For the fifth time, the Start-up competition Energy Startup Bavaria took place. As part of the event, startups working on innovative concepts in the energy sector receive an award. Under this year's motto "Creative and Innovative for Bavaria," three startups prevailed from 66 applications. Munich-based companies Tozero and Qkera took second and third place, respectively. Cellcircle from Randersacker in Lower Franconia took the top spot.
Tozero recovers critical materials from battery waste and reintegrates them into the battery supply chain. Its proprietary hydrometallurgical process avoids the use of strong acids, eliminates waste streams, and reduces CO2 emissions. The startup offers high-quality lithium and graphite recovery, thus providing a sustainable solution for the battery industry. For its second-place finish, Tozero secured €5,000 in prize money.
Qkera Qkera is developing solid-state electrolytes for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. This enables the startup to bring safer, more powerful batteries with higher energy density to the mass market at affordable prices. The technology is an innovative and scalable approach for synthesizing ceramic oxide solid-state electrolytes that can be integrated into existing battery production processes. As third-place finisher, Qkera received a €3,000 prize.
The Energy Startup Bavaria competition is a joint initiative of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Bayern Innovativ, Baystartup, Bayernwerk, the Association of the Bavarian Energy and Water Industry (VBEW) and the Austrian Verbund AG.
Rainer Sessner, Managing Director of Bayern Innovativ, emphasized:
"With the 'Energy Startup Bavaria 2024' competition, we are sending a strong signal about the importance of courage and innovative spirit for groundbreaking developments. The award-winning startups impressively demonstrate how creative ideas and a pioneering spirit contribute to actively shaping the energy transition. Bayern Innovativ sees itself as a platform and driving force that supports these visions and accompanies them on their path to market maturity."
