⏱ 2 min read
Background
The electrodes of solar cells and many energy devices often use gold or silver. These metals are expensive and their prices fluctuate sharply. GraphEnergyTech, a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Cambridge, is developing an alternative. In 2024, Aramco Ventures led its pre-seed round.
The key points
GraphEnergyTech has completed the first close of its seedround, announced on 9 November 2026 the Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa), the economic promotion agency of western Switzerland. The round targets up to £3 million and remains open to new investors. Aramco Ventures is returning as an investor, alongside existing shareholders and new business angels, including Canadian investors.
The company, which has offices in Lausanne and Cambridge, produces highly conductive inks and pastes based on carbon and graphene. They serve as metal-free electrodes. According to the company, they reduce exposure to metal prices while maintaining electrode efficiency and durability. The technology builds on research by Professor Michael Grätzel at EPFL and by Cambridge researchers.
Starting with solar panels, GraphEnergyTech is expanding into fuel cells, heating technologies and printed electronics. It is also involved in a perovskite solar module project with Taiwanese and British partners.
Key figures
- £3 million : maximum amount targeted by the seed round
- 2024 : pre-seed round led by Aramco Ventures
What it means for businesses
- GraphEnergyTech : funding for technology development, industrial validation and commercialisation, including with international partners
- Solar industry : an alternative to gold and silver electrodes, undergoing industrial validation
Who says what
- Zayed Alamri (Executive Managing Director of Aramco Ventures): sees “potential” for this technology to support various industries
What's next
- The seed round remains open to new investors
