SUMTEQ

SUMTEQ GmbH is a high-tech company in the polymer chemistry sector, spun-off from the University of Cologne in 2014. The founding team includes Dr. Alexander Müller and Dr. Roland Oberhoffer, who developed the core technology during their doctoral studies, and Michael Hoffmann, who manages the commercial aspects. Their journey began with the idea of creating an affordable high-performance insulation accessible to everyone, aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. This led to the development of a reproducible nanoporous foam, which, despite its initial pinhead-sized volume, showed all the characteristics of a high-performance insulation material.

The company operates on a B2B business model, focusing on the production and commercialization of its advanced material, Sumfoam®. This material represents a new class of polymer nanofoam, created through a patented and scalable process that produces pores in the submicrometer range, a feat previously unachieved on an industrial scale. The firm's revenue strategy involves pilot projects with industrial partners to facilitate rapid market entry. A long-term plan includes decentralizing the foaming process, allowing customers to perform it on-site while SUMTEQ supplies the necessary polymers. The company has secured multiple rounds of financing to scale its technology and began generating revenue in 2022.

SUMTEQ's core products, based on its Sumfoam® technology, are Insute and Capsute. Insute is designed for high-performance insulation in construction and other technical applications, offering significantly better thermal conductivity—up to 50% less than conventional materials like styrofoam. This allows for thinner insulation layers without compromising performance. Capsute serves as a carrier material for liquids, enabling the creation of dry liquids and microencapsulation. The unique nanoporous structure of Sumfoam grants it a combination of low density, high mechanical stability, and hydrophobicity. These properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications beyond insulation, including lightweight construction, filtration technology, shock absorption, and as an effective oil binder for environmental clean-ups.

Keywords: polymer nanofoam, high-performance insulation, Sumfoam, polymer chemistry, sustainable materials, energy efficiency, advanced materials, nanoporous foam, building insulation, thermal insulation, oil binder, microencapsulation, lightweight construction, filtration technology, dry liquids, B2B manufacturing, cleantech, material science, scalable production, patented technology