Energy startup obtains CHF 100’000

EH Group has developed and patented a hydrogen fuel cell made from stainless-steel plates, resulting in a lighter, more resistant system than conventional cells. Thanks to their advanced design, they can generate power at a cost of under CHF 100 per kilowatt and are much cheaper to produce. The firm has teamed up with EPFL to develop innovative coatings for its systems that would result in even more robust and efficient models.

The fuel cells can already be used to power lightweight vehicles like bicycles and scooters. The real potential, however, lies in the automotive and freight industries where they could help larger vehicles like cars, buses, trucks and cargo ships to operate more efficiently. Conventional lithium-ion batteries are not suited for them due to their weight and cost.

In addition to the recent selection to join the European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre Switzerland program (ESA BIC) where it will receive CHF50’000 every six months for two years, EH Group has received CHF 100’000 from the FIT Tech Seed loan. The new funds will enable the startup to finalize a commercial prototype of its system, which will be tested with customers to further enhance the design.

“The funding from FIT comes at a pivotal time because it will let us finish our prototype and demonstrate its feasibility for large-scale applications,” says Christopher Brandon, one of EH Group’s founders.