass design
Website	www.tiaxllc.com

TIAX LLC operates as a technology development firm with a laboratory focus, dedicated to advancing early-stage inventions into market-ready, technology-driven products suitable for spin-off and commercialization. The company is based in Lexington, Massachusetts.

History

Founded in 2002 by Kenan Sahin, a technologist and former MIT professor originally from Turkey, TIAX LLC was established through the purchase of the assets, contracts, and personnel from Arthur D. Little's Technology & Innovation division for $16.5 million. Sahin currently holds the position of president at TIAX.

The company is certified under ISO 9001:2015 standards and utilizes a financial accounting system that complies with the US Government Contract Audit Agency requirements. TIAX actively engages in the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program and has earned recognition within the U.S. SBIR community for its effective commercialization efforts.

TIAX possesses patents related to lithium-ion battery technology and manages one of the nation’s largest independent facilities specializing in lithium-ion battery development. In 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy selected TIAX for award negotiations totaling up to $2.36 million aimed at projects designed to prevent internal short circuits in lithium-ion cells.

The company was honored in 2002 with two Good Design Awards from The Chicago Athenaeum for its innovative product designs created for clients such as Nuvera Fuel Cells and Tandem Medical. Among these was the design of the outer casing for Nuvera’s 1 kW Hydrogen Power Module (H2PM), a proprietary fuel cell-based power generator.

Integrated Aircrew Ensemble

TIAX secured a multi-year contract from the United States Air Force for the Integrated Aircrew Ensemble (IAE) under an SBIR Phase III program, building upon successful outcomes from Phase I and II efforts. Initially targeting ejection seat aircraft applications, TIAX leads a collaborative team developing a comprehensive neck-down protective ensemble that guards against acceleration forces, cold water immersion, chemical/biological threats, and fire exposure, while also improving compatibility with cockpit systems and crew comfort. This technology has been licensed to Mustang Survival and RFD Beaufort, both integral partners in the IAE contract. The team received an SBIR Phase III award to develop, validate, and deliver the IAE system to the U.S. Air Force, advancing production from low rate initial production (LRIP) through full rate production (FRP).

Netzsch Calorimeter

In 2009, TIAX’s accelerating rate calorimeters (ARC) along with automatic pressure tracking adiabatic calorimeters (APTAC) were acquired by Netzsch Analysing and Testing. These instruments were incorporated into Netzsch’s global Thermal Analysis division, broadening their capabilities in advanced reaction calorimetry technologies.

Samuel Adams Beer Glass

In February 2007, TIAX designed a new pint glass for Boston Beer Company, producer of Samuel Adams. The company prepared an extensive 300-page report that Koch utilized to collaborate with international glass manufacturers during prototype development. The final product was manufactured by German firm Rastal and featured a more curved profile, thinner walls, a beaded rim, and an outward-flared lip to enhance both flavor and aroma experience. The combination of neck and lip design helps preserve hop aromas and maintain head retention; additionally, a bead inside the rim creates turbulence that releases flavor as beer enters the mouth. A laser-etched nucleation site ensures continuous bubble formation for sustained aroma delivery.

Comprehensive Fuel Cycle Evaluation

TIAX California carried out an assessment of the carbon footprint associated with KiOR's renewable gasoline and diesel fuels produced from biomass sources.

Study on Canadian Oil Sands

In 2009, TIAX California performed a lifecycle analysis focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption, comparing Canadian oil sands to conventional petroleum for the Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI). This work, completed in partnership with Jacobs Consultancy Canada Inc., has been referenced in environmental impact reports concerning oil sands and was featured in the Wall Street Journal.

Complete Fuel Cycle Evaluation

In 2007, TIAX contributed to California's efforts under the Global Warming Solutions Act by evaluating the market penetration of alternative fuels. The company executed a life cycle study analyzing energy consumption and emissions for both alternative and traditional fuels, supporting the California Energy Commission in formulating its Alternative Fuels Plan. The results played a role in shaping California Assembly Bill 1007, which aims to increase alternative fuel usage across the state.

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