Qkera receives seven-figure pre-seed financing

The Munich-based battery material start-up Qkera has successfully completed a seven-figure pre-seed financing round. The round was led by the European CleanTech investor InnoEnergy. The investment was also supported by UnternehmerTUM Funding for Innovators and several strategic business angels. Qkera intends to use the capital to drive forward the industrial validation of its technology and prepare for the production of large-scale prototypes.

Innovation from TUM and MIT research

Qkera is a spin-off of the Technical University of Munich and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The company is working on next-generation ceramic solid electrolytes that will play a key role in the further development of lithium-ion batteries. The technology is based on over six years of research at both universities.

The Startuip has developed a chemical process that makes it possible to produce thin and flexible ceramic membranes in a single, energy-efficient step. In contrast to previous methods, this process does not require energy-intensive high-temperature sintering. As a result, the electrolytes can be produced more cost-effectively and on a larger scale, which overcomes a key hurdle in battery production.

We have found a solution to what is probably the most important weak point in the battery industry: Scalability and cost

Dr. Andreas Weis, Managing Director Qkera

With the current financing, the team plans to transfer the production process to larger formats and conclude initial development agreements with industrial partners.

Investors rely on European battery expertise

In addition to InnoEnergy, several renowned industry experts participated in the financing round, including former Osram and Aixtron CEO Martin Götzeler, LMU nanoscientist Professor Thomas Bein and Dr. Andreas Kohl, formerly with Apple. To support the next phase of growth, Peter Schuhmacher, former President of BASF's battery materials division, has also been appointed as a strategic advisor and board member.

Christian Bauer, Managing Director DACH at InnoEnergy, sees Qkera's technology as a potential breakthrough for solid-state batteries. The electrolyte component developed by Qkera offers a higher energy density, shorter charging times and greater flexibility. These are decisive advantages for applications in electromobility as well as in consumer electronics.

Contribution to European energy independence

With its technology, Qkera is helping to strengthen European supply chains and increase energy independence. The company is developing a drop-in product that can be seamlessly integrated into existing and future battery architectures. This not only improves the performance and safety of the batteries, but also makes production processes more efficient.

Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Professor Jennifer Rupp emphasizes the importance of the partnership with InnoEnergy. The latter's broad network and experience in the European energy sector are crucial to bringing Qkera's technology to market maturity. Together, they want to strengthen the European battery industry and make it more competitive in the long term.

Next steps on the path to industrialization

Qkera is already in talks with several major car manufacturers and battery producers in Europe. Initial market validation is underway and a patent family has already been registered. Further patents are in preparation.

The company plans to set up a pilot line by 2026 to demonstrate the industrial production of its solid electrolytes. With the combination of scientific excellence, industrial support and targeted funding, Qkera aims to bring the next generation of powerful, safe and sustainable energy storage systems to series production.