We are excited to present ReCatalyst, a Slovenian startup pioneering next-generation platinum-alloy catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolyzers, cofounded by Tomaz Bizjak and Matija Gatalo. 

Their proprietary nanotechnology platform reduces the amount of platinum needed, addressing a major cost barrier in scaling hydrogen technologies. By optimizing precious metal usage, ReCatalyst enhances the efficiency and affordability of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, crucial for decarbonizing heavy-duty transport and energy sectors. Originating as a spin-out from the National Institute of Chemistry in Ljubljana, the company has secured €1.7 million in seed funding and collaborates with global partners to accelerate the adoption of sustainable hydrogen solutions.

ReCatalyst is one of the 54 selected companies in Cohort 2 and part of the Renewable Energy Production group.

What’s the biggest industry problem that you’re tackling and how? 

The biggest problem in our industry that we're tackling is the high quantities of expensive and scarce precious metals required to power fuel cells and water electrolyzers. We are tackling this problem by developing and offering our next-generation (electro)catalysts that maximize the utilization of precious metals.

What keeps you awake at night about your startup?

The impacts that we indirectly feel from the geo-politics happening around the world.

In your wildest dreams, what would success look like for your company?

Achieving real-world impact with the scaleup catalyst products - powering decarbonization hydrogen technologies - that started many years ago in a tiny round-bottom flask on a milli-gram scale as a research project.

To support our growing network and its startups, we invite potential stakeholders (investors, lead customers, mentors, and supporting partners) to apply here.

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.