NATO DIANA Accelerator alumni GaltTec secures €1M to power drones and IoT devices with next-generation fuel cells

GaltTec, an Estonian deep-tech startup developing micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (mSOFCs) for portable and off-grid energy solutions, has successfully closed its pre-seed funding round, raising a total of €1 million from private investors and grants. The investment will accelerate the company’s mission to provide lightweight, long-lasting power solutions for drones and IoT devices, reducing reliance on conventional batteries. GaltTec was the only Estonian startup in the NATO DIANA Accelerator’s first batch. 

The investment round was led by 2C Ventures, a cleantech focused venture capital fund committed to advancing climate-neutral economy. The Fund seeks to back exceptional science based start-ups developing transformative technologies and is managed by Martin Koppel, Taavi Veskimägi, Herty Tammo and Hendrik Reimand. The round was also joined by various well-known angel investors and entrepreneurs, including Kuldar Väärsi, along with Bitsick OÜ and ModulEnergy OÜ, further strengthening GaltTec’s network of strategic backers.

Private investment complements public grant funding from the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, the European Space Agency Business Incubation Center, the Estonian Ministry of Defense, the State Shared Service Centre, and the NATO DIANA Accelerator program.

Founded in 2022, GaltTec is pioneering fuel cell technology to meet the growing demand for lightweight, sustainable, and highly efficient energy solutions. The company’s fuel cells are designed to significantly extend operational endurance for drones and IoT devices, making them a game-changer for industries that rely on long-lasting, portable power sources.

“This investment allows us to accelerate the development of our next-generation fuel cell technology, bringing us closer to delivering lightweight, high-efficiency power solutions for drones and off-grid devices,” said Glen Kelp, CEO and Co-Founder of GaltTec.

GaltTec already partners with leading drone manufacturers, including Skycorp Technologies, a European pioneer in hydrogen-powered drones, showcasing the real-world potential of its technology.

“GaltTec’s fuel cell technology has the potential to redefine how we power drones and IoT devices, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional batteries and fossil fuels,” said Martin Koppel, Partner at 2C Ventures. “We believe their innovation is a game-changer for cleantech and energy resilience, and we’re excited to support their journey as they scale and expand into global markets.”

GaltTec’s dual-use strategy positions its fuel cells as a critical solution for both commercial and defense sectors. In 2024, the company became the first Estonian startup to join the NATO DIANA accelerator program, which supports deep-tech companies contributing to national security and defense. The accelerator in Estonia is led by the Tehnopol Startup Incubator together with the Sparkup Tartu Science Park.

Additionally, GaltTec has signed a cooperation agreement with the Estonian Defence Forces to test ethanol-based fuel cells, further reinforcing the strategic importance of its technology.

With strong backing from both private and public sectors, GaltTec is well-positioned to scale its technology, expand into new markets, and drive the future of sustainable energy solutions for drones, IoT devices, and beyond.

On the photo: GaltTec co-founders Laura Elise Arvisto, Glen Kelp, Tanel Tätte (photo taken by Paul Meiesaar)