Swiss BTRY Raises $5.7M to Scale Ultra-Thin Solid-State Cells
BTRY AG, a Swiss deep-tech spin-off from Empa and ETH Zurich, is developing ultra-thin solid-state lithium-ion batteries designed for next-generation electronics where size, safety, and durability are critical. These thin-film cells target applications such as connected smart labels, high-temperature industrial sensors, MedTech devices, and compact wearables — areas where conventional lithium-ion batteries often fail due to bulk, heat sensitivity, or safety concerns.
The company has secured $5.7 million in an oversubscribed seed round to accelerate the transition from laboratory-scale fabrication to industrial roll-to-roll manufacturing. This scale-up is intended to transform its thin-film solid-state battery technology into market-ready products and support integration into next-generation devices that require miniaturized, reliable, and high-performance power sources.
The BTRY team is shaping the next generation of solid-state batteries — from Swiss research labs to global production. (Source: BTRY).
Funding to move from lab to industrial production
The seed round will be used to establish industrial manufacturing processes, expand production capacity, and secure offtake agreements with initial customers. The goal is to shift the technology from research-grade prototypes toward consistent, scalable production suitable for volume device integration.
“The oversubscribed round confirms strong investor confidence from experienced deep-tech and industrial backers. Working closely with this international consortium will enable us to transform world-class research into a scalable product,” said Dr. Moritz Futscher, CEO and Co-Founder of BTRY AG.
The round was led by Redstone VC, with participation from Bloomhaus Ventures, Linear Capital, Kickfund, Kick Foundation, and CustomCells founders Leopold König and Torge Thönnessen. Existing investors HTGF (High-Tech Gründerfonds) and Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) renewed their support, strengthening both financial backing and industry network alignment as BTRY moves toward commercialization.
Performance and miniaturization advantages
BTRY’s thin-film cells leverage solid-state manufacturing techniques derived from semiconductor processing. By eliminating the liquid electrolyte, the batteries are non-flammable and achieve a thickness starting at just 0.1 mm. Moreover, they operate at temperatures up to 150°C, enabling usage in industrial environments where conventional cells typically degrade or fail. The cells can also charge within about one minute and directly power wireless transmissions without the need for an external capacitor.
“Potential customers are ready with their next-generation solutions, like active badges in logistics. What they need is a small, powerful, and safe battery – exactly what BTRY offers. We believe the company has not only the potential but the proof to set a new standard for high-performance energy storage and are excited to support its journey toward industrial scale,” said Mohamed Foulser, Investment Director at Redstone VC.
Comparison of conventional Li-ion and BTRY’s all-solid-state design: fewer layers, no liquid electrolyte, and an ultra-thin, safer architecture. (Source: BTRY).
Sustainability and European manufacturing relevance
Alongside performance benefits, BTRY emphasizes sustainability in its manufacturing approach. The company uses a solvent-free production process that significantly reduces chemical handling and material waste, avoiding the binders, liquid electrolytes, and complex packaging associated with traditional lithium-ion cells. This streamlined thin-film architecture also reduces the number of layers required in each cell, lowering resource consumption and enabling future recyclability pathways. The approach aligns with broader European goals to build cleaner, more efficient, and strategically independent battery supply chains.
BTRY’s customizable thin-film design allows flexible applications in IoT, MedTech, and consumer electronics. (Source: BTRY).
Recognition at Electronica Fast Forward 2024
At Electronica 2024 in Munich, BTRY secured second place in the Fast Forward competition powered by Elektor. The award underscores rising demand for compact, high-performance batteries for IoT, MedTech, and consumer electronics. As part of the event, BTRY presented its technology from a sponsored central booth, where interest came from both multinational electronics manufacturers and emerging hardware developers. Discussions focused on integrating the ultra-thin cells into products such as sensor networks, surgical tools, and wearables — reinforcing commercial traction as the company moves toward industrial-scale production.
BTRY wins 2nd prize at Electronica 2024.
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