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Inside Augwind: Ido Ben-Yehuda on AirBattery Technology

By
Markus Elsässer
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Potrait Photo Ido Ben Yehuda Head of Marketing augwind airbattery energy technology

Storage for Change: How Ido Ben-Yehuda and Augwind Are Powering the Energy Transition

What makes someone leave a career in the defence industry to dive headfirst into the world of sustainable energy? For Ido Ben-Yehuda, it wasn’t just a career move – it was a personal reset. Today, he’s responsible for international market development at Augwind Energy, promoting a technology that’s turning heads: the AirBattery – an electromechanical storage system that uses water, compressed air and smart engineering to give the energy transition the push it needs. In this interview, Ben-Yehuda talks about his unconventional journey, how Augwind has shifted its strategy, and why underground caverns could play a key role in Germany’s future energy landscape. And he shares why, sometimes, it’s the courage to change direction that generates the most powerful kind of energy.

What initially attracted you to the energy sector, and how have personal values or early experiences shaped your career—particularly your role at Augwind?

I was always enthusiastic about technological advancements. My early experience was in a sector much different than clean energy. I started my professional career in my early 20s in the defense sector, where I gained most of my experience in marketing, sales and business development. After a decade, I felt that the defense area of business is not where I want to realize my potential. This was not the sector for me to fully dedicate my time, energy and talent. I felt that I want to dedicate myself to promoting solutions in other walks of life rather than defense. With that notion, I was part of a deep-tech startup in the field of optical wireless communication, we has a wild ride for couple of years but it seems that the technology was (and still is) ahead of it’s time to shine…Than, in 2020, I was approached by a friend that was working at Augwind at the time, and I got to learn about what the company is doing, and about the energy storage sector in general. I was fascinated by this emerging new technological landscape and was fortunate enough to join the company and be part of that effort. To me, on a personal level, promoting a much needed, sustainable energy solution today is a symbolic completion of the cycle in my career as a marketer. 

In my role at Augwind I get to implement and execute the earlier experience I gained in promoting technological solutions, especially in B2B / B2G environment. I believe that it is all about interpersonal dynamics, transparency, and finding the mutual point of interest. It is a privilege to bring those together around a technology that is meant to make reality better. 

What personal goals are you pursuing in your current position, and how do you define or measure success for yourself?

Since I personally acknowledge the need for clean, sustainable assets that will provide society with energy-security and resilience. And I personally believe that the AirBattery is a candidate well-positioned for that role, with exceptional advantages in terms of environmental impact- So my personal goal naturally becomes the successful commercial deployment of the AirBattery technology, as a viable, almost optimal solution to bridge long periods of renewable underproduction as the transition advances.

How has Augwind’s overall business strategy evolved since its early days, and how has your marketing approach adapted in parallel?

Augwind’s business-strategy evolved significantly, as you might expect in young technology companies in emerging markets…In the early days of the company we aimed to compete with lithium-ion batteries for short-duration projects. Due to the constant improvements and price reduction of lithium-ion batteries, we decided to best explore the technical features of our solution, and to address much longer durations by integrating into an underground cavern. This configuration is limited in terms of potential deployment, meaning that it can’t be deployed everywhere, but in those regions where caverns are available, or even abundant such as in Germany- The AirBattery can play a significant role by providing the capacity and availability needed for deep renewable integration. 

What makes the AirBattery stand out from traditional energy storage systems?

The AirBattery is an electro-mechanical system, a novel technical approach that relays on the combination of two proven, mature energy storage technologies- pumped-hydro and CAES (Compressed-Air energy Storage). Like any other CAES, we benefit from the low cost of storage that caverns provide, especially when targeting hundreds of hours of duration. 

What differentiates the AirBattery from other type CAES, is that we use hydraulic turbomachinery (i.e. pumps and turbines) instead of air compressors and expanders. We created a process that uses water to generate compressed air and uses compressed air to run the water through pumps and turbines to regenerate electricity. This liquid-piston type mechanism, resulting in a near-isothermal process (with hardly any temperature change), eliminating the need for thermal compensation as in other types of CAES. This enables AirBattery to provide very long duration at a highly competitive cost per kW/h.

Looking at the future of energy infrastructure—particularly with the growth of renewables—what role do you see Augwind playing in the next decade?

We expect to prove, over the next decade, that such long-duration energy storage to balance the grid is not only technically feasible, but economically sound at global scale. Our vision is that AirBattery technology will enable the final push to net zero, by solving the intermittency challenge at scale.

Personally, I’d love to see our technology contributing to all three pillars of the energy triangle – security of supply through long-term backup power, affordability by reducing price volatility and curtailment costs, and sustainability by enabling more effective integration of solar and wind energy. If we’ve helped accelerate the renewable transition while reducing long-term energy costs for industry and households, we succeeded.

Which regions or target markets hold the most growth potential for Augwind right now?

In general, areas with adequate underground geological formations combined with high renewable energy goals represent the biggest opportunity. The AirBattery technology doesn’t rely on critical minerals or complex supply chains, so it can be deployed using locally sourced supplies and labor virtually anywhere with the right geology.

Germany’s redundant salt caverns, industrial leadership, and climate ambition make it the perfect launchpad, but you’re right, the potential is global. Our goal is to become Europe’s preferred partner for multiweek storage solutions, and from there, we see enormous opportunities in regions facing similar challenges with renewable intermittency.

Who is Augwind’s primary customer base today, and how has that evolved over time?

Current Customers of Augwind are mainly industrial manufacturing facilities, that are implementing our proprietary underground chambers for energy savings in industrial compressed air. These are implemented since 2016, but not for energy storage, rather for energy efficiency- Buffering between compressed air generation and its consumption.
For us this is a validation of these chambers as core element of the overall system, being the host of the AirBattery charging & discharging process.

Regarding the AirBattery, as it is still at its pre-commercial stage, this first-of-a-kind project is intended to demonstrate the techno-economical viability of the system in commercial operation. We are in ongoing dialogue with several potential customers and partners, out of which we aim to establish our preliminary customer base for the AirBattery system.

Where do you see yourself and Augwind five years from now? What milestones are you hoping to reach?

We work hard and hope that together at Augwind, we will be able to realize the potential of technology to its fullest extent. In five years from now I expect for a fully operational AirBattery project to be up and running, generating a tangible roadmap for commercial deployment of the system in Europe throughout the next decade. This will be a wonderful accomplishment that I would greatly appreciate being part of.

Are there any new projects, campaigns or partnerships that you’re especially excited about and would like to share with us?

While I can’t announce specific customers yet, I can say that the interest from the German energy sector has been tremendous. We’re currently working closely with a range of stakeholders including local cavern owners, utilities, energy traders, and industrial off-takers to finalize our partnerships. 

What advice would you give to young professionals or founders looking to build a career or launch a company in the energy sector?

I would say that if you feel you want to contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy- don’t hold back. The new energy landscape is a fusion of large conservative corporates and much smaller, younger tech companies with an innovative approach. There is much room and demand for young, bright minds that can make a difference. If it is an idea or a solution you think of- I suggest challenging yourself by trying to engage and talk with those that are posed by the problem that you intend to solve. In general, I would say- Be always open to learning and networking, this is an industry with paramount impact on the future and wellbeing of our society.  

Finally, what keeps you motivated and energized in your work—what drives you day after day?

What keeps me motivated and drives me at work is the opportunity to be a part of a team, dedicated to bringing a true, much needed breakthrough to the energy marketplace. 

The DNA of the company is such that the people I work with are first-of-all great human beings, and on top of that- professional and dedicated to what we do here at Augwind.
The prospects for commercially deploying the AirBattery is at the core of our motivation.

