Tartu-based GaltTec OÜ, a DeepTech startup developing micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (mSOFCs) for portable and off-grid energy solutions, has successfully closed its €1 million pre-Seed funding round.
The round was led by 2C Ventures, supported by DefCAP OÜ, Bitsick OÜ and ModulEnergy OÜ. This investment complements public grant funding 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 programme.
The investment will accelerate the company’s mission to provide lightweight, long-lasting power solutions for drones and IoT devices, reducing reliance on conventional batteries.
“This investment allows us to accelerate the development of our next-generation fuel cell technology, bringing us closer to delivering lightweight, high-efficiency power solutions for drones and off-grid devices,” said Glen Kelp, CEO and Co-founder of GaltTec.
Founded in 2022 by Glen Kelp, Laura Elise Arvisto, and Tanel Tätte, GaltTec is innovating fuel cell technology to meet the growing demand for lightweight, sustainable, and highly efficient energy solutions.
The company’s fuel cells are designed to significantly extend operational endurance for drones and IoT devices, making them a game-changer for industries that rely on long-lasting, portable power sources.
GaltTec already partners with drone manufacturers, including Skycorp Technologies, a European pioneer in hydrogen-powered drones, showcasing the real-world potential of its technology.
“GaltTec’s fuel cell technology has the potential to redefine how we power drones and IoT devices, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional batteries and fossil fuels,” said Martin Koppel, Partner at 2C Ventures. “We believe their innovation is a game-changer for CleanTech and energy resilience, and we’re excited to support their journey as they scale and expand into global markets.”
GaltTec’s dual-use strategy positions its fuel cells as a potential solution for both commercial and defense sectors.
In 2024, the company became the first Estonian startup to join the NATO DIANA accelerator programme, which supports DeepTech companies contributing to national security and defense. Additionally, GaltTec has signed a cooperation agreement with the Estonian Defence Forces to test ethanol-based fuel cells, further reinforcing the strategic potential of its technology.
With strong backing from both private and public sectors, GaltTec is well-positioned to scale its technology, expand into new markets, and drive the future of sustainable energy solutions for drones, IoT devices, and beyond.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/02/galttec-secures-e1-million-to-power-drones-and-iot-devices-with-next-generation-fuel-cells/
