GaltTec Secures €1 Million to Develop Fuel Cells for Drones and IoT

Tartu-based GaltTec OÜ, a DeepTech startup specializing in micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (mSOFCs) for portable and off-grid energy solutions, has successfully raised €1 million in a pre-seed funding round.

The investment round was led by 2C Ventures, with additional participation from DefCAP OÜ, Bitsick OÜ, and ModulEnergy OÜ. In addition to private funding, the company has secured grants from the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, the European Space Agency Business Incubation Center, the Estonian Ministry of Defense, the State Shared Service Centre, and the NATO DIANA accelerator program.

The funding will support GaltTec in accelerating the development of fuel cell technology designed to power drones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices with a focus on reducing dependence on traditional batteries. The company aims to provide energy solutions that are lightweight, long-lasting, and more efficient than conventional power sources.

GaltTec CEO and Co-founder Glen Kelp stated that the investment would allow the company to "accelerate the development of next-generation fuel cell technology and move closer to delivering lightweight, high-efficiency power solutions for drones and off-grid devices."

Founded in 2022 by Glen Kelp, Laura Elise Arvisto, and Tanel Tätte, GaltTec is working on fuel cell solutions that extend the operational endurance of drones and IoT devices, offering an alternative to existing power technologies. The company's innovation is particularly relevant for industries requiring long-lasting and portable power sources.

The startup has already established partnerships with drone manufacturers, including Skycorp Technologies, a European leader in hydrogen-powered drone technology. Through this collaboration, GaltTec is demonstrating the practical applications of its fuel cell technology, which could provide an alternative power source for commercial and industrial drone applications.

Martin Koppel, Partner at 2C Ventures, emphasized that GaltTec's fuel cell technology could reshape how drones and IoT devices are powered. He noted that the company’s approach offers a viable alternative to conventional batteries and fossil fuels while contributing to CleanTech and energy resilience efforts.

Positioning itself for both commercial and defense applications, GaltTec became the first Estonian startup to join the NATO DIANA accelerator program in 2024. Additionally, the company has entered into a cooperation agreement with the Estonian Defence Forces to test ethanol-based fuel cells, further expanding the potential use cases for its technology.

With strong backing from both private investors and public institutions, GaltTec is set to scale its technology, explore new markets, and contribute to the future of sustainable energy solutions for drones, IoT devices, and beyond.