I enjoy the dynamics with my team-mates and colleagues, the combination of good vibes, common goal and being productive together as a team keeps our day-to-day office life energized. 

After all, we’re all about storing and generating positive energy. 

Photo/Source: Augwind Energy

AirBattery by Augwind Energy stores electricity for months

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StartupValley
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airbattery augewind energy electricity storageMaster Hydro Air Compressor v1 Italian.

Augwind Energy, a publicly listed pioneer in air-based energy technologies, today announced it intends to build its first commercial-scale AirBattery project in Germany. The facility will be the world’s first industrial-scale operational installation of Augwind’s AirBattery Hydraulic Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) technology designed specifically for grid-scale storage for up to months at a time – a game-changer for the global energy transition.

In regions such as Germany and elsewhere in central Europe, long periods of low solar and wind output known as ‘Dunkelflautes’ severely challenge grid stability. Augwind’s AirBattery offers a resilient buffer, providing backup for up to months helping utilities, grid operators and traders to deal with renewables intermittency and stabilise electricity markets.

Augwind’s revolutionary AirBattery system combines two well-established technologies in an innovative way: it merges pumped hydroelectric principles with compressed air storage, circulating water between underground chambers to compress and decompress air at vast scales.

Excess energy is used to compress air to pressures from 50 bar all the way to above 200 bar, depending on the demand and geomorphic structure of the cavern, and feed the pressurised air into vast underground caverns, larger than the Empire State building. The excess renewable energy is effectively stored for times that the sun doesn’t shine, and the wind doesn’t blow with a typical cavern having the potential to store enough compressed air to generate 3-8 GWh of electricity.

The energy is recovered from the system by simply returning the high-pressure air back through the water filled chambers, streaming the water to spin a turbine and generate electricity. Augwind has already reached a 47% AC-to-AC round-trip efficiency at its AirBattery demonstration facility in Israel, validating that commercial installations will exceed 60%.

Augwind’s first commercial scale AirBattery facility will be built in Germany and will utilize a mined salt cavern suited for such long-duration energy storage. The cavern will serve as a low-cost, high-capacity compressed-air reservoir, enabling scalable and cost-effective energy storage for up to several months, a vital capability as Europe races to increase renewable energy penetration beyond 50%.

Or Yogev Founder and CEO of Augwind said

“This is more than a project; it’s a milestone for achieving net zero. With the AirBattery, we’re introducing a storage solution that finally matches the scale and rhythm of renewable energy. Germany’s redundant salt caverns, industrial leadership, and climate ambition make it the perfect launchpad for our first commercial deployment. Our goal is to become Europe’s preferred partner for multiweek storage solutions. With this German launch, we are proving that long term energy storage to balance the grid is not only technically feasible, but it’s economically sound.”

With an initial target commissioning window of 2027–2028, Augwind is now working closely with local cavern owners, utilities, energy traders and industrial off takers to secure permitting and finalize the system design. The project will not only showcase the techno-economic viability of Augwind’s Hydraulic CAES but also lay the groundwork for broader deployment across Europe by 2030.

Why is AirBattery the energy storage solution for the future?

Compared with the alternatives for long-term energy storage such as Lithium-Ion batteries and hydro storage, Augwind’s unique AirBattery system offers incredibly economical and sustainable storage for up to months at a time.

The technology doesn’t rely on critical minerals used to make batteries, including Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt, or Manganese, many of which rely on complex supply chains dominated by Chinese manufacturers. The AirBattery relies on locally sourced supplies and labour and a minimal volume or water which is maintained in a closed system.

In addition, the AirBattery system can be operated by using locally produced renewable excess electricity. This reduces the stress on the electricity grid and simultaneously strengthens the independence from volatile international energy markets.

How does the AirBattery support the energy transition?

Economic resilience: By absorbing surplus wind and solar energy, it reduces exposure to the price volatility of international commodity markets (e.g. oil, gas, coal and nuclear), helping to stabilise electricity costs for consumers and industry alike.

Geopolitical stability: It directly enhances security of supply by reducing dependency on energy imports. This role has gained fresh urgency in the wake of Germany’s exposure during the Russian gas crisis, severely threatening the German energy supply. AirBattery helps shield the energy system from such external shocks.

Addressing the Energy Goal Policy Triangle

The AirBattery solution contributes meaningfully to all three pillars of the so-called “Energy Policy Goal Triangle”, a guiding framework in energy policy:

Security of supply: By storing energy for weeks, AirBattery provides backup power during extended periods of low renewable generation (Dunkelflaute), which will become more frequent as Germany phases out coal and nuclear while accelerating its transition to renewables.

Affordability: The system reduces multi-billion-Euro re-dispatch costs where wind and solar parks are paid to shut down during oversupply (curtailment), in addition air batteries can prevent unnecessary energy grid expansions. Since storage occurs near major wind generation areas (especially off- an onshore in Northern Germany), the grid can avoid transporting peak loads southward, where coal and nuclear previously served. Ultimately resulting in a decrease in short-term price volatility.

Sustainability: By enabling more effective integration of solar and wind energy, AirBattery reduces pressure on and supports the expansion of renewable energy projects. This accelerates the transition while reducing long-term energy costs for industry and households.

Key Advantages of the AirBattery system:

  • Unlimited duration potential (limited only by the caverns volume)
  • Exceptionally low cost per kWh for multiweek durations (10-15 USD per kWh). ***
  • Minimal environmental footprint (land and water)
  • Modular and scalable design (several MWs per module, multiplied to grid-scale)
  • Novel combination of proven, established technologies (pumped hydro storage and CAES)
  • Stable, local supply chain structures ensure long-term reliability and scalability
  • The modular structure insures high redundancy and therefore, high availability
  • Strengthens energy transition and lessens dependence on international markets
  • Cost and performance have been validated by Fichtner Group, renowned German engineering company

Photo/Source: Augwind Energy


DejaBlue: EV Energy Platform Secures $8M Seed Funding

By
Markus Elsässer
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0
ev-dejablue-energy-platform The Founder Team of DejaBlue in a garden with plants in the backround
L-R: Parker Spielman and Baptiste Richard, co-founders

As EV adoption scales, DejaBlue emerges as the intelligent layer connecting EV charging infrastructure, solar, and energy contracts—reducing costs and operational burden for commercial buildings and fleets.

DejaBlue, the French electrification startup building a platform to optimize flexible energy loads, including EV charging and on-site solar, today announced an $8 million seed round led by redalpine, with the participation of Zeno Ventures and Bpifrance. This financing will fuel the company’s commercial expansion across France and select European markets, the development of AI-powered automation for site management, and the rollout of new energy contracts designed to favor flexible loads. To support its ambitions, the company will double its headcount from 15 to 30, with a focus on technical roles critical to building its vertically integrated energy platform.

DejaBlue entered the energy space by providing commercial real estate owners, fleet operators, and energy managers with a unified offering through which they can orchestrate their energy assets. Both founders have a deep background in reliably managing and optimizing distributed assets at scale from their experience at Google Fi, Uber and Lyft. They are leveraging this expertise to connect EV chargers, solar panels, and energy contracts into a single platform—allowing clients to lower energy bills, boost reliability, and make smarter investment decisions across their sites.

DejaBlue’s charging solution in action at Mobivia

Mira Kamp, Principal at redalpine, said: “We were blown away by how efficiently the small team around Parker and Baptiste executed and built a best-in-class EV charging solution in record time. Now, with their move into vertical integration as both a charge point operator and energy retailer, DejaBlue is uniquely positioned to reshape the energy market through load optimization, demand response, and a seamless end-to-end customer experience that no other provider offers today.”

