Hydrogen plays a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, but its production remains costly and inefficient. Avoxt, a Dutch startup based in Groningen and Eindhoven, has developed an electrolyser aimed at improving efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in hydrogen production. The company has now secured funding from Future Tech Ventures, NOM, and the Brabant Startup Fund to further develop its technology. The total investment amount has not been disclosed, but previous support, including a Rabo Innovation Loan, has brought Avoxt’s total funding to over €1M.
Avoxt’s focus on membrane-free electrolysers presents an alternative to conventional models, which rely on membranes that can be expensive and prone to degradation. Unlike traditional methods, Avoxt’s approach separates hydrogen and oxygen at different locations within the system, enhancing safety and scalability. This design also reduces maintenance costs and increases uptime, making hydrogen production more economically viable.
What makes Avoxt’s technology different?
Traditional electrolysers are dependent on membranes to separate hydrogen and oxygen, but these membranes introduce several challenges, including high costs, the risk of wear and tear, and potential failures. Avoxt removes this component by using a system where gases are produced separately, reducing risks such as leaks and explosions. This innovation aims to make hydrogen production safer and more cost-effective.
One of Avoxt’s founders, Ton Rademaker, highlighted the benefits of this approach, stating,
“Traditional electrolysers use a membrane to separate hydrogen and oxygen, but these membranes are expensive, prone to wear, and can cause failures.”
He further explained,
“Avoxt eliminates this weak link by producing gases at separate locations within the system, eliminating risks such as leakage and explosions. This makes the technology not only safer but also cheaper and highly scalable.”
Why are investors supporting Avoxt?
Investors see potential in Avoxt’s technology due to its alignment with sustainability goals and the growing demand for green hydrogen. The Brabant Startup Fund, which supports technology-driven startups, views Avoxt as a promising company contributing to the energy transition.
Gerard Spanbroek, Director of the Brabant Startup Fund, stated,
“Brabant Startup Fund was founded to help startups take the necessary steps in technology and market positioning to attract international investors.”
Future Tech Ventures has also expressed confidence in Avoxt’s potential, with Investment Manager Kyra Weaver commenting,
“Avoxt holds the key to radically improving hydrogen production. The disruptive potential of this technology is gaining attention. However, deeptech like this requires significant investment to reach the commercial phase, and that’s why our mission is clear: we support Avoxt in becoming ‘investor ready’ for the next funding round.”
Avoxt’s efforts align with recent developments in the hydrogen sector, where multiple companies have been working on improving electrolyser efficiency. Companies like Hystar and Enapter have also developed technologies to enhance hydrogen production, yet challenges related to cost and scalability remain key issues. Compared to these firms, Avoxt’s membrane-free approach aims to eliminate some of the limitations associated with conventional electrolysis, potentially offering a more effective solution in the long run.
As industries move toward greener energy solutions, hydrogen is expected to play a major role in replacing fossil fuels. The European Union has already set ambitious targets for hydrogen adoption, with an increasing focus on electrolysers that can lower production costs. Avoxt’s technology could contribute to meeting these goals by making hydrogen production more efficient and scalable. However, achieving widespread adoption will require further testing, investments, and regulatory approvals. The coming years will determine whether membrane-free electrolysers can establish themselves as a viable alternative to conventional systems.
