Swiss BTRY Raises 5.7M for Solid-State Cell Scaling

BTRY AG, a Swiss deep-tech spin-off from Empa and ETH Zurich, is at the forefront of developing ultra-thin solid-state lithium-ion batteries tailored for next-generation electronics where size, safety, and durability are paramount. These thin-film cells are specifically designed for applications like connected smart labels, high-temperature industrial sensors, MedTech devices, and compact wearables, addressing the limitations often encountered with conventional lithium-ion batteries such as bulkiness, heat sensitivity, and safety concerns.

The company recently announced the successful closure of a $5.7 million oversubscribed seed round aimed at expediting the transition from laboratory-scale production to industrial roll-to-roll manufacturing. This strategic move is geared towards refining its thin-film solid-state battery technology for commercial viability and seamless integration into cutting-edge devices that demand compact, reliable, and high-performance power sources.

Funding to Propel Transition to Industrial Production

The infusion of capital from the seed round will be channeled towards establishing robust industrial manufacturing processes, expanding production capacity, and securing offtake agreements with initial customers. The primary objective is to evolve the technology from research-grade prototypes to consistent, scalable production suitable for widespread device integration.

Dr. Moritz Futscher, CEO and Co-Founder of BTRY AG, expressed his confidence in the oversubscribed round, citing strong investor support from seasoned deep-tech and industrial backers. Collaborating closely with this international consortium is expected to facilitate the transformation of top-tier research into a market-ready product.

Advantages in Performance and Miniaturization

BTRY’s thin-film cells leverage solid-state manufacturing techniques rooted in semiconductor processing. By eliminating the liquid electrolyte, these batteries are non-flammable and boast a starting thickness of just 0.1 mm. Operating at temperatures up to 150°C, they are well-suited for industrial environments where traditional cells often falter. Additionally, the cells can be charged in approximately one minute and can power wireless transmissions directly without the need for an external capacitor.

Mohamed Foulser, Investment Director at Redstone VC, highlighted the readiness of potential customers with next-generation solutions like active badges in logistics, underscoring the demand for small, powerful, and safe batteries — precisely what BTRY offers. The company is poised to set a new benchmark for high-performance energy storage, with the backing of investors who recognize its potential to revolutionize the industry.

Commitment to Sustainability and European Manufacturing

In addition to performance benefits, BTRY places a strong emphasis on sustainability in its manufacturing processes. The company employs a solvent-free production approach that significantly reduces chemical handling and material waste, steering clear of binders, liquid electrolytes, and complex packaging associated with traditional lithium-ion cells. This streamlined thin-film design also reduces the number of layers in each cell, thereby lowering resource consumption and paving the way for future recyclability.

Recognition at Electronica Fast Forward 2024

At Electronica 2024 in Munich, BTRY clinched the second position in the Fast Forward competition powered by Elektor, signaling the escalating demand for compact, high-performance batteries in IoT, MedTech, and consumer electronics. The company showcased its technology at a sponsored central booth, attracting interest from multinational electronics manufacturers and emerging hardware developers alike. Discussions revolved around integrating the ultra-thin cells into various products such as sensor networks, surgical tools, and wearables, bolstering commercial momentum as BTRY advances towards industrial-scale production.