With energy prices rising and grids growing more volatile, flexible assets like EV chargers and batteries represent an untapped opportunity. DejaBlue is pioneering new types of energy contracts that reward flexibility, especially during the growing midday surplus of renewable electricity. DejaBlue helps businesses take advantage of these moments by shifting EV charging and other loads to times when renewable electricity is abundant and cheap. This reduces energy bills, eases pressure on the grid, and gives renewable producers more consistent demand. It’s a win for everyone: cleaner energy, lower costs, and ensures more regular demand for green energy producers.

“The first wave of electrification was about installations and incentives”, said Parker Spielman, co-founder and CEO of DejaBlue. “Now, as EV adoption becomes the norm, energy itself is the bottleneck—both in cost and complexity. We’re turning energy flexibility into a strategic lever for businesses by coordinating solar, charging, and tariffs to reduce their overall cost of energy.”

Photo/Source: DejaBlue

Project A launches €325m Fund for earliest-stage startups

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StartupValley
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project-a-earliest-stage-fund The Team from Project A in Berlin on the Roftop with the City in the Backround

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Project A, one of Europe’s leading technology venture capital firms, today announces the successful close of its oversubscribed €325 million ($376m) Fund V, increasing its total assets under management to €1.2 billion ($1.4bn). This fund will further Project A’s core mission: to be the trusted partner for Europe’s most ambitious entrepreneurs during the critical pre-seed and seed stages, and even earlier at the idea stage through its Studio platform.

“Our conviction in the transformative power of European entrepreneurship is stronger than ever,” said Malin Posern, Partner at Project A. “Europe is poised to cultivate the next generation of globally significant companies, and this new Fund underscores our deep commitment to being a pivotal partner for these ambitious founders, offering both the essential capital and the deep operational understanding required to navigate their foundational journey.”

Building champions: A proven track record

Since 2012, Project A’s team of seasoned operators has established a leading track record in European early-stage investing success. Project A has consistently produced unicorns across all funds, with notable companies including Trade Republic, sennder, Zepz plus the most recently announced unicorn, Quantum Systems. This consistent ability to nurture high-growth potential from the earliest stages has positioned Project A among Europe’s top-performing early-stage investors.

Deep, specialist support at pre-seed and seed stages

Recognising that Europe’s innovation ecosystem demands more than just capital for early-stage founders, Project A’s dedicated pre-seed and seed focus delivers tailored support and resources precisely when they’re most impactful. This includes:

  • Dedicated early-stage commitment: Project A’s strengths lie in helping founders achieve their most pivotal early milestones, from crucial first hires to raising top-tier follow-on funding from leading global investors like Accel, Benchmark, Sequoia.
  • Generalist attitude meets specialist depth: Project A’s thesis uniquely combines breadth and depth – exploring the full scope of innovation while building expertise where it matters most. This keeps the fund focused, forward-looking and primed to spot and support generational companies with dynamic conviction.
  • Deep sector expertise: This conviction and depth means Project A’s partners are domain experts in the sectors shaping Europe’s future: currently European Resilience, Fintech, Future of Autonomous Work, and Global Supply Chains. 
  • The Project A Studio: For innovators who are still working on their ideas, Project A’s collaborative Studio offers support for the very earliest activities, from idea validation, to team development, and early market fit. Portfolio companies like 11x, ARX Robotics and ENAPI leveraged the Studio during idea validation and went on to raise pre-seed from Project A. 

“Our fundamental approach at Project A is to be an indispensable partner for founders from their earliest days,” emphasised Anton Waitz, General Partner at Project A. “Through our focused pre-seed and seed strategy, plus our unique Studio model, we provide not just crucial initial investment but the practical operational resources and deep expertise necessary to navigate the initial complexities and build scalable, impactful businesses. We’re excited to partner with the next generation of exceptional European tech leaders through this new fund.”

Momentum from long-term believers

As a testament to the strength of Project A’s reputation, track record and dynamic thesis, Fund V was significantly oversubscribed and raised at speed, in just four months. The fund was also backed by a diverse mix of new and existing LPs including long-standing institutional investors, major family offices, and strategic partners from across Europe and the US – many of whom have participated in multiple Project A funds. 

With this continued support, established teams in Berlin and London, the new €325 million ($376m) Fund V, and a portfolio of 130 ambitious companies, Project A is well-primed to unlock the next generation of European entrepreneurial talent. The firm is also strengthening its London office with the promotion of Jack Wang to Partner who joins existing Partner Malin Posern in Project A’s growing UK team.

Photo/Source: Project A Ventures Management GmbH

TikTok in 2025: Social Media Trends, Tools & Strategy

By
Markus Elsässer
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tiktok-2025-social-media-trends SME owner go green net zero retail store live stream talk on phone showing eco care plastic free packaging box. Asia people young woman record video on tiktok IG reel instagram shop happy side hustle.

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TikTok has grown from a fleeting trend into a heavyweight player in digital marketing. By 2025, it’s no longer just a playground for teens – it’s a serious business tool, a marketplace, and a branding powerhouse. Anyone still ignoring TikTok is throwing away visibility, reach, and valuable customer potential. More importantly: what worked yesterday just doesn’t cut it anymore. If you want to succeed on TikTok in 2025, you’ll need a clear strategy, a handle on new features, and a real feel for how the platform ticks.

Why TikTok in 2025 Plays by Different Rules

TikTok has matured. The user base keeps growing, but even more interesting is the shift in demographics. More thirty- to fifty-year-olds are scrolling the For You feed – including business owners, decision-makers, and consumers with serious spending power. At the same time, the platform is pushing hard into monetisation: paid features, creator tools, and e-commerce functions have been significantly expanded.

The algorithm has changed too. Where once almost anything could go viral, TikTok in 2025 clearly prioritises curated, relevant content that provides real value – especially in niche categories. The “lucky dip” days, when random clips suddenly pulled in millions of views, are behind us. If you want reach now, you need to earn it: substance, creativity, and consistency are the name of the game.

This year, the focus is on authenticity with intent. Raw and real still works – but not without structure. Simply pointing your phone and hoping for the best won’t get you far anymore.

1. Edutainment is booming

Educational content with an entertaining twist is more in demand than ever. From tax tips and business advice to DIY and tutorials – those who can present their know-how creatively will get seen. On-screen text, quick cuts and reaction-style formats help make complex subjects digestible and engaging.

2. Micro-communities bring macro results

TikTok is actively boosting content that resonates within tight-knit, specialist groups. Instead of chasing mass appeal, it pays to carve out a niche – vegan nutrition, alternative investing, local start-ups. The more focused your content, the stronger the engagement.

3. Live content is back – properly this time

TikTok Live in 2025 is far more than a gimmick. New features like in-stream shopping, direct lead capture, and collaborative livestream formats make live video a serious conversion tool – especially for e-commerce and digital products.

TikTok’s Role in Modern Marketing

TikTok isn’t just an optional extra anymore. It’s become a core channel in digital marketing. If you’re on TikTok in 2025, it’s crucial to treat it as part of a wider funnel strategy – not a standalone platform.

It excels at top-of-funnel work – visibility, awareness, reach. But it can also drive retargeting and conversions, using TikTok Ads, deep links, TikTok Shop integrations, or CRM connections.

Crucially, brand storytelling on TikTok doesn’t work with traditional ad formats. What performs is creator-driven content, testimonials, how-tos and challenge formats. Brands that develop authentic in-house ambassadors tend to outperform those relying solely on glossy campaign work.

If you’re serious about it, build a dedicated TikTok strategy – complete with editorial calendar, topic clusters, and performance tracking.

Best Tools for TikTok in 2025

TikTok has introduced a raft of updates in its Creator Centre and Business Tools: real-time analytics, predictive performance dashboards, and AI-powered sound suggestions.

