Welcome to Lithium Horizons
‘‘To create and to annihilate material substance, cause it to aggregate in forms according to his desire, would be the supreme manifestation of the power of Man’s mind, his most complete triumph over the physical world.” — Nikola Tesla
Throughout history, we've marked human progress by the materials we've mastered: the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, the Steel (Industrial) Age, and the Silicon (Information) Age. As we look to the future, a natural question emerges: which materials will define what comes next?
From the chips inside our devices to the buildings that shape our cities, materials quietly determine what is possible. As society transitions toward renewable energy, materials science and engineering play a central role in how we generate, transmit, and store power.
Why this newsletter exists
The energy materials industry is complex, fast-moving, and full of hype.
Having worked in both academia and industry on next-generation energy technologies, I’ve repeatedly seen a gap between what sounds promising and what actually works at scale. Too often, important decisions are made on incomplete or overly optimistic narratives.
Lithium Horizons is my attempt to close that gap.
This newsletter offers a grounded, technically informed perspective on the materials and technologies powering the energy transition, without unnecessary jargon or marketing gloss. The goal is simple: to help you cut through the noise.
Whether you’re building, investing, or exploring, clearer understanding leads to better decisions.
Who this is for
Lithium Horizons is written for anyone who cares about the future of energy and materials.
This newsletter is especially useful for:
Investors & founders looking for signal amid the noise.
Executives & policy leaders who want to understand the why behind trends.
Engineers & scientists seeking context beyond the lab.
What to expect
Each issue is crafted to be clear, jargon-light, and grounded in reality. You can expect:
Actionable insight on energy and materials trends
What’s changing? Why does it matter? Who is adapting well and who isn’t?Deep dives into companies and technologies
Which ideas are genuinely innovative? Which claims hold up under scrutiny?Practical guidance for decision-makers
How to evaluate emerging technologies, manage technical risk, and stay ahead in a fast-moving field.
Occasionally, I’ll also share essays and lessons learned from working at the intersection of science, engineering, and industry.
Some examples:
About me
I’ve spent my career moving ideas from whiteboards to the real-world. In short:
PhD in Materials Science, with 20+ peer-reviewed publications on energy-related materials.
Experience across academia, startups, and corporations.
Hands-on expertise in lithium-ion, solid-state, and next-generation battery technologies.
You can find more about me on: www.jasminsmajic.com
Beyond the newsletter, I also work with organizations on technical due diligence and strategy. If you need a deeper evaluation of a specific technology or materials challenge, you can reach me directly at:
The future is built on atoms, not just code.
If this perspective resonates with you, I’d love to have you along.
Subscribe for free to receive insights and analysis, or choose a paid subscription for deeper dives and full archives.
Thanks for reading 🔋!
Jasmin Smajic, PhD
Founder, Lithium Horizons
