BTRY, a Swiss battery technology startup and a spin-off from Empa and ETH Zurich, is committed to transforming rechargeable batteries through innovative thin-film solid-state technology. Founded by researchers Abdessalem Aribia and Moritz Futscher, along with lab head Yaroslav Romanyuk, the company aims to address the limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Their thin-film batteries are designed to be safer, longer-lasting, and more environmentally friendly, offering rapid charging and discharging capabilities that could significantly impact the battery industry.
Conventional lithium-ion batteries dominate the market, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. But they often lack key areas like cycle life, charging speed, and temperature sensitivity. BTRY’s thin-film solid-state batteries address these challenges directly. They can be charged and discharged in just one minute, last up to ten times longer than lithium-ion batteries, and remain stable across a wide range of temperatures.
Safety is a significant advantage. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which are flammable and can release toxic gases when damaged, BTRY’s batteries are non-flammable. “If you cut our battery with scissors, you’ll simply get two smaller batteries that still function,” explains Abdessalem Aribia, Chief Technology Officer at BTRY. This inherent safety makes them ideal for applications where reliability and risk reduction are essential.
The Science Behind Thin-Film Batteries
BTRY’s technology builds upon the concept of thin-film solid-state batteries, known since the 1980s. Earlier versions struggled with low energy storage capacity due to their extremely thin structures, often only a few micrometers thick. BTRY has overcome this limitation by stacking multiple thin-film cells, significantly increasing energy density and making the technology viable for commercial use.
The manufacturing process involves vacuum coating, a method derived from semiconductor production. Materials are atomized in a vacuum chamber and deposited in precise layers on a substrate. This high-precision technique eliminates the need for toxic solvents, making production more environmentally friendly compared to traditional battery manufacturing. The process does increase costs, which is why BTRY is initially focusing on high-value markets such as consumer electronics, medical devices, and satellites.
We can adjust both the shape and power characteristics to suit different needs. If a customer needs high power, we can tune for that. If they need high capacity instead, we can do that too. The great thing is, we can make these adjustments even using the same production equipment. – Mortitz Futscher
Scaling Up From Prototypes to Production
Currently, BTRY’s batteries are small, with individual cells measuring approximately 1 x 3 millimeters. The team is focused on scaling up the technology, aiming to create batteries with larger surface areas and additional layers. “Right now, we’re working on prototypes that are about one square centimeter with two to three layers,” says Moritz Futscher, CEO of BTRY. While these prototypes aren’t yet suitable for powering satellites, they demonstrate the technology’s potential to be scaled up.
To support these efforts, BTRY has secured funding from Venture Kick, a Swiss startup accelerator, and is utilizing facilities at Empa’s Coating Competence Center. The company is also preparing for a seed funding round in the third quarter of 2025, where it plans to demonstrate further growth through pilot production lines. This step is crucial for attracting investors and paving the way for larger-scale manufacturing.
Strategies for the Growing Battery Market
BTRY’s initial applications are focused on the Internet of Things (IoT) market, particularly for remote sensors, a growing segment driven by Industry 4.0 technologies. The company is also targeting high-end medical and consumer electronics markets, where there is significant demand for efficient, compact, and safe power sources. By 2030, these markets are projected to exceed $2 billion, presenting a substantial opportunity for BTRY’s technology.
In addition to performance benefits, BTRY’s batteries offer environmental advantages. The manufacturing process avoids toxic solvents, reducing environmental impact. Their ability to operate reliably in extreme temperatures enhances commercial viability, making them suitable for applications such as drones and aircraft.
We have entered into a joint development with an equipment manufacturer to further scale up our production. So between our academic connections and our industry partnerships, we’re advancing our technology on multiple fronts. – Mortitz Futscher
BTRY’s thin-film solid-state batteries represent a promising advancement in battery technology, addressing many of the shortcomings of lithium-ion batteries. Although the technology is still in its initial stages, the company’s efforts to expand and establish a strategic market position it as a serious player in the future of energy storage. With continued investment and development, BTRY has the potential to significantly impact industries ranging from consumer electronics to aerospace.
In collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific, I recently had the opportunity to interview Mortitz Futscher, CEO and Co-founder of BTRY AG, who shared insights into the company’s mission, technology, and vision for the future.
For more details, please visit the original interview published by Thermo Fisher Scientific: Interview article • Downloadable PDF version