External tools can help too:

  • CapCut – TikTok’s own editing app. Ideal for mobile creation, now with a desktop version for more advanced edits.
  • Metricool or Loomly – Plan, schedule and analyse everything in one dashboard.
  • Trendpop or Tokboard – Spot what’s trending and understand how trends evolve over time.

Pro tip: Keep a swipe file of successful TikToks – both from your industry and others. A bit of inspiration beats overthinking any day.

Bonus: If you’re into automation, check out AI tools like Pictory or Lumen5 for turning scripts or data into videos – especially helpful for regular formats or data-driven storytelling.

Risks and Pitfalls to Avoid

As powerful as TikTok is, going in unprepared still carries major risks. The biggest mistake in 2025? Treating TikTok like Instagram. Cross-posting rarely works – the tone, pacing and expectations are totally different.

Other pitfalls:

  • Too much sales talk: Users want value, not constant pitching.
  • Unclear brand voice: Without a clear tone or style, your content will simply get lost in the feed.
  • Neglecting the community: Engagement doesn’t stop at posting – comments, replies and DMs are where the real relationships are built.

Also: the legal landscape remains tricky. Music licensing, data protection, labelling rules – none of that has gone away. If you’re unsure, it’s smart to get proper legal advice.

Looking Ahead: Who Wins on TikTok in 2025?

TikTok in 2025 is no longer a passing trend. It’s a dynamic, constantly evolving ecosystem. But if you’re willing to lean in – to adapt, learn and invest – you can build a strong brand, foster a loyal community and turn attention into conversions.

The winning mix? Strategy + creativity + smart tools.

Whether you’re a business owner, a content creator or a freelancer – if you treat TikTok not as a side project, but as a central pillar of your digital marketing, you’re setting yourself up to win.

Final Word

TikTok isn’t a guaranteed win – but it’s a powerful lever if you know how to pull it. In 2025, it’s not about hacks or luck. It’s about taking the platform seriously, staying nimble, and consistently delivering value with every swipe.

Photo/Source: stock.adobe.com – ChayTee

Startup Events Autumn 2025: Europe’s Top Picks for Founders

By
Markus Elsässer
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0
Startup Events Autumn 2025: Europe’s Top Picks for FoundersAudience listens lecturer at workshop conference hall

Startup Events Autumn 2025: Europe’s Startup Scene Embraces Connection, Innovation and Growth

This autumn, Europe’s vibrant startup landscape is set to become more interconnected than ever. Whether you’re a founder, investor, industry expert, or simply curious about innovation, autumn 2025 with its jam-packed event calendar presents unparalleled opportunities to connect, gain inspiration, and forge new collaborations.

From Munich and Turin to Helsinki, these international gatherings will showcase cutting-edge technology, sustainable business models, and forward-thinking ideas. If you aim to stay ahead in this dynamic sector, these are the events you simply can’t miss.

We’ve highlighted five standout gatherings that are definitely worth marking in your diary. They don’t just promise top-tier speakers and invaluable insights; they also provide the ideal environment to meet the right individuals, cultivate partnerships, and ignite enduring business relationships. After all, in the world of innovation, face-to-face exchange remains paramount – and that’s precisely what these events champion.

Italian Tech Week 2025

24–26 September 2025, OGR Torino, Turin

italiantechweek.com

Italian Tech Week stands as Italy’s premier tech event, returning to Turin this September to convene an international gathering of startups, investors, corporates, and tech enthusiasts. This year’s theme, “The Wave Ahead”, will delve into how we can identify and actively shape the next wave of technological transformation from its earliest stages.

Attendees can anticipate an engaging programme featuring keynote talks, hands-on masterclasses, panel discussions, and interactive formats across various city venues. A key highlight is the curated 1:1 matchmaking, facilitated through the official event app, ensuring seamless opportunities for focused conversations and new collaborations.

The accompanying Tech Expo will spotlight innovative products and emerging startups that fuse Italian ingenuity with global trends. While the event is largely free to attend, those seeking deeper engagement can opt for a Premium Pass to access exclusive zones and networking lounges. With its line-up of top-tier speakers and a genuinely progressive outlook, Italian Tech Week is an essential date for anyone passionate about digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

Bits & Pretzels 2025

29 September – 1 October 2025, ICM Munich

bitsandpretzels.com

Bits & Pretzels stands as one of Europe’s largest and most distinctive startup events. Hosted in Munich, it brings together thousands of founders, investors, and decision-makers in an atmosphere that uniquely combines sharp business thinking with authentic Bavarian charm.

What truly sets Bits & Pretzels apart is its blend of incisive insights, forward-looking discussion, and informal networking. You’ll encounter everything from inspiring keynote sessions and in-depth masterclasses to spontaneous exchanges and the legendary closing day at Oktoberfest.

Its mission is clear: connect visionary minds, foster meaningful collaboration, and keep Europe’s entrepreneurial spirit thriving. This isn’t just another conference – it’s a fully immersive experience.

How to Web 2025

1–2 October 2025, Bucharest

howtoweb.co

How to Web is Eastern Europe’s quintessential tech and startup conference, returning to Bucharest this October. It serves as a pivotal hub for over 500 startups seeking funding, enhanced visibility, and strategic partnerships.

The event places a strong emphasis on genuine innovation, actionable insight, and impactful interactions. Expect keynote speeches and panel discussions featuring prominent international figures, alongside expertly curated networking designed to spark valuable new connections both in person and via the event platform.

The dynamic and international atmosphere makes it ideal for founders looking to scale and for investors eager to spot the next breakthrough venture. If you’re looking to experience the true pulse of Eastern Europe’s startup ecosystem, this is the place to be.

Innovation Week Prague 2025

9–10 October 2025, Prague

innovationweek.ai

Innovation Week Prague stands as a leading Czech event for anyone invested in future technologies, entrepreneurial acumen, and creative innovation.

Over two days, startups, investors, and forward-thinkers from across Europe will converge to explore the latest trends, exchange practical insights, and discuss the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation. Whether you attend a keynote, a panel, or an interactive workshop, you’ll walk away with fresh perspectives and valuable contacts.

The event is purpose-built for targeted networking. Founders meet potential investors, visionaries connect with doers – all set against the inspiring backdrop of Prague. It’s far more than a conventional conference. It’s a dynamic launchpad for ideas and a vibrant marketplace for innovation.

Slush 2025

20–21 November 2025, Helsinki

slush.org

Slush is a global powerhouse among startup events. Each year, it transforms Helsinki into the quintessential meeting point for founders, investors, and the creators of tomorrow.

Over 13,000 participants including more than 5,000 startups and 3,000 investors gather to share ideas, pitch bold visions, and forge transformative partnerships. Slush is known for its high energy, sleek production, and a strong focus on fostering meaningful dialogue – from bespoke investor matchmaking to stimulating keynote talks.

With its distinctive lighting, immersive staging, and electrifying atmosphere, Slush is where ambition and opportunity truly coalesce. If you’re serious about startups, this is an unmissable event.

Photo/Source: stock.adobe.com – Anton Gvozdikov

ETERNALYTE by 24M: Battery charges faster, lasts longer

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StartupValley
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ETERNALYTE 24M Battery Closes up Human hand is holding Electric Car Charging connect to Electric car

24M Technologies Unveils Breakthrough Eternalyte Electrolyte Technology for Ultra-Fast Charging and Extreme Cold Resilience

24M Technologies, the MIT-born battery innovator, has unveiled Eternalyte – a next-generation electrolyte that marks a significant step forward in the evolution of electric vehicle battery performance. Designed to overcome long-standing barriers in charging speed and cold-weather operation, Eternalyte is set to make EVs far more practical and competitive in all climates.

