Swiss climate-tech startup SolidWatts has closed a $2.2 million seed funding round to commercialize its industrial heating technology. The investment will help scale its platform and launch pilot projects aimed at decarbonizing energy-intensive sectors. The round drew support from new and existing investors, including Evercurious VC, Kickfund, and Uni.Fund.
A Novel Approach to Industrial Heating
SolidWatts is developing a solid-state Radio Frequency (RF) platform to replace conventional fossil fuel heating systems. Its technology uses dielectric heating, generating electromagnetic waves that heat materials directly from within, similar to a microwave oven. This method offers a more targeted and efficient alternative to traditional industrial boilers and furnaces.
The system's primary advantage is its high energy efficiency, converting over 80% of electricity directly into usable heating power. This direct energy transfer significantly reduces heat loss to surrounding infrastructure, improving overall process performance. The solid-state design also minimizes maintenance needs and ensures high uptime for industrial operators.
Addressing a Critical Decarbonization Challenge
The company's innovation targets one of the most persistent challenges in climate technology: industrial process heating. This sector accounts for 20% of global energy demand and is responsible for roughly 10% of worldwide CO₂ emissions. Decarbonizing these processes has remained a significant hurdle for industries seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.
SolidWatts projects a substantial environmental impact, estimating that electrifying just 1% of these processes could cut CO₂ emissions by 36 million tonnes annually. This reduction is equivalent to removing nearly 7.8 million cars from the road each year. The technology provides a tangible pathway for heavy industry to achieve meaningful emissions reductions.
Strategic Investment and Market Entry
The funding round demonstrated strong investor confidence, with continued participation from early backers like Evercurious VC and Kickfund. They were joined by a new cohort of investors, including Uni.Fund, Investing for Purpose, and Loggerhead Ventures. This diverse support underscores the technology's potential to address a critical market need.
Dr. George Georgiadis of Evercurious VC highlighted the technology's importance for industrial resilience and energy independence. He stated the investment supports a European hard-tech champion capable of solving real-world problems on a global scale. This backing reflects a mission to foster innovators who can drive a clear path from fossil fuels.
With this new capital, SolidWatts plans to advance its platform to higher power levels suitable for large-scale industrial applications. The company will also initiate pilot programs with key partners seeking to electrify their heating processes. These steps are crucial for validating the technology and preparing for a full market launch.
From Scientific Research to Industrial Application
The company's technology stems from advanced scientific research, founded in 2022 by Dr. Markus Aicheler. He drew inspiration from high-power RF systems used in experiments at CERN, adapting the principles for industrial energy applications. This transition from pure science to commercial technology highlights a powerful innovation pathway.
This $2.2 million seed investment marks a pivotal moment for SolidWatts, providing resources to transition its technology from development to commercial application. By targeting the difficult-to-abate sector of industrial heat, the company is poised to contribute significantly to global decarbonization efforts. The strong investor backing signals growing confidence in hardware-based solutions to tackle pressing climate challenges.