Four D2XCEL startups took part in European Hydrogen Valleys Investment Forum 2025

Sep 12, 2025 11:53:03 AM

The Tech Tour European Hydrogen Valleys Investment Forum 2025 took place on 4–5 September in Riga, Latvia, bringing together an extraordinary community of investors, innovators, and experts shaping the future of the hydrogen economy.

Highlights from the onsite experience included 31 selected companies pitching across hydrogen production, infrastructure, offtake, aviation, mobility and supply chains; 40+ seasoned venture capital and corporate investors actively engaging in the discussions; over 100 One2One meetings sparking partnerships and new investment opportunities; inspiring exchanges with thought leaders on Europe’s path toward a zero-emissions economy; and a deep dive into Riga’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Of the selected companies, eight were recognised with awards for their outstanding presentations.

Four D2XCEL companies took part

Naco Technologies pioneers nano-coatings via high-speed magnetron sputtering, replacing scarce materials like iridium and platinum in electrolyzers and fuel cells. Its pilot factory produces 500,000 hydrogen system components annually.

ReCatalyst develops, produces, and supplies customizable next-generation platinum-based catalyst solutions with the mission to optimize the usage of your precious metals.

Biojet contributes to the green shift by converting wood-based residual products into liquid biofuels, produced at suitable geographical areas. The sustainable biofuel can be used in traditional engines and distributed via established infrastructure.

PowerUP Energy Technologies offers hydrogen fuel cell-based power solutions for telecoms, defense, healthcare, and more. Its lightweight, silent, zero-emission extenders revolutionise sustainable energy for critical applications worldwide.

Martin Petric, Commercial Manager at ReCatalyst, shared after the event:

"We were among 30 companies pitching at the European Hydrogen Valleys Investment Forum 2025! Our contribution is straightforward: we are developing next-generation catalysts that reduce reliance on critical raw materials while boosting performance—a key enabler for making hydrogen valleys economically viable and scalable. With more than 40 investors present, the event proved to be an excellent platform to showcase our technology and test our vision in a room that truly matters. Thanks to Tech Tour and D2XCEL for opening this door and supporting companies driving the hydrogen economy forward!"

Winners

Naco Technologies and PowerUP energy were among the 8 winners!

The strong presence of D2XCEL cohort companies at the European Hydrogen Valleys Investment Forum highlights their role in driving Europe’s clean energy future. With two award winners among them, our ventures are not only innovating but also gaining recognition on the international stage — proving that deep tech solutions from our ecosystem are ready to scale impact across industries and borders.

This project has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement Nº101121100. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.