The key lies in a dramatic increase in ionic conductivity – the rate at which ions flow between a battery’s anode and cathode. Eternalyte offers up to three times the conductivity of conventional electrolytes, enabling ultra-rapid charging with no compromise on energy density. This translates into charging speeds up to four times faster than current technologies.

ETERNALYTE 24M Battery Grafic with a ev

In practice, that means an EV can gain over 300 kilometres of additional range in under four minutes when charging from 15 to 80 per cent state of charge – and crucially, without the need for megawatt-level infrastructure. This could dramatically reduce downtime for drivers and expand the accessibility of high-speed charging.

Beyond speed, Eternalyte also addresses one of the most critical shortcomings of today’s batteries: their poor performance in cold temperatures. While conventional lithium-ion batteries can lose around 25 per cent of their capacity at 0°C and almost all functionality in deeper cold, Eternalyte retains virtually full capacity at freezing and more than 80 per cent even at -40°C. For regions with harsh winters, this represents a meaningful leap forward in EV reliability.

ETERNALYTE 24M Battery an ev in a winter wonderland on the road with snow!

Naoki Ota, President and CEO of 24M Technologies, called Eternalyte “a breakthrough that solves some of the biggest challenges of lithium-ion batteries today.” He highlighted not only the gains in charging speed and cold-weather resilience, but also the electrolyte’s compatibility with advanced chemistries. “With rapid charge, superior low-temperature performance and great cycle life – particularly with lithium metal – Eternalyte paves the way for batteries that deliver up to 1,600 kilometres of range and durability that lasts the lifetime of the vehicle.”

Although originally engineered for lithium-metal systems, Eternalyte is also well-suited to silicon and graphite-based batteries. Its adaptability makes it ideal for any application requiring high power output, fast charging and cold-weather performance. The electrolyte integrates easily into existing production lines, and when combined with 24M’s proprietary Impervio™ separator – designed to prevent thermal incidents – it contributes to safer and longer-lasting battery systems.

ETERNALYTE 24M Battery Grafik with Electrolyte

24M was founded in 2010 from MIT labs and has since established itself as a leader in battery architecture and materials science. Its portfolio includes several key innovations: Impervio, which enhances safety and recall targeting; 24M ETOP, a packaging method that boosts energy density; and LiForever, a chemistry-agnostic, semi-solid electrode platform that reduces production costs and enables the recycling of up to 98 per cent of a battery’s materials.

Working with global partners across energy storage and electric mobility, 24M continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in battery technology. With Eternalyte, the company brings the industry closer to batteries that are not only faster and more durable, but genuinely ready for all climates and all seasons.

Photo/Source: stock.adobe.com – teksomolika

Anaphite: Dry Coating Revolution for EV Battery Production

By
Markus Elsässer
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dry-coating-anaphite-ev-battery-Alex-Hewitt-COO-Co-Founder-of-Anaphite in the office

Anaphite is on a mission to revolutionize EV battery manufacturing with its patented dry coating technology. By cutting costs, reducing energy use, and enabling scalable production, the UK-based deep tech startup is delivering exactly what the battery industry needs at a critical moment of transformation.We spoke with Alex Hewitt, COO & Co-Founder of Anaphite

Could you tell us about the moment that sparked the founding of Anaphite? What vision brought the founding team together?

Sam Burrow, our CTO & Co-Founder, and I met at Bristol University Innovation Centre in 2016. I was immediately fascinated by the graphene technology he was exploring and enjoyed discussing ideas with him. After performing some analysis on the composites he was making, I was convinced that there was potential. We spent evenings brainstorming at my flat, writing all over my glossy white kitchen cupboards in red marker pen which wouldn’t come off! – I lost my deposit due to those pink stains! In early 2018, my mum invested £3,000 in us which we used to file our first patent and in turn helped us secure our first round of investment that summer. We stopped our University studies in July 2018 to pursue Anaphite full-time, driven by a vision to commercialise Sam’s technology in a way that had the biggest impact for society. 

What role do you play as COO, and how do the strengths of the founding team complement each other?

As COO & Co-Founder, I focus on securing funding, communicating complex concepts to investors, and supporting delivery across the organisation. I brought in most of our customers through networking at conferences, while Sam excelled at gathering technical insights through conversations with them. We’ve developed a natural dynamic where Sam identifies opportunities – like applying our technology to dry coating– while I drive focus and execution – like pushing the company to focus 100% on dry coating. Joe Stevenson, our CEO, brings a balanced perspective with his extensive commercial experience and gives Sam and I the confidence to apply our strengths more effectively. Sam tends to want to explore and keep options open, I’m eager to have a narrow focus, and Joe provides that crucial middle ground using his experience to lead collaborative decision making and bring everyone along.

Your patented chemistry-based technology has the potential to make EV battery production significantly more energy-efficient and cost-effective. Can you share more about how it works?

Our technology transforms electrode manufacturing by enabling the battery industry to shift to dry coating. Traditional battery manufacturing uses wet slurry coating requiring (often toxic) solvents, and enormous energy and cost inefficient drying ovens. Our approach is to produce a fully formulated, film-forming dry powder tailored to customers’ specifications – we call this the Dry Coating Precursor (DCP®). DCP® is produced using a suite of novel compositing techniques which forms the basis of our technology platform. Using DCP® means that our customers can eliminate those massive ovens and produce high-performance dry coated electrodes at mass scale. This enables manufacturers to reduce energy usage by up to 30%, lower production costs by up to 40%, and decrease manufacturing footprint by up to 15%.

Who are your main customers or partners, and how is Anaphite changing their expectations or workflows?

We’re currently working with automotive companies that together produce over 40% of all cars sold worldwide, spanning Tier 1 suppliers to OEMs. The industry is seeking viable dry coating solutions – Tesla acquired Maxwell Technologies in 2019, Volkswagen announced plans to industrialise dry coating via PowerCo by 2027 and established cell makers like LGES are targeting 2028. With both anode and cathode dry coated, manufacturers can save up to 2% of a total vehicle’s cost. While this sounds modest, in automotive manufacturing where fractions of a penny matter, these savings become transformative at scale. Our customers are validating our technology in their testing, recognising our approach offers a pathway to lower cost, lower carbon, regulation-compliant cell manufacturing.

What have been the toughest challenges you’ve faced so far, and what strategies helped you overcome them?

Personally, managing my self-expectations has been challenging – learning that my best is all I can give was a powerful lesson. From a business perspective, raising our Series A funding was a colossal amount of work – we pitched to at least 100 VCs over the course of a year, many of which proceeded to hours of follow ups, visits, and due diligence. Every fundraise has taken longer than anticipated, often because understanding our technology and the stage it was at required deep knowledge from potential investors. The key was finding investors who believed in our long-term vision. Joe and Sam played crucial roles during this process – Joe’s commercial expertise and leadership experience, and Sam’s technical brilliance helped us articulate our value proposition effectively and provide confidence in our ability to execute as a team.

Innovation is a buzzword in tech—what does it mean on a day-to-day level at Anaphite?

To me, innovation means giving people the freedom to create. Our organisation is built around three teams – Chemistry, Cells and Electrodes, and Scale-up Engineering – working collaboratively to develop, test, and scale new products. The Chemistry team explores new processes and materials, our Cells and Electrodes team validate that innovations meet customer expectations, while our Scale-Up Engineering team scales formulations from the laboratory at 100’s of grams, to 10’s of kilograms. We’re aiming for 1 tonne scale by the end of the year. This collaborative approach and constant feedback loop drive our day-to-day innovation.

How has the industry responded to your solution, and where do you see the greatest urgency for transformation?

