Batene GmbH is a German-based energy technology startup founded in March 2022 to revolutionize battery design and accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels. Headquartered in Wendlingen am Neckar, near Stuttgart, Batene emerged from nearly eight years of research at the Max Planck Society, securing an exclusive license to its core innovation. The company’s mission is to provide sustainable energy storage solutions capable of delivering electric power reliably and affordably.
Central to this mission is the batene fleece™ technology, a disruptive material designed to replace conventional rigid foil current collectors in battery electrodes. Founded by a team of seasoned scientists and backed by influential investors, Batene aims to address critical challenges in energy density, cost, and safety—key barriers to the widespread adoption of renewable energy systems. By focusing on advanced lithium-ion and next-generation battery technologies, Batene positions itself as a critical enabler in achieving a carbon-neutral future.
Battery Technology
Batene fleece represents a pivotal advancement in battery design. Traditional lithium-ion batteries use thin, rigid foils as current collectors, restricting electrode thickness and limiting performance. In contrast, batene fleece introduces a porous, three-dimensional metal mesh woven into the battery’s active materials. This structure allows electrodes to reach millimeter-scale thickness, increasing the proportion of energy-storing active material to 90% of the cell’s weight—up from 50% in conventional batteries. Thicker electrodes reduce internal resistance, enabling faster charging and discharge rates while improving mechanical stability, which mitigates structural stresses and heat buildup.
The technology also extends battery lifetimes by minimizing material degradation during charge cycles, a common issue in conventional designs. Cost reductions of up to 30% per kWh are achievable due to simplified fabrication processes requiring fewer layers and materials. Batene fleece is adaptable across battery chemistries, supporting lithium-ion silicon anodes, lithium-metal anodes, and solid-state electrolytes. This versatility positions the technology as a foundational component for next-generation batteries in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable electronics. Notably, existing production lines can integrate batene fleece without major overhauls, enabling rapid industry adoption.
Recent Projects
In June 2024, Batene was awarded the Max Planck-Startup Award, a €30,000 grant recognizing its innovation in battery technology. This recognition coincided with a successful capital increase, valuing the company at €42 million and signaling investor confidence in its scalable solutions. The company has also expanded its R&D capabilities with advanced laboratories in the historic Neckarspinnerei complex, a repurposed industrial site near Stuttgart. These facilities include state-of-the-art clean rooms dedicated to developing and optimizing batene fleece for commercial applications. Additionally, Batene has prioritized showcasing its technology through press events and partnerships, including collaborations aimed at advancing solid-state battery development and integrating its solutions into emerging industries.
Investors
Batene’s vision has attracted strategic backing from vision-driven investors. Ocean Zero LLC, co-led by TED’s Chris Anderson and journalist Stephen Petranek, has invested in the company’s decarbonization efforts, particularly in marine transportation. Christer von der Burg, known for ventures in cultural enterprises, supports Batene’s long-term sustainability goals. Gustav Hasselskog, CEO of hydrofoil marine tech company Candela Technology, provides industry insights into energy-efficient mobility. The Max Planck Society maintains a direct stake, leveraging its research network to further accelerate Batene’s technology. Collectively, these stakeholders align with Batene’s commitment to economic, ecological, and social progress.
Business Details
Location: Wendlingen am Neckar, Germany
Website: https://batenetec.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/91552812
