The Tech Tour Energy & Decarbonisation 2024 programme, set against the dynamic backdrop of Europe's energy capital Essen in Germany on 26-27 November 2024, united a dynamic network of innovators, investors, and thought leaders dedicated to advancing solutions for energy transition and decarbonisation. Designed to foster meaningful partnerships and impactful investments, this year’s programme served as a vital catalyst for Europe’s sustainable transformation.
The two-day event showcased 80+ selected growth companies at the forefront of energy and decarbonisation innovation, meticulously chosen by a panel of active investors and industry experts. Attendees benefited from engaging pitching sessions, inspiring keynote addresses, and over 500+ One-to-One Meetings, creating a fertile ground for collaboration that can redefine the future of clean energy.
Spotlighting Leaders in Energy Innovation
Among a range of top-notch participants, fourteen companies were awarded for their innovative solutions. Here are the award winners:
Alva Industries is using their patented FiberPrinting technology to develop best-in-class electric motors for a variety of applications. Within the next 10 years, ALVA aim to become a leading supplier of motor technology for applications such as robotics, drones, and transportation (incl automotive, electric boats, and e-aviation).
Dryad Networks GmbH provides ultra-early detection of wildfires as well as health & growth-monitoring of forests using solar-powered gas sensors in a large-scale IoT sensor network. Dryad aims to reduce unwanted wildfires, which cause up to 20% of global CO2 emissions and have a devastating impact on biodiversity. By 2030, Dryad aims to prevent 3.9m hectares of forest from burning, preventing 1.7bn tonnes of CO2 emissions.
EH Group Engineering is focused on the design and production of its unique stack technology. It offers market leading power density, greater efficiencies, and a unique assembly process which radically reduces its costs. Main market focus is stationary (data centers), marine and aviation where we have important collaborations with industry leaders. Stack technology ALSO delivers strong performances in HTPEM and electrolyser mode - and with the same unique production process leads to radical cost reductions.
Electrochaea GmbH produces clean, renewable synthetic methane (BioCat Methane) by combining renewable energy and carbon dioxide, using a patented biocatalyst. Their technology offers cost-effective, flexible energy storage and seamlessly integrates with existing gas infrastructure, enabling large-scale decarbonization across industries and transportation.
Elonroad offers a cutting-edge electric vehicle charging solution combining static and conductive dynamic charging to meet the high demands of industrial and logistics environments. Our technology ensures reliable and seamless charging, maximizing uptime and operational efficiency for electric fleets in ports, container terminals, and other dynamic settings. With a focus on smart infrastructure, Elonroad's solution supports a sustainable transition by reducing operational costs and enabling continuous power access, empowering companies to lead in the future of clean, efficient logistic.
GAFT - Green Air Fuel Technology produces sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by converting renewable energy and various feedstocks into a storable, high-quality liquid fuel through an innovative fermentation process. Combining expertise in energy, biotech, and electrochemistry, GAFT aims to revolutionize aviation fuel production with scalable, flexible, and commercially viable solutions.
Jolt Solutions srl delivers a 21st-century breakthrough in catalysis and protective coatings with its SPARKFUZE process, providing greener, cost-effective, and durable electrodes for electrolyser and battery producers. By modernizing this overlooked core technology, Jolt enables scalable green hydrogen production and industrial decarbonization, with its first 4 GW clean factory launching in 2024.
KRAFTBLOCK provides high-temperature thermal energy storage systems that convert low-cost or green electricity into heat up to 1,300°C, enabling industries to decarbonize their heat processes. Using a unique, highly efficient storage material made from 85% recycled content, Kraftblock cuts emissions by supplying adaptable, sustainable heat solutions for industrial applications.
phelas provides a sustainable, scalable, and modular electricity storage solution to enable 100% renewable energy worldwide. With a unique design that is cost-effective and containerized, Phelas bridges the gap in industrial-scale energy storage, ensuring reliable power when solar and wind resources are unavailable.
PowerUp Fuel Cells produces and sells top-tier hydrogen fuel cell-based battery capacity extenders and PEM fuel cells. The proprietary technology of the Estonian startup is in use by telecoms, security & defence, construction and healthcare sectors —all with zero CO2 emissions. These lightweight, silent, low-maintenance UP® solutions are pivotal in the global shift towards net-zero goals amidst climate change. The company's innovations are rooted in its founders’ 17 years of scientific research. PowerUP is not just a product, but a sustainable power revolution.
Skytree develops smart, scalable solutions to capture, utilize, and store atmospheric CO₂, contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet. Leveraging technology originally designed for astronauts on the International Space Station, Skytree transforms CO₂ management with innovative applications here on Earth.
SpinDrive enhances industrial energy efficiency with its active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems, increasing equipment efficiency by at least 15% and reducing maintenance costs by 80%. With a maintenance-free, oil-free design and built-in condition monitoring, SpinDrive helps OEMs unlock new markets, lower lifecycle costs by 35%, and achieve rapid ROI with a 1-year payback time.
SunGreenH2 is an award-winning company building the world’s highest performance electrolysis technology that doubles H2 production to lower the cost of green hydrogen for deep decarbonization in industry, mobility and energy storage. Our ground breaking proprietary technology is the result of over 10 years of research in nanotechnology and electrochemistry. The company is serving the global electrolyzer market from its base in Singapore and Melbourne.
Voltfang GmbH produces environmentally friendly and profitable battery storage systems from 2nd-life batteries for SMEs and industry. With our sustainable storage, excess energy, especially renewable energy from PV systems, can be stored. Our energy storage system helps to cut unnecessary load peaks and enables intelligent use of electricity. This increases the self-sufficiency of our customers and allows for significant cost reduction as well as a reduction in the ecological footprint. We offer comprehensive testing, data analysis, and monitoring of the storage modules to ensure safety and a long lifespan of our storage systems.
A Platform for Growth and Collaboration
The Tech Tour Energy & Decarbonisation 2024 programme highlighted the critical role of startups, investors, and corporate leaders in addressing global energy challenges. Through innovation in clean technologies, energy efficiency, and decarbonisation, the event underscored the transformative potential of collaboration to achieve Europe’s sustainability goals.
This year’s event was co-hosted by BRYCK, with valuable support from partners including EWG - Essen Economic Development Agency, DWNRW, NRW Bank, and Bryan Garnier. Bronze partners such as Evonik, RAG-Stiftung, and ZAZ also played a pivotal role in bringing this programme to life, along with supporting partner D2XCEL.
Looking Ahead
The massive success of the Tech Tour Energy & Decarbonisation 2024 reflects the growing momentum behind clean energy innovation and the shared commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. As we look to the future, we remain focused on fostering strategic connections that drive progress toward a greener, more sustainable world.
Stay tuned for updates from the Tech Tour community as we continue to spotlight transformative innovations in energy, decarbonisation, and beyond. To explore upcoming events or gain insights into emerging trends, subscribe to our newsletter below and be part of the journey toward a sustainable tomorrow.
