Startup Safari

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GreenTech & Climate Energy in Aachen

Aachen is developing hardware for the energy transition. Cylib recycles batteries, while Voltfang builds storage systems from second-life batteries.

At a glance

The Sustainability Safari in Aachen explores Battery technology and recycling through Cylib and Voltfang. Designed for Chief sustainability officers (CSOs) and Energy managers.

Local perspective

Battery technology and recycling

Aachen is developing hardware for the energy transition. Cylib recycles batteries, while Voltfang builds storage systems from second-life batteries.

Local examples and perspectives

  • Cylib (battery recycling, Aachen)
  • Voltfang (battery storage, Aachen)

A sample day

  1. 09:30

    The opportunity in the climate transition

    An introduction to why sustainability is one of this century's largest markets.

  2. 11:00

    Visit: energy innovation

    Visit a startup working in solar, storage or the power grid.

  3. 13:00

    Impact lunch

    Lunch at a zero-waste restaurant or with social entrepreneurs.

  4. 15:00

    Visit: circular economy

    See new approaches to recycling and reuse, for example in batteries or packaging.

What your team can explore

  • Which energy, material or emissions measure should change in a specific process?
  • Which data and operating conditions are needed for a sound on-site test?
  • What needs to come together for implementation: grid integration, procurement, permits or financing?

A route shaped around your question

We select relevant organisations and conversations around the question your team brings. The final route depends on the topic, availability and the people who can contribute.

Plan a conversation →

Ecosystem organisations

RWTH Innovation

University technology transfer

Idea generation programme (4 times a year, 10 teams), incubation programme (twice a year, 12 deep-tech teams), and 6 expert hubs.

Collective Incubator

Makerspace

4,000+ sq m of space. Coworking, prototyping workshops, 3D printing, film and recording studios.

digitalHub Aachen

Innovation hub

250+ member organisations. Four-month incubator programme.

Companies in the local ecosystem

Cylib

CleanTech / circular economy

Battery recycling innovation developed as an RWTH spin-off.

CarboScreen

Industrial AI

AI monitoring for carbon-fiber production. High-tech manufacturing.

FloodWaive

Climate tech / AI

AI-powered flood forecasting. Spin-off Award 2024/25.

NAION.TECH

Deep tech / advanced materials

Smart filtration materials. Winner of the RWTH Innovation Award.

Userflix

SaaS / AI

AI platform for user research and testing.

“The safari gave us unique access to the RWTH ecosystem.”
Innovation manager, Head of Innovation, Automotive OEM

About the topic

Questions about Sustainability Safari

Is this only for energy companies?

No. Every company needs to manage its carbon footprint. The Safari explores solutions for businesses across sectors.

Will we see hardware too?

Yes. In Aachen and Stuttgart in particular, we visit labs and production sites.

Explore with your team

Build the right route around your question.

Talk to us
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