The industry response has been positive because we’re addressing existing demand for dry coating. Battery manufacturers see our technology as enabling them to move forward. There’s urgent need for reducing the “green premium” – the additional cost of environmentally friendly options. This is strategically important for Western OEMs trying to source cheaper batteries. The EU battery regulation creates additional urgency, as manufacturers must now declare their production carbon footprint – our technology significantly reduces that impact.

Looking back, what would you say has been a key milestone or turning point for the company?

Two pivotal moments stand out. First, hiring Joe as CEO was transformative. Bringing someone with his experience as a former Johnson Matthey commercial director has been invaluable. Second, our decision to focus exclusively on dry coating technology has defined our business. When Sam initially suggested applying our technology to dry coating, I pushed for making it our exclusive focus. This strategic choice moved us from a materials science project to developing essential technology for the energy transition, fundamentally shaping who we are today.

How are you preparing Anaphite’s technology and operations for large-scale deployment?

Following our £10.4m Series A investment closed in August 2024, we’re demonstrating performance equivalence in both our own and customer testing, while quantifying the business case for our process. We’re scaling production at our Bristol site to validate manufacturing processes. Our commercial model offers flexibility – we either formulate DCP® and license technology packages for customer facilities, or manufacture components for customers earlier in their dry coating journey. This approach supports customers regardless of their transition stage. We’re working with partners for first full-scale deployment in 2028, focusing initially on key markets in Europe, Asia, and North America.

The most exciting trend is eliminating the “green premium” with transformative technology. In batteries specifically, achieving cheaper solutions with high energy density is essential for making EVs economically competitive to their internal combustion engine equivalents. Lowering cost while maintaining performance is precisely what our dry coating technology enables. 

If you could share three important lessons for fellow deep tech or climate-tech founders, what would they be?

First, prepare for fundraising to take longer than expected – we pitched to over 100 VCs for our Series A. Build relationships early with investors who understand your anticipated technology development timeline. 

Second, know when to bring in experienced leadership, and be aware of your capability gaps. Hiring Joe as CEO transformed Anaphite – his leadership acumen and experience in navigating complex commercial relationships complemented our technical knowledge and ambition. This gave us confidence in our vision and our ability to execute it. 

Finally, focus is critical for deep tech success. While exploring multiple applications is important at the early stage and continues to be tempting as you grow, concentrating on dry coating created the clarity we needed. Our most meaningful breakthroughs came when we focussed on mastering one significant problem. The climate tech landscape is vast, but the most impact typically comes from delivering transformative change in a specific area.

Thank you Alex Hewitt for the Interview

Photo/Source: Alex Hewitt, COO & Co-Founder of Anaphite

Briink: AI for ESG Environmental, Social and Governance Impact

By
Markus Elsässer
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0
ESG Briink AI for Environmental, Social and Governance Impact the Briink Founder Team in front of a Wahl!

When it comes to ESG and sustainability, data is everywhere – but making sense of it is a whole different story. That’s where Briink comes in. In this interview, the team shares how they’re using smart, domain-specific AI to cut through the noise, fight greenwashing, and help companies turn ESG compliance into real impact

Could you please explain the core innovation of your startup? Which specific problem in the field of sustainability or environmental protection do you solve with your technology or approach?

Briink’s core innovation is applying domain-specific AI to automate ESG document analysis and verification at enterprise scale. We aim to help advisory, audit, financial firms, and supply chain actors in analyzing sustainability data across thousands of companies.

We turn unstructured ESG disclosures — from reports, policies, websites, and questionnaires — into structured, traceable insights, enabling fast, accurate, and consistent analysis. Our tools are built for large-scale deployments, whether for regulatory compliance, supply chain due diligence, or investment screening.

By reducing the time, cost, and subjectivity of ESG assessments, Briink empowers organizations to scale their sustainability efforts, fight greenwashing, and improve decision-making across their networks.

What distinguishes your solution from existing technologies or approaches? What unique added value do you offer?

Briink combines advanced ESG-specific AI models, intelligent agents, and deep domain expertise to automate one of the most time-consuming challenges in sustainability: making sense of unstructured data at scale.

Unlike generic tools or ESG data aggregators, we focus on extracting high-quality, traceable insights directly from complex documents, like supplier reports, audits, and contracts, using models trained specifically on ESG language and logic. Our AI agents then automate entire ESG workflows: answering questionnaires, checking for inconsistencies, flagging compliance risks, and benchmarking against frameworks.

This allows advisory, audit, financial firms, and supply chain actors to scale ESG assessments across hundreds if not thousands of companies, reducing manual effort, improving accuracy, and accelerating time-to-insight, all while building a verifiable audit trail.

On which technology is your innovation based? Are there any current research findings or partnerships that drive your development?

Briink is built on a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architecture, enhanced by domain-specific prompting, multi-step reasoning chains, and complex agents trained specifically on ESG data and disclosure patterns.

Unlike general-purpose LLM tools, our models are fine-tuned to understand sustainability frameworks and extract traceable, high-precision insights from unstructured documents like reports, audits, and supplier disclosures. Our agents replicate the workflows of real ESG analysts — from identifying gaps and inconsistencies to completing assessments and benchmarking across portfolios and supply chains.

Our development is guided by both cutting-edge AI research and close partnerships with ESG leaders, including Climate Bonds Initiative, Novata, Holtara, and corporates like Continental. These partnerships ensure that our technology is grounded in real-world needs and continuously improved through hands-on feedback from advisory, financial, and supply chain teams operating at scale.

How do you assess the scalability of your solution? What steps are you taking to achieve market readiness and establish a sustainable business model?

Briink is built for scalability, with a modular, flexible AI architecture that powers both our web-based platform and API offering. This allows us to support ESG teams of all sizes — from boutique advisory firms to global enterprises — with solutions that scale across entire portfolios or supply chains.

We offer a SaaS subscription model for smaller teams and a flexible API and enterprise licensing model for high-volume or embedded use cases. This dual approach enables fast adoption and long-term integration.

To ensure market readiness, we’ve:

  • Invested significantly in data privacy, compliance, and security
  • Built out our go-to-market and customer success teams
  • leveraged our flexible architecture to rapidly adapt to the evolving needs of ESG teams and frameworks

What measurable positive impact does your technology or approach have on the environment? Can you provide specific examples or key figures?

Briink helps accelerate climate action by dramatically reducing the time and cost of ESG and sustainability assessments, enabling companies to monitor and improve environmental performance at scale.

Our clients use Briink to assess hundreds to thousands of suppliers or portfolio companies, identifying risks such as missing emissions disclosures, non-aligned climate targets, or unsustainable sourcing practices, all within hours instead of weeks. For example:

One client reduced manual review time by 80%, enabling their team to reallocate efforts toward decarbonization strategy. Another used Briink to screen over 1,000 supplier reports for key ESG risks in less than two weeks, a process that would have taken months manually.

By improving data quality and consistency, our tools also help prevent greenwashing, ensuring that sustainability claims are evidence-based and auditable.

The broader environmental impact: faster identification of risks, more accountability in supply chains, and better decisions on where to focus sustainability investments. In a world where climate disclosure is becoming mandatory, our technology enables compliance (and action) at scale.

Where do you see your startup in the next three to five years? What long-term sustainability goals are you pursuing?

In the next 3–5 years, we aim to establish Briink as the leading AI platform for ESG analysis and verification, powering thousands of assessments each month across advisory, financial, and supply chain ecosystems.

We envision a future where ESG data is no longer a bottleneck, but a real-time, verifiable asset, enabling better decisions, stronger compliance, and faster action on climate goals. Our long-term goal is to make high-quality ESG analysis accessible at scale, so that companies of all sizes can transition toward sustainability with confidence.

