Start-up of the Week at Wirtschaftswoche

Florian, Johannes, Benriah and Johannes, you have a minute in the elevator with a potential funder. What is your elevator pitch?
We are developing wireless charging systems for mobile robots and e-cars. With this, we can charge lithium batteries at a distance of up to 20 centimeters through the air. This massively simplifies processes, especially for mobile robots in production and logistics. Since 2018, we have sold more than 3,000 systems, for example to car manufacturers who use them in production. We are even the market leader there. 

How did you come up with the idea?
We founders know each other from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. Johannes Tritschler was doing his doctorate on wireless charging of electric cars. We agreed that it would be a shame if the idea disappeared in a drawer. 

And how do you earn money with it?
We sell the systems to robot manufacturers, for example, who then integrate them directly into their products. We also market data such as battery charge levels, battery health and temperature to customers. They need the information to better control their robot fleets. 

Who are your competitors?
There are a few established companies that have similar products. But at 93 percent, our efficiency is as good as charging directly from the wall socket. Others can’t manage that. 

What about diversity in your company?
Our 40 employees come from eight different nations. We also have a number of old hands with a lot of experience in the team. However, we would like to see more women. 

What was your biggest setback?
On the eve of a presentation to a major customer, the pla- tine of our prototype exploded. We were still able to repair it and were lucky that it didn’t happen during the appointment. 

Where will you be in five years?
We’ll still be the market leader in this rapidly growing market, and our technology will also be used in electric cars.