Former expert at Volvocars joins Bcomp

The Swiss startup Bcomp is developing high-performance semi-finished products made from natural fibre composites such as ampliTex flax fabrics. By replacing aluminium, carbon- or glass fibre composites, the startup makes structures more efficient in regards to weight, rigidity, shock absorption, and damping. Thanks to their innovative technology, Bcomp natural fibre material have been used in various products for the sports and leisure market such as skis, snowboards, surfboards, canoes and guitars.

For three years now, the startup has been taking course towards the automotive industry. Bcomp developed «PowerRibs and ampliTex» as a high performance and cost-efficient bio-based alternative to traditional automotive components. These also allow to cut up to 40% weight with maintained performance. As a new player in this industry, the startup attracted strong players as partners including Leilani Münter, a female US car racer and environmental activist, and the Tesla-based Electric GT World Series.

Bcomp was contracted by Electric GT to develop products that would replace some of the traditional carbon fibre panels in the Electric GT racing car. Bcomp has already reached some milestones for the racing car. The startup announced a new technology at the Electric GT: a revolutionary LED system within the natural fibres which can create a display for live data and telemetry on the outer body of the racing car. The special panels was put into action at the first ever public test of the Electric GT racing car at the inaugural Day of Light at Pau E-Circuit on November 18 of the previous year.

Former Volvo expert joins Bcomp
Now Bcomp has taken an important step towards conquering the mass market. To further strengthen its position in the Automative industry, Bcomp has appointed Per Mårtensson, the former technical expert for structural composites at Volvo Cars, as the Chief Sales Officer. At Volvo, Mårtensson was responsible for supporting the organization in the area of composites and developing long term strategies for the area. Parallel to this position he worked with the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology in conducting research on the financial and technical aspects of implementation of structural composites in automotive applications. Now, as a CSO of Bcomp, Mårtensson brings his know-how to support the startup in reaching its goals and to meet its customer needs.

(Ran)