How do you perceive the competitive landscape in the ESG GreenTech sector? What opportunities and challenges do you see specifically for startups?

The GreenTech sector is growing rapidly, driven by regulation, investor pressure, and a global push for sustainability. While the market is becoming more crowded, especially in areas like carbon accounting and ESG data aggregation, we see a major gap in domain-specific AI solutions that can handle unstructured, high-volume ESG data with precision and traceability.

For startups like Briink, the key opportunity lies in agility: we can move faster than incumbents to build flexible, AI-native infrastructure tailored to ESG use cases. We’re also seeing growing demand from large firms for specialized, verifiable tools, especially in supply chain risk, reporting automation, and ESG assurance.

The main challenges are:

  • Long sales cycles with enterprise clients
  • Navigating a still-maturing regulatory landscape
  • Competing against generic AI tools that may promise a lot but lack ESG depth or explainability

Startups that combine technical excellence, regulatory relevance, and vertical focus will be well-positioned. For Briink, that means staying close to our customers, building high-performance ESG workflows, and proving impact at scale. Not just potential.

What role do partnerships and collaborations with other companies, research institutions, or organizations play in your success? Are there any specific examples?

Partnerships are essential to Briink’s growth and impact. Our platform is designed to complement, not replace, existing tools in the ESG ecosystem, which is why we invest heavily in API-based integrations with key players in the space.

We work closely with partners like Novata, Positive Luxury, and Holtara to embed our AI capabilities directly into their platforms, enabling clients to automate ESG assessments and verification within the systems they already use. These collaborations help us scale our reach, adapt to diverse workflows, and co-create solutions that meet real-world demands.

We also stay connected to the research community through our involvement in Climate Change AI, ensuring our development remains grounded in both cutting-edge research and practical ESG challenges.

How are you financing your growth? What milestones have you already achieved, and what further funding rounds are you potentially planning?

We’ve financed our growth through over €7 million in funding from leading venture capital funds and angel investors who share our vision of using AI to accelerate the sustainability transition.

This funding has enabled us to:

  • Develop and launch our AI-powered ESG platform and modular API infrastructure
  • Onboard over 100 enterprise clients across advisory, audit, financial services, and supply chain
  • Build integrations and partnerships with key players such as Baker Tilly, Continental, Holtara, Positive Luxury, and others. 
  • Scale large, production-level deployments and establish strong product-market fit
  • Grow a highly skilled team across AI, engineering, product, sales, and customer success

As we continue to expand internationally and deepen our enterprise footprint, we are planning to raise a Series A round to accelerate product development, hiring, and strategic partnerships.

How does the current regulatory environment in the ESG GreenTech sector affect your business activities? Do you see opportunities or challenges here?

Regulation is a clear driver of demand for our solution. The emergence of ESG disclosure requirements (particularly in the EU through frameworks like CSRD and CSDDD) is pushing companies to gather, verify, and report ESG data at a level of scale and rigor that manual processes simply can’t handle.

That said, recent developments, such as uncertainty around aspects of the Omnibus directive, highlight the importance of flexibility. The ESG landscape is evolving, and our modular, adaptive AI architecture is designed to keep up, allowing us to respond quickly to change and support clients regardless of how regulations develop.

At the same time, this regulatory tightening validates our mission: helping organizations automate ESG workflows, improve data quality, and reduce the burden of compliance.

What importance do you attach to participating in events like the GreenTech Festival for the development of your startup? What specific benefits – for example, in terms of networking, visibility, or new partnerships – do you expect or have you already experienced?

Events like GTF are invaluable. They offer direct access to decision-makers, potential partners, and fellow innovators. For us, it’s not just about visibility, it’s about staying close to the pulse of the market, getting real-time feedback, and forming the connections that turn into long-term collaborations.

What personally motivated you to found a ESG GreenTech startup? What passion drives you?

My co-founder and I had been building AI tools for years, particularly in high-stakes, document-heavy industries like audit and assurance. Around the time the EU Green Deal was gaining momentum, we realized that ESG and sustainability were becoming the foundation of a new knowledge economy. Unfortunately, the tools available to those doing the work were outdated, manual, and painfully slow.

What motivated us wasn’t just the technology, it was the chance to apply AI where it actually matters. The climate crisis is the defining challenge of our time, and there’s no energy transition, no net-zero future, without radical improvements in transparency, accountability, and data quality.

What drives me personally is the belief that if we can make ESG analysis faster, cheaper, and more reliable, we can unlock impact at scale; Helping thousands of professionals make better decisions, hold companies accountable, and accelerate the shift to a more sustainable economy.

Briink is our way of turning that conviction into action.

What important experiences have you gained so far in founding and building your ESG GreenTech startup? What advice would you give to other founders in this field?

One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is that building in GreenTech requires both domain credibility and adaptability. ESG is a complex, evolving field, and earning the trust of clients like auditors, financial institutions, or supply chain teams means going deep on their workflows and understanding the nuances of regulation, not just building good tech.

We also learned that speed matters, but alignment matters more. Some of our biggest wins came not from chasing short-term revenue, but from working closely with forward-thinking partners who saw us as long-term collaborators. That patience and focus has been crucial.

For other founders in this space, my advice is:

  • Pick a real pain point, don’t just ride the ESG wave, solve something specific and painful.
  • Talk to users constantly — their feedback will shape your product far more than any roadmap.
  • Build for flexibility, the regulatory and political landscape will shift; your tech and business model need to adapt with it.
  • Most of all: stay mission-driven. Climate and sustainability work is hard and often slow, but it’s some of the most meaningful work you can do as a founder.

The GreenTech sector is moving from a phase of experimentation to scale. In the next few years, we’ll see sustainability shift from a niche function to a core part of business operations, driven by regulation, investor pressure, and competitive advantage. Three trends stand out:

Data accountability and verification will become central. Companies won’t just report ESG data, they’ll need to prove it. That’s why AI-powered solutions that offer traceability, auditability, and precision will play a major role in scaling sustainability efforts.

Supply chain transparency is emerging as a critical focus. Companies will need tools that go beyond their own operations and help them assess ESG risks deep into their supplier networks.

Automation of ESG workflows will accelerate. The scale and complexity of ESG reporting requirements make manual approaches unsustainable. We expect to see a wave of agent-based systems and vertical AI tools purpose-built for sustainability professionals.

Overall, the GreenTech sector will evolve from compliance-focused tools to decision-enabling infrastructure, and the winners will be those who can combine technical excellence with deep domain insight.

In your opinion, what makes the GreenTech Festival a particularly valuable platform for GreenTech startups compared to other events? Are there specific aspects you would like to highlight?

GTF brings together a unique mix of corporates, innovators, and policymakers, which is rare. It’s one of the few events where you can spark a commercial partnership and a regulatory insight in the same day. That blend of strategic and practical conversations is what makes it stand out, and why we’re always excited to attend.

Photo/Source: Briink

Polestar 0 Project: Driving Climate-Neutral Mobility

By
Markus Elsässer
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0
polestar-0-project-sustainable-mobility Frederika Klarèn in front of a Polestar vehicle in a white Produktion hall!

Polestar has emerged as a trailblazer in the automotive industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable mobility. In this interview, Fredrika Klarèn shares how Polestar’s bold climate vision—anchored by the Polestar 0 project—is reshaping the future of electric vehicles through innovation, transparency, and uncompromising design.

Fredrika, Polestar has established itself as a leader in sustainable mobility with ambitious goals like the Polestar 0 project. Could you start by giving us an overview of Polestar’s sustainability vision and the core principles guiding your work?

