The technological basis for Valoron arose directly from scientific work at the Chair of Energy Systems at TUM. “The idea is based on decades of research in gasification technologies and waste utilization,” explains co-founder Sebastian Bastek. The spin-off impetus came from participating in the first TUM Climate Venture Program at TUM Venture Labs. “There, we were able to develop a sound business and scaling plan. After winning the final event, it was clear that we wanted to continue on this path, and we successfully applied for the Breakthrough Energy Fellowship,” says co-founder Vincent Dieterich.
The fellowship program, initiated by Breakthrough Energy, an initiative founded by Bill Gates, supports early-stage startups worldwide with high potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to financial support, fellows gain access to a global network of experts, mentors, and industry professionals. This year's cohort includes 45 fellows from 20 companies. Around half of them come from outside the US.
“Being part of Cohort 5 is an important milestone for us,” says co-founder Bastek. “It confirms our technological direction and brings us a decisive step closer to the first commercial plant.”
Co-founder Marcel Dossow also sees being included in the funding program as a significant boost: "This will enable us to pursue our vision of creating a closed carbon cycle that avoids new emissions and enables a sustainable circular economy.“
More about the Chair of Energy Systems: www.epe.ed.tum.de/es
More about Valoron: www.valoron.eu