Innovation in Detection: How Efrat Avnet Steinberg is Revolutionizing EV Battery Safety
What if the future of electric vehicles depends not just on making better batteries, but on finally being able to see what is happening inside them before failure, waste, or fire ever occurs?
That was the central theme of this episode of Industry Ignited, where Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sat down with Efrat Avnet Steinberg, CEO and co-founder of Inner. As the leader of a company developing breakthrough CT technology for battery diagnostics, Efrat brings an analytical, curiosity-driven perspective to one of the most pressing challenges in the energy transition.
From Law to Deep Tech: A Path of Curiosity
Efrat’s career trajectory is anything but linear, moving from law to business development, product management, and finally to deep tech entrepreneurship. When asked what connects these diverse chapters, Efrat points to two defining traits:
- Intellectual Curiosity: A constant drive to learn new things and embrace complex challenges.
- Analytical Focus: The ability to distill vast amounts of data into actionable insights.
While her formal background began in law, she found her passion in the intersection of data and technology, eventually leading her to tackle the microscopic faults hidden within EV battery packs and modules.
The Biggest Industry Challenge: The “Invisible” Battery
One of the most persistent issues in the EV industry is that battery failure—whether through degradation, waste, or catastrophic fire—often happens without warning.
Inner is solving this by developing CT (Computed Tomography) technology capable of detecting microscopic faults inside EV batteries before they result in failure. By providing this level of insight, the company is enabling manufacturers to move from a “reactive” maintenance approach to a “proactive” safety model.
Why “Perfect” Technology Needs a Strong Ecosystem
Even the most revolutionary diagnostic technology cannot succeed in a vacuum. Efrat emphasizes that the success of a deep tech startup is heavily influenced by the environment in which it operates.
She highlights the importance of:
- Geographic Ecosystems: Operating in regions that attract global talent and provide deep tech infrastructure.
- Diversity: Cultivating a culture with a balance of perspectives and backgrounds, which she views as essential for innovation in deep tech.
Implementation and Partnerships
Deep tech diagnostics are not “plug-and-play.” Efrat’s approach involves building long-term collaborations with industry partners who understand that diagnostic data is the key to scaling the next generation of energy storage safely.
For partners looking to solve battery reliability, the goal is clear: increase data visibility to improve production quality, extend battery life, and ensure safety across the entire lifecycle of the vehicle.
Trust as a Foundation for Growth
Across every stage of development, Efrat prioritizes transparency and collaborative outreach. Whether communicating with potential partners or internal teams, she focuses on:
- Continuous Learning: Being open to new data and evolving the technology to meet market needs.
- Strategic Collaboration: Actively seeking out partners to collaborate on the future of battery safety.
When manufacturers and diagnostic providers align, the result is a safer, more sustainable, and more reliable energy future.
Visit the podcast and learn more about Inner here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514972/episodes/19159593
And as always—stay bold, stay curious, and keep igniting industry.
Interested in being featured on the podcast?
Contact: podcast@industryignited.com
