Inergio

Inergio SA, established in 2020 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and the School of Business and Engineering Vaud (HEIG-VD), is commercializing a novel approach to portable power generation. The company was founded by Dr. Mahmoud Hadad, who serves as CEO. His extensive background in fuel cell technology, including a Ph.D. from EPFL and postdoctoral research, directly informs the company's core technology.

The firm has developed a compact and lightweight solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. This technology distinguishes itself by its ability to operate on a wide array of commercially available fuels, such as propane, butane, and natural gas, in addition to hydrogen. This fuel flexibility eliminates the need for specialized and often costly hydrogen infrastructure, a significant barrier for competing fuel cell solutions. Inergio's patented technology allows for a miniaturized fuel processor integrated directly into the system, enabling efficient energy conversion from conventional fuels.

Inergio's business model centers on providing clean and autonomous energy for off-grid applications. The company targets several key markets, including the leisure market (e.g., recreational vehicles, sailboats), remote industrial monitoring (IoT sensors, telecommunication antennas), and auxiliary power units (APUs). The primary product is a portable power generator that offers a silent, efficient, and low-emission alternative to traditional diesel or gasoline generators. For instance, their system promises up to 80% less CO2 emissions compared to conventional generators. The company generates revenue through the direct sale of these power generation units.

The journey of Inergio has been marked by consistent recognition and funding milestones. In its founding year, the company secured a CHF 150,000 loan from the Foundation for Technological Innovation (FIT) and won the PERL Trophy. It has since raised capital through several funding rounds, including a CHF 1.3 million seed round in 2021 and a CHF 4.3 million seed round in 2023, attracting investment from notable entities like Verve Ventures and Schürch anlagenbau AG. These financial injections are fueling the industrialization and market entry of its initial products.

Keywords: solid oxide fuel cells, portable power generation, off-grid energy, multi-fuel system, auxiliary power units, clean energy, remote power, energy solutions, fuel cell technology, mobile energy