A region to watch — 3 startups from Saxony. Leipzig and Dresden.
3 innovation and digital news in 1 minute. Every Monday. Episