Battery start-up is developing safe, long-lasting thin-film solid-state batteries that can be charged and discharged in one minute
BTRY raises CHF 900,000 in pre-seed funding for the development of an innovative solid-state battery
Battery start-up BTRY has raised CHF 900,000 in pre-seed financing. The round is led by HTGF with participation from Zürcher Kantonalbank. The spin-off from Empa and ETH Zurich is developing a new type of lithium-ion thin-film solid-state battery that combines significant advantages for various commercial applications.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used, but they are not ideal for all applications. They are relatively slow to recharge, flammable and temperature sensitive. Empa researchers Dr. Moritz Futscher and Dr. Abdessalem Aribia are developing a new type of thin-film solid-state battery that can be charged and discharged in one minute, has a high energy density and delivers reliable energy even at extreme temperatures. Together with Dr. Yaroslav Romanyuk, head of Empa’s “Thin Films and Photovoltaics” laboratory, they founded the spin-off BTRY in 2023 to bring this technology to market.
Until now, thin-film batteries could only store little energy. The founders have succeeded in stacking the thin-film cells, which are only a few micrometers thick, into more powerful batteries. They have developed a process that uses high-precision vacuum coating and no toxic solvents. The production uses advanced, but proven and scalable techniques to ensure efficiency and quality.
The applications for BTRY’s solution are diverse. They can be used in consumer electronics such as smartphones and smartwatches, as well as in sensors, robots, drones and satellites.
BTRY founders Dr. Moritz Futscher and Dr. Abdessalem Aribia will use the new funds to produce the first battery cells on selected pilot lines. Customer feedback will be collected to iteratively improve the product and tailor it to the needs of the target group.
"This financing round, just eight months after the company was founded, is a significant milestone for us, and we are thrilled to have such great partners by our side. We are highly motivated to take the next steps together to make our vision a reality – a sustainable solid-state battery that can be charged in just one minute", Dr. Moritz Futscher, CEO and Co-Founder of BTRY.
"We are convinced that innovative battery concepts will play a decisive role in future product developments. BTRY’s material and process innovations promise to lead to an all-solid-state battery solution with highly interesting unique technological features that open up a wide range of applications. I am very much looking forward to working with the BTRY team and supporting the company in its upcoming growth phase", Timo Bertsch, Investment Manager at HTGF.
"Zürcher Kantonalbank provides innovative start-ups with venture capital. As one of the largest and most active investors in Switzerland, we have already supported over 280 start-ups with more than CHF 230 million in venture capital. With our investment in BTRY, we are investing in a well-established team with an innovative and promising battery technology. BTRY’s pitch also convinced the jury of the Büro Züri Innovationspark (made possible by Zürcher Kantonalbank) and provides the young start-up with attractive workplaces, a network of experts, free coaching from industry experts and access to potential investors", Florian Dünner, Investment Manager Zürcher Kantonalbank.
Founded in April 2023, the company and its founders have already received several prestigious awards and funding, including a BRIDGE grant for Futscher, the Empa Entrepreneur Fellowship for Aribia, admission to the Swiss Business Incubator of the European Space Agency (ESA BIC), Initial and Core Coaching from Innosuisse, and the first two Venture Kick stages.
Other news from the department business & finance
Get the chemical industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the chemical industry, analytics, lab technology and process engineering brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
Something is happening in the chemical industry ...
This is what true pioneering spirit looks like: Plenty of innovative start-ups are bringing fresh ideas, lifeblood and entrepreneurial spirit to change tomorrow's world for the better. Immerse yourself in the world of these young companies and take the opportunity to get in touch with the founders.
See the theme worlds for related content
Topic World Battery Technology
The topic world Battery Technology combines relevant knowledge in a unique way. Here you will find everything about suppliers and their products, webinars, white papers, catalogs and brochures.
Topic World Battery Technology
The topic world Battery Technology combines relevant knowledge in a unique way. Here you will find everything about suppliers and their products, webinars, white papers, catalogs and brochures.
