News

Battery Day 2024: Three Innovative Entrepreneurs on Their Sustainable Battery Solutions

The Netherlands is a leader in developing batteries that efficiently store surplus sustainable energy. By supporting innovative entrepreneurs, InnovationQuarter contributes to the growth of the battery ecosystem. Three entrepreneurs share their innovations, ambitions, and the importance of making a positive impact on the energy transition.

Battery Day 2024: Three Innovative Entrepreneurs on Their Sustainable Battery Solutions

Phoenix Metals: Industrial Waste as a Raw Material for Batteries

CEO Gijsbert Bakker has always been interested in the circular economy. “I believe engineers have an ethical responsibility to make their products circular and combat overconsumption.” This is exactly what his company, Phoenix Metals, does. It produces vanadium electrolytes from industrial waste streams for use in flow batteries. These batteries can be used on a large scale for energy storage and to address grid congestion.

Sustainable Battery Production

There is a high demand for new battery technologies. Lithium-ion batteries, such as those used in phones and laptops, are not suitable for large-scale energy storage. Flow batteries are, but they require raw materials like vanadium. “What makes our innovation unique is that we don't import vanadium from, say, China but recover it from waste streams in the Netherlands. The result is what we call 'battery-quality vanadium.'” Gijsbert aims to commercialize his product through an energy-efficient extraction process. This process is sustainable, as no organic solvents or ammonia are used.

Proof of Concept in Rotterdam’s Port

To scale up, InnovationQuarter is helping the startup with a subsidy for a proof of concept. Small batches of electrolytes will be produced in the Rotterdam port area to demonstrate the technology. But the support is not just financial. “Thanks to InnovationQuarter, we are part of a large ecosystem in the Netherlands. Their network, support, and trust are indispensable. They contribute to our growth in multiple ways.”


"I believe engineers have an ethical responsibility to make their products circular and to combat overconsumption."
– Gijsbert Bakker, Phoenix Metals


CarbonX: A Solution for Graphite Shortages in Battery Production

Rutger van Raalten, co-founder of CarbonX, began his career as an inventor at TU Delft. During an experimental Friday afternoon, he stumbled upon an innovative carbon anode material by accident. The material proved to be a more sustainable, cheaper, and efficient alternative to graphite, with applications in car tires and batteries. For batteries, it offers advantages such as faster charging times and improved stability. The material could play a key role in the energy transition and reduce dependence on China for graphite. Rutger founded CarbonX to further develop the material with the support of the university.

Local Production

InnovationQuarter helped CarbonX scale the technology and expand production capacity. “As a regional investor, they found it important to bring production back to Europe.” The close collaboration provides not only assistance in finding investors but also access to regional expertise. “InnovationQuarter has been thinking with us from day one. They understand the landscape, not just in business but also in government. As a startup, you don’t always know that.” Moreover, “as a startup, you're not always taken seriously. But thanks to InnovationQuarter, we were quickly able to compete with the big players.”

Expanding to Europe and the U.S.

The ambition is to set up a large-scale production line in Europe and later in the United States. Additionally, CarbonX is developing a battery test lab in the Netherlands to support clients and further stimulate local production. “Responding to the opportunities in front of you is the best part of my job. Taking risks and making mistakes can lead to amazing inventions. CarbonX is proof of that!”


"Thanks to InnovationQuarter, we were quickly able to compete with the big players."
– Rutger van Raalten, CarbonX


Kalpana Systems: Ultra-Thin Layers for Super-Efficient Batteries

CEO Diederick Spee once earned his PhD researching barriers for flexible electronics in industries like solar cells. Years later, he came up with a solution for what seemed like a fundamental problem at the time: a machine that makes batteries as efficiently and cheaply as possible. His idea gained traction, a patent was filed, and Kalpana Systems was born.

From Batteries to Beverage Packaging

The company developed an innovative machine that enables the fast and cost-efficient production of high-performance energy solutions, such as batteries, using sALD (Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition). This technology deposits ultra-thin, extremely stable, and uniform film layers at low temperatures on even the most complex 3D structures. This creates a chemically inert solid-electrolyte interface (SEI), allowing the battery to charge quickly and safely without shortening its lifespan. Kalpana was the first to develop a commercially viable production method for these stable and safe battery components. But the technology doesn’t stop there: “It is scalable and applicable in many industries, from solar panels to food and beverage packaging.”

Potential Immediately Recognized

InnovationQuarter immediately saw the potential: “They were the first independent party to have confidence in us and were willing to act on it. It was a bold move for an investor.” And the collaboration has been successful not just financially. “They are incredibly proactive and know the playing field, not only in South Holland but beyond. Their network is enormous, and we are happy to take advantage of that.”


"The technology is applicable and scalable in various industries, such as solar panels, and beverage and food packaging."
– Diederick Spee, Kalpana Systems


Battery Day 2024

On September 24, 2024, the annual Battery Day will take place, an event where entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, and government come together to collaborate on the future of battery technology. Battery Day is organized by the Battery Competence Cluster NL, the Province of South Holland, TU Delft, and InnovationQuarter. Phoenix Metals, CarbonX, and Kalpana will also be present. Want to know more about Battery Day, battery technology, or InnovationQuarter’s support? Contact Matthijs Damm.