German cleantech startup HyperHeat has raised €3.5 million (USD $3.7 million) to develop and test its zero-carbon industrial heat solution. Founded in 2023 by Dr. Lars Amsbeck and Frederick Lessmann, the company aims to address the heavy industry’s reliance on fossil fuels for high-temperature processes, a key contributor to over 40% of global CO2 emissions.

Industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals depend on high-temperature heat, often exceeding 2000°C, making decarbonization particularly challenging. HyperHeat’s innovation uses electrically powered oxide ceramic heaters to achieve these extreme temperatures. These heaters are designed for retrofitting existing industrial furnaces, providing a cost-efficient, scalable solution powered by renewable energy.

“We’re not just reducing emissions—we’re providing a practical, scalable, and most importantly economical solution for industrial companies facing increasing carbon regulations and market pressure,” said co-founder Frederick Lessmann. He explained that the heaters offer unprecedented efficiency and durability while meeting the demanding needs of industrial heat processes.

The funding round, led by the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund, also included investments from Finindus, Possible Ventures, E44 Ventures, and Breakthrough Energy Fellows. HyperHeat plans to use the capital to finalize and test its initial industrial products, which are expected to be deployed by 2025. The funding will also support increased research and development and pilot customer collaborations to refine the technology.

“Our goal is to bring a transformative and economical solution to industrial heat generation that accounts for nearly 16 percent of global CO2 emissions,” said Dr. Amsbeck, emphasizing the company’s mission to reduce emissions in one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize.

Wolfgang Neubert, General Partner at APEX Ventures, praised the startup’s potential, stating, “The HyperHeat founding team combines a rare blend of technical brilliance and strategic vision that sets them apart in the industrial decarbonization space. We’re confident their solution will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and driving sustainable industrial growth.”

HyperHeat’s solution addresses the limitations of current alternatives, such as hydrogen and electrification, which are often constrained by scale and grid infrastructure. By focusing on retrofitting existing systems, HyperHeat offers industries a practical path to transition to cleaner energy without requiring major overhauls of their operations.