VSParticle

Nanotechnology, core to the $200Bn value-added materials market, has for decades been heralded as one of the most promising areas of science and industry. However, we are yet to discover even 1% of what is possible in nanomaterial design because of the challenges in unlocking the unique properties of elements at the nanoscale. Exploiting the unique synergistic effects embodied in novel nanoscale composites has, until now, been almost impossible at a large scale. VSParticle, a TU Delft spin out, has created a quantum-enhanced 3D nano-printer for the high throughput scaling of nanomaterials with broad applicability for scientific, engineering and manufacturing applications.

The nano-printer uses spark ablation technology (an aerosol-based generation method invented by one of the company’s co-founders) that can uniquely combine different materials into single nanoparticles with controllable sizes and chemical compositions, at low cost and in an environmentally friendly way. One of VSParticle’s first applications significantly improves membrane efficiency to help accelerate the large-scale deployment of green hydrogen production.

Our Thesis

Achieving high-throughput design and test cycles for inorganic nanomaterials is considered the holy grail for a step-change in the inorganic chemicals industry and to propel us to a more sustainable future. By shortening the time to commercialize new value-added materials from 20 to 2 years for high value applications (including solar cells, electro-catalysts, bioelectronics, batteries, sensors and more), VSParticle could play a key role in tackling some of the planet’s outsized challenges including solving for material scarcity in green hydrogen production, decarbonizing the petrochemical industry, and driving a step-change in energy generation, conversion and storage. Finally, as a general purpose technology, VSParticle has the potential to become a global nanofoundry for the discovery and production of advanced materials — akin to becoming the Gingko Bioworks of the inorganic materials world.

We are excited to be backing the VSParticle team on their mission. Read more about the company’s recent €14.5m financing.