According to EU Startups, Delft-based CarbonX has been awarded a $2.6 Million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, positioning itself at the forefront of battery material innovation in Europe. Selected from a highly competitive pool of 1,211 applicants, CarbonX is among 71 companies receiving this prestigious funding, further validating its cutting-edge anode material technology.
Anode Materials: Sustainable, High-Performance Alternatives to Graphite
CarbonX aims to revolutionize battery performance by introducing a locally-produced active anode material that is competitive with Chinese graphite pricing while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of battery production. The company’s proprietary 3D network anode structure enhances electron and lithium transfer, addressing limitations seen in traditional graphite anodes.
Key benefits of CarbonX’s innovation include:
- Enhanced Lithium Accessibility: The 3D scaffold structure improves lithium diffusion, enabling higher energy density.
- Improved Conductivity: The networked filaments create an efficient pathway for electron transport, boosting battery efficiency.
- Reduced Energy Consumption: The low-carbon production process minimizes reliance on high-emission graphite extraction methods.
- Silicon Integration: The anode supports nano-sized silicon embedding, further increasing battery performance.
“I am very proud of this accomplishment, successfully coming through a tough application process and completing rigorous due diligence – this is great validation of our technology and demonstrates a complete product offering at the right price. With support of the EIC we will accelerate the realisation of a fully independent European supply chain for critical battery materials.” – Rutger van Raalten, CEO, CarbonX
Strengthening European Battery Supply Chains
CarbonX is strategically positioned near Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, providing direct support for battery cell validation and forming localized supply chains in Europe and the U.S.. The company is working towards reducing Europe’s dependence on imported graphite, a key bottleneck in EV battery production.
By utilizing existing carbon black plants across the globe, CarbonX can address graphite shortages while simultaneously lowering energy consumption and emissions, promoting localized manufacturing.
Financial Backing & Industry Expansion
In addition to the $2.6 million grant, CarbonX has also secured a $5.2 million equity package, facilitating product development and market expansion. The funding aligns with the company’s mission to replace graphite in automotive battery production, supporting Europe’s transition to sustainable green technology.
The EIC Accelerator program, a key European funding initiative, provides startups with:
- Up to $2.6 million in grants.
- Equity investments through the EIC Fund, ranging from $5.2 million to $15.7 million.
- Business Acceleration Services, granting access to corporate partners, investors, and ecosystem experts.
A notable expansion in 2025 will see the introduction of the STEP Scale-up scheme, allowing investments of up to $31.4 million, further strengthening Europe’s battery innovation ecosystem.
Future Outlook
CarbonX’s success in securing EIC funding reinforces its position as a key innovator in the next generation of battery anode materials. With an emphasis on sustainability, local production, and cutting-edge technology, CarbonX is well on its way to reshaping Europe’s battery supply chain and accelerating the global shift to clean energy solutions. Through ongoing R&D investment, strategic partnerships, and industrial scaling, CarbonX’s breakthrough anode technology is set to drive battery innovation, meeting the increasing demands of EVs and energy storage applications.
Want to stay updated on the battery industry? Check out the latest news on BatteriesDaily!
