Milan, 16 December 2024 – Flow-nano, an innovative startup developing high-performance nanomaterial-based electrodes for stationary batteries, has completed a 1 million euro round via convertible loan, fully subscribed by Tech4Planet, the National Technology Transfer Hub for Environmental Sustainability launched by CDP Venture Capital SGR.

Tech4Planet was created to support the introduction to the market and growth of new companies emerging from research labs dedicated to environmental sustainability, particularly in the fields of energytech, circular economy, sustainable manufacturing, smart mobility and water management.

Founded in June 2023, Flow-nano focuses on developing nanomaterial-based electrodes for flow batteries – one of the most promising technologies for storing renewable energy – using proprietary, highly sustainable technology that enables the production and deposition of spherical carbon nanoparticles (carbon-nano onions) onto carbon fabrics, drastically increasing their electrochemically active surface area and performance.

Flow batteries are scalable, safe and extremely durable (lasting over 20,000 cycles), but their widespread adoption is limited due to high costs, largely stemming from the use of non-optimised electrodes.

The electrode's reaction rate is the key operating parameter for assessing cost-effectiveness. The higher the reaction rate, the greater the operating power and the faster the battery can store energy.

Tech4Planet’s investment will enable Flow-nano to scale its deposition technology from lab to pre-industrial level and demonstrate lower cost per unit of power and energy using flow battery prototypes capable of generating data relevant for future industrialisation.

“Nanotechnology and deep tech are the core of Flow-nano's proposition to tackle one of the key challenges of the energy transition: long-duration, cost-effective renewable energy storage” commented Claudia Pingue, Senior Partner and Head of the Technology Transfer Fund at CDP Venture Capital, "We strongly support its research, which represents a practical realisation of our vision to drive the development of frontier technologies capable of delivering innovative solutions to today’s challenges”.

“Our electrodes can operate at a power density that’s up to three times higher than the current state of the art, which translates directly into a drastic reduction in the cost of flow batteries. We’re proud that Tech4Planet has recognised the potential of our technology, which is designed to support the energy transition in a way that is sustainable both environmentally and economically” said Laura Giorgia Rizzi, Founder and CEO of Flow-nano.

“We developed this patented technology at the Center of Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi of the Italian Institute of Technology. Our goal is to be part of a supply chain that transfers advanced research to the market through industrialisation, commercialisation and internationalisation, a vision we enthusiastically share with Tech4Planet” added Fabio Di Fonzo, Founder and CTO of Flow-nano.