Sthyr Energy, a deeptech start-up incubated at IIT Madras, has raised $1 million in seed funding to scale its innovative Zinc-Air battery systems. The round was led by Speciale Invest, with participation from Antares Ventures. The funding will propel Sthyr’s development of a next-generation energy storage solution designed for long-duration applications such as seasonal energy storage and fossil-free peaker plant replacement.
Breakthrough Technology for Safer, Scalable Storage
Founded by Gunjan (CEO), Akhil Kongara (CTO), and Muhammed Hamdan (COO), Sthyr Energy is pioneering a mechanically rechargeable Zinc-Air battery that separates energy and power components—allowing for flexible, modular deployments across various scales. The system uses water-based, non-flammable electrolytes, emphasizing safety while offering a compelling alternative to lithium-ion chemistries.
Fuelling R&D and Pilot Projects
With the fresh capital, Sthyr plans to expand its R&D capabilities and develop pilot installations. It will also partner with grid-scale energy providers and industrial users to validate the technology’s commercial performance. As reported by projectstoday.com, the company aims to demonstrate the reliability and viability of its solution in real-world energy systems.
Backed by Deep Research and Strategic Vision
The technology is backed by over five years of foundational research at IIT Madras. Commenting on the investment, Vishnu Rajeev, Investment Principal at Speciale Invest, stated, “Sthyr’s approach to using abundant, domestically available metals like zinc has the potential to position India at the forefront of energy storage innovation. This funding will accelerate their transition from lab prototype to large-scale, grid-connected deployments.”
Supporting the Global Clean Energy Transition
As the world seeks dependable, dispatchable clean energy solutions, Sthyr’s Zinc-Air battery system stands out for its scalability, safety, and sustainability. The funding marks a major step in the company’s mission to redefine energy storage. As reported by projectstoday.com, it supports a fossil-free future.