Polestar aims to become a fully climate-neutral company by 2040, with the Polestar 0 project at its core: the goal is to develop a truly climate-neutral car by 2030, without relying on carbon offsets. Our sustainability strategy focuses on elimination of emissions, transparency, and integrating sustainability with design and innovation – without compromising any of these elements.

Inside a Polestar Vehicle from the right side you see the seats, Dashboard and Steering wheel!

The Polestar 0 project aims to create a truly climate-neutral car by 2030. What key milestones have been achieved so far, and what are the biggest technical and systemic challenges you still face?

We’ve already reduced greenhouse gas emissions per vehicle sold by 25 % since 2020. Through three years of research, we’ve shown that about 10 tons of CO₂ can be eliminated from a car like the Polestar 2, primarily through innovations in steel and aluminium. Major challenges remain in finding climate-neutral solutions for electronics, plastics, and chemicals. Beyond 2030, the path to further emission cuts is still uncertain, which is why we continue to invest heavily in research and partnerships. 

Polestar has embraced ‘transparency’ by publishing lifecycle assessments and revealing emissions data. How has this impacted consumer trust and industry expectations – and what have been the most challenging or rewarding aspects of implementing this approach?

Transparency has helped us build trust with consumers and encourages a more informed, critical approach to vehicle choice. Publishing life cycle assessments and emissions data empowers buyers to ask questions and demand better from the industry. The biggest challenge is collecting accurate, traceable data across complex supply chains—but the reward is real accountability and a stronger relationship with our community.

The automotive supply chain is notoriously complex. What specific strategies is Polestar using to promote ethical labour practices and environmental responsibility – and what have been the most valuable lessons learned along the way?

We identify and monitor risk materials in our supply chain and prioritize due diligence. Transparency is fundamental – achieved through supply chain mapping, certifications, and traceability tools. For high-risk materials like cobalt, lithium, nickel, and mica, we use blockchain technology to verify sourcing and ensure ethical and environmental standards are met.

Inside a Polestar Vehicle Steering wheel and Dashboard!

You’ve partnered with companies like Bcomp, SSAB, and Norsk Hydro to innovate around sustainable materials. How do such collaborations contribute to Polestar’s mission, and how do you ensure these innovations meet performance and safety standards?

Collaborations are essential to our sustainability efforts. Working with material suppliers and research institutions helps us co-develop innovative solutions that reduce emissions while meeting high standards for safety and performance. These partnerships enable us to explore new materials and technologies, particularly in areas like metals, composites, and interior design, which are critical to lowering a vehicle’s climate impact. Not only we benefit from this, but also our partners and hopefully soon the entire industry far beyond cars.

Polestar is exploring blockchain to improve material traceability. Can you share how this technology is being used – and perhaps provide a concrete example of its application and benefits?

We use blockchain to trace battery materials like cobalt, lithium, nickel, and mica. It provides verifiable data on sourcing and allows us to take corrective action if supply chain practices fall short of our standards. This transparency ensures accountability and supports ethical sourcing at scale.

Polestar Vehicle in the production line in a plant!

Polestar is known for sleek design and performance. How do you balance these brand-defining qualities with sustainability imperatives – especially when they occasionally conflict?

At Polestar, we believe design and sustainability complement each other. We strive to integrate both without compromise. One example is our knit upholstery: it’s visually striking, performance-oriented, and made from recycled materials with minimal waste. This material was developed collaboratively with a Swedish School of Textiles, showing how design, innovation, and sustainability can reinforce one another.

What role does battery recycling and second-life use play in your sustainability roadmap? How is Polestar building a circular system for electric vehicle components?

Battery circularity is critical. Together with Volvo, we’ve set up battery centres to explore ways to repair, remanufacture, and recycle batteries. We are also designing cars to make recycling easier. Our goal is to maximize the reuse of materials and prepare for the future when large volumes of used EV batteries return for processing. But it is also important to remember that the lifespan of a battery in a car itself already exceeds the 200,000 km mark.

Polestar Vehicle in the production line in a plant!

What is Polestar’s current stance on e-fuels in the context of sustainable mobility – and do you foresee any role for them in your long-term strategy?

At Polestar, we’re fully committed to electrification as the most effective path toward climate-neutral mobility. While e-fuels are being explored by others in the industry, they’re not part of our core strategy. Our focus is on eliminating emissions at the source, rather than compensating for them. That said, we do look at alternative low-emission solutions in areas where electrification isn’t yet feasible. For instance, we’ve started using renewable biofuels in our ocean freight operations. It’s a practical step that fits into our broader climate roadmap.

Polestar’s LCAs have shown emission improvements in newer vehicle models. What specific changes have contributed to those gains – and how do you see this trend evolving with your next generation of cars?

Emission reductions have largely come from material improvements – especially in steel and aluminium – as well as increased recycled content and more efficient design. The focus has been on reducing production-related emissions, which is where most of a vehicle’s carbon footprint lies. We have already been able to reduce emissions from our vehicles by 25 %.

Polestar Vehicle in the production line in a plant with working welding robots

You’ve emphasized that sustainability must be embedded into the business model, not bolted on. How has this mindset influenced Polestar’s internal decision-making and corporate culture?

Sustainability isn’t treated as an add-on at Polestar – it’s one of three core pillars, alongside design and innovation. This holistic approach challenges teams across all departments but also creates synergy. It ensures that sustainability considerations are embedded in product development, supply chain decisions, and strategic direction.

Polestar has called for greater cooperation across the auto industry to reach climate targets. What steps are you taking to drive collective action, and where do you see the greatest opportunity for shared progress?

We know we can’t do this alone. That’s why we actively call for collaboration across the entire automotive industry. A great example is the Polestar 0 project, where we’re inviting partners from academia, material science, and even competing OEMs to join forces in developing truly climate-neutral materials. We’re all going to need these solutions – so it’s essential that we build them together.

To support this, we launched the Mission 0 House – a collaborative research platform designed to bring together innovators, scientists, and companies willing to contribute to this mission. It’s not just a lab; it’s an open invitation. We’re still missing partners in areas like electronics, plastics, and chemicals, and the Mission Zero House is a fantastic opportunity for them to get involved and accelerate progress.

Shared progress will come from transparency, openness, and collective innovation. We want to lead by example – and we welcome anyone who shares our vision to join us on this journey.

Polestar Vehicle in the production line in a plant!

What role do you believe consumers play in accelerating the transition to climate-neutral mobility – and how does Polestar engage its community to foster that sense of responsibility?

Consumers are vital in accelerating the shift to climate-neutral mobility. By sharing data transparently and communicating openly, we hope to raise awareness and make buyers more selective. We want them to ask tough questions and drive demand for more sustainable vehicles – not just from us, but from the entire industry.

You previously held sustainability roles at IKEA and KappAhl. How have those experiences shaped your leadership style and your approach to driving change in the automotive industry?

My experience at IKEA and KappAhl deeply shaped my view on sustainability. At IKEA for example, I learned to embed sustainability into every business area, making it a core value. Coming to automotive from fashion, I was also very positively surprised about how recyclable a car and also a battery is. I mean, in theory, you can pick apart a car and a battery and extract so much components and materials to reuse and recycle.

polestar-0-project-sustainable-mobility Frederika Klarèn in front of a Polestar vehicle in a Polestar Showroom!

Looking ahead, what emerging technologies or innovations excite you most – and what makes them especially promising for advancing Polestar’s sustainability goals?

I’m motivated by curiosity and the drive to solve problems. Sustainability is constantly evolving, and I’m excited to work with passionate colleagues at Polestar who are actively addressing the climate crisis. For example, I’ve learned that larger batteries can be better when used for energy storage, challenging old assumptions. This agility is key to advancing Polestar’s sustainability goals.

Photo/Source: Polestar

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