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Entrepreneurs’ Center client Skuld delivers its first Lightning Metal system to UT Knoxville, marking a major step in next-gen manufacturing.
Skuld LLC, based in Piqua, Ohio, is transforming the landscape of metal manufacturing with its pioneering Additive Manufacturing Evaporative Casting (AMEC) platform. Now, with the successful delivery of its flagship Lightning Metal LM-16 system to UTK’s cutting-edge manufacturing research facility, Skuld is extending its impact beyond defense contracts into academic and commercial markets.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, recognized nationally for leadership in manufacturing research, will integrate the Lightning Metal system into its curriculum and research programs. Students and faculty will use the platform for advanced materials science education, hands-on workforce training, and real-world experimentation in alloy development.
“This milestone isn’t just about shipping a machine—it’s about powering the future of American manufacturing,” said Skuld CEO Sarah Jordan. “We’re proud to see our technology in the hands of researchers and educators who are shaping the next generation of engineers.”
Backed by more than $9 million in U.S. Department of Defense contracts and pilot programs with the U.S. Air Force and Defense Logistics Agency, Skuld’s evolution into commercial and academic partnerships represents the next phase of growth for this high-potential startup. The Lighting Metal platform empowers users with tooling-free, net-shape casting capabilities for aerospace-grade aluminum and other high-performance alloys, reducing lead times and enabling rapid iteration in a field where precision is paramount.
At Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC), we’ve been honored to walk alongside Skuld’s leadership team as they evolved from early-stage innovators to manufacturing trailblazers. From navigating commercialization pathways to pursuing government partnerships, Skuld’s journey is a powerful example of the ingenuity and perseverance we see every day among Ohio’s entrepreneurs.
“Skuld is showing the world what’s possible when visionary engineering meets real-world application,” said Scott Koorndyk, President of Entrepreneurs’ Center. “They’re not just building machines—they’re building momentum for the future of advanced manufacturing.”
Skuld’s first commercial deployment is just the beginning. With more Lightning Metal systems on the horizon and momentum building, this Ohio-born company is poised to redefine the future of advanced manufacturing. It’s also a powerful reminder of what’s possible when bold ideas are matched with the right support. At EC, we’re proud to back innovators like Skuld as they turn breakthrough technologies into real-world impact.
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