Latest Milestones of the INAM Alumni Community
This year, several members of the INAM alumni community have reached major milestones on their commercialisation journey. While their technologies address very different challenges, they all demonstrate what is possible when scientific excellence is combined with entrepreneurial ambition.
Astracite closes its pre-seed funding round
Fresh from winning AdMaCom 2025, Astracite has successfully closed its pre-seed financing round. The company is developing sustainable silicon anode materials for next-generation batteries by transforming CO₂ and silicon into high-performance battery materials. The investment will enable Astracite to further develop its technology and strengthen Europe's battery value chain.
Dunia Innovations joins major AI-driven catalyst initiative
Dunia Innovations (AdMaLab 2023) has become an industrial partner in ASCEND, a 30m EUR German research initiative that brings together leading research organisations and industry partners to accelerate catalyst discovery using artificial intelligence, automation and self-driving laboratories. Together with Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, BASF, Siemens Energy and other partners, Dunia will help develop next-generation catalysts for more sustainable industrial processes.
Level Nine secures 2.5m EUR EIC Accelerator funding
One of the biggest success stories comes from Level Nine (L/9, AdMaLab 2024), which has been awarded a 2.5m EUR EIC Accelerator grant—one of Europe's most prestigious and competitive funding programmes for deep-tech companies. Level Nine is developing innovative nanozyme catalysts that combine the precision of enzymes with the robustness required for industrial-scale production. Their technology enables the cost-effective production of bio-based chemical building blocks that can compete directly with conventional petrochemicals. This comes after closing a 4m EUR seed
The funding will support the company's next stage of growth, including the development of a multi-kilotonne demonstration plant. With more than ten Letters of Intent already secured from industrial partners, Level Nine is well positioned to establish a new sustainable value chain in Europe.
NextGo EPI closes pre-seed funding round
NextGo EPI (AdMaLab 2024) secure 2m EUR in their pre-seed round from deep tech investors Vireo Ventures, Ultratech Capital Partners as well as IBB Ventures and business angels. NextGO EPI will use this money to scale the production of their GaO epiwafers to get closer to industrial requirements. They are, in fact, the only European company to supply this critical layer that forms the electrically active part of next-gen power semiconductors. Also, watch out for their open positions!
traceless reaches industrial production
Sustainable materials pioneer traceless (AdMaCom 2020) has opened its first industrial production facility in Hamburg. The new plant enables large-scale production of its natural biomaterial made from agricultural residues, offering a fully biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics. Moving from pilot production to industrial manufacturing represents a major achievement in the company's mission to build a circular materials economy.
Thermulon joins project on safety for EV batteries
UK-based consultancy CamMotive and aerogel developer Thermulon (AdMaCom2019 and AdMaCom Scale 2022) have partnered in a 2m GBP, UK government-backed project to improve the safety of EV batteries. The two companies will work with an UK OEM to tackle thermal runaway in battery systems, under the government’s DRIVE35 programme.
Ucaneo inaugurates Germany's largest Direct Air Capture facility
Berlin-based Ucaneo (AdMaLab 2023) has officially opened Germany's largest Direct Air Capture (DAC) facility, marking an important step towards scaling carbon removal technologies. The pilot plant demonstrates the commercial potential of electrochemical CO₂ capture and represents a significant milestone for one of Europe's most promising climate-tech companies. Also, they are hiring: check out their website for open positions.
Zellerfeld raises 30m USD in a Series A3 round
Zellerfeld Shoe Company (as FilOS3D in AdMaCom 2018) closed a series A3 round in June this year to become the first AdMaCom alumnus to have raised in excess of 100m USD at a valuation of more almost 600m USD. Will it be they be first INAM unicorn company? Zellerfeld is producing custom-made 3D-printed shoes, mostly for the US market.
Building the Next Generation of Deep Tech Success Stories
These achievements reflect more than the success of individual companies. They demonstrate the strength of Europe's advanced materials ecosystem and the importance of long-term collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and industry.
At INAM, we are proud to have supported these companies at different stages of their journeys. Whether through mentoring, acceleration, industry connections or access to investors, our mission remains the same: helping outstanding science become successful businesses.
Congratulations to the teams at Astracite, Ucaneo, traceless, NextGO EPI, Zellerfeld and Dunia Innovations. We are excited to see what comes next and look forward to continuing to support the next generation of advanced materials innovators.
