Oreltech

Why did you found your start-up, what problem are you addressing and how are you solving it?

We have developed a new technology for applying metallic layers to surfaces. Electrodes are an elementary component of electronics, but the methods used to produce them, especially printed electronics, are no longer up to date. Processes at high temperatures destroy a large number of possible substrates, which severely limits the choice of substrates. In addition, the price of materials is a major problem, as the price of the electrodes often accounts for up to 80% of the total price of electronics. Our technology addresses both problems and enables a more cost-efficient way to produce electronics. Unlike other conductive inks, OrelTech's inks are not based on nanoparticles but are ionic solutions. This allows much thinner layers to be produced, resulting in higher conductivity, flexibility, transparency and less material consumption. Our printed layers are then cured with cold plasma, which guarantees that no temperatures above 70°C are present throughout the process.

What is special about your business model, what do you do differently?

Our product is fundamentally different from existing products. With our inks, we achieve a significant reduction in production costs. Our inks also ensure long-term energy savings and less waste, as no liquid or solid waste is produced during plasma curing. Our products are therefore much more environmentally friendly.

Our inks are compatible with all known printing techniques, such as inkjet or aerospray, and can be applied to almost any surface, from glass to paper and plastics such as PET to textiles.

Of course, every surface is a little different, so we offer our customers customized inks.

What were the biggest challenges you had to overcome at the beginning?

The biggest challenges were, on the one hand, establishing a company from academic research into industry. And on the other hand, establishing the company in a foreign country.

What has been your greatest success so far?

Our greatest success so far has been developing a successful start-up from an idea. We are also proud to have built up an international team in a foreign culture.

What is the next challenge for you?

Our next goal is to successfully enter the market. On the one hand, it is important that we increase our company's presence and achieve greater awareness of our company. On the other hand, we are currently working on scaling up our production so that it is suitable for mass production.

What would you recommend to other founders?

If you are happy with your product, invest time and effort in a well-functioning marketing and sales team.

Where did you meet as a team?

The co-founders, Natalia and Konstantin, met at the Weizmann Institute in Israel as part of their PhD. We got to know the other employees at various chemistry events and in the Berlin start-up scene.

If you could start all over again, would you do it the same way?

All in all, definitely. The move to Berlin in particular was definitely the right one, as there is no market for our products in Israel.

Where do you see yourselves in 3 years?

In 3 years, we want to have entered some niche markets, such as the gold ink market. We also want to participate in larger markets. We also want to further expand our team and have developed a pilot series.

Do you have a role model and if so, who is it?

We don't have a specific role model. However, ever since we developed a disruptive product with OrelTech, we have admired people and companies who are not afraid to integrate new technologies into their companies.

If an investor gave you €500,000, what would you do with the money?

500,000 is only a small investment for a young start-up with a technical focus. We would use it to automate and digitalize internal processes, e.g. CRM. In addition, we would expand our team to further advance our company.

Who is the superbrain in your team and what is his or her superpower?

Our Commercial Director Marie is definitely our superbrain. Her superpower is that she is super focused and super organized.