Circu Li-ion, established in 2021 in Luxembourg, specializes in automated battery upcycling solutions. Founded by Antoine Welter (CEO) and Dr. Xavier Kohll (CTO), the company transforms the battery recycling industry through innovative automated processes that extend battery life cycles. Their technology focuses on dismantling, disassembling, and diagnosing battery packs, enabling precise evaluation of each cell’s potential for reuse or recycling. The company serves various sectors, including electric vehicles, micromobility, power tools, and energy storage systems, while maintaining strong partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and recyclers across Europe.
Battery Technology
Circu Li-ion’s primary innovation lies in its fully automated battery processing system. This technology efficiently extracts individual cells from used battery packs and determines their state of health through advanced diagnostic procedures. The process involves sophisticated machinery and software that can handle various battery types and sizes, offering significant advantages over traditional manual disassembly methods.
The company’s Machine-as-a-Service solution provides customers with both hardware and software components, available through monthly subscriptions. This system enables precise identification of reusable cells, which can then be repurposed in new battery packs or alternative storage applications. The technology reduces recycling costs by approximately 30% while maintaining high-quality standards throughout the process.
Through machine learning algorithms, Circu Li-ion has developed an extensive battery database that enhances the efficiency of their diagnostic capabilities. This data-driven approach allows for accurate assessment of cell conditions and optimal sorting for either reuse or recycling, supporting the company’s goal of upcycling three billion batteries by 2035.
Recent Projects
In October 2023, Circu Li-ion secured €8.5 million in seed funding, comprising €4.5 million in equity and €4 million in grants. This investment supports the expansion of their main production facility near Karlsruhe, Germany, and growth of their Berlin office. The company has also partnered with Amazon to enhance the reuse and recycling of electric vehicle batteries in logistics operations, aiming to reduce new battery demand and decrease carbon emissions.
Investors
Circu Li-ion’s funding structure includes BonVenture as the lead investor in their equity round, alongside an undisclosed group of battery, AI, and industry experts. The company’s management team has made significant investments, demonstrating their commitment to the venture. Additional support comes from the European Innovation Council Accelerator, which provided €4 million in grants to advance the company’s technological development and market expansion.
Business Details
Location: Foetz, Luxembourg
Website: https://circuli-ion.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/circu-li-ion