GaltTec

GaltTec OÜ is a deep-tech company spun out of the University of Tartu, Estonia, that is developing and commercializing microtubular solid oxide fuel cells (mSOFCs). Founded in 2022 by Glen Kelp (CEO), Laura Elise Arvisto (Co-CEO), and Tanel Tätte (CSO), the company leverages extensive research backgrounds in materials science to address the growing demand for lightweight, efficient, and long-lasting portable power sources. The founding team's expertise is rooted in years of academic work; Tanel Tätte has researched ceramic materials for over 15 years, and Glen Kelp holds a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin and was an Associate Professor at the University of Tartu before co-founding the company.

GaltTec's core product is a proprietary fuel cell technology based on unique ceramic microtubes as thin as a human hair. This design allows for a significant reduction in size—up to ten times smaller than competing fuel cells—and provides an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, enabling devices to operate up to five times longer than those using batteries of the same weight. The mSOFCs are fuel-flexible, capable of running on various fuels including hydrogen, natural gas, ethanol, and other biofuels, which enhances energy security and resilience. Key features include high power density, durability against thermal and mechanical stress, and rapid start-up times, making them suitable for harsh environments.

The company targets four primary markets: drones, off-grid equipment, defense, and space, with drones serving as its initial beachhead market. GaltTec's business model involves providing these advanced power sources to industries that rely on portable power, such as drone manufacturers, IoT device operators, and military applications. The firm has already established partnerships with drone manufacturers like Skycorp Technologies to demonstrate the real-world application of its technology. A significant milestone was achieved in February 2025, when GaltTec secured €1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by 2C Ventures, with participation from other investors and grants from entities like the European Space Agency Business Incubation Center and the NATO DIANA accelerator program. This dual-use strategy is further solidified by a cooperation agreement with the Estonian Defence Forces to test ethanol-based fuel cells.

Keywords: microtubular solid oxide fuel cells, mSOFC, portable power, off-grid energy, drone technology, fuel cell technology, deep-tech, University of Tartu spin-off, cleantech, energy resilience, lightweight power source, dual-use technology, defense applications, space technology, IoT power, sustainable energy, alternative energy, high power density, advanced ceramics, hydrogen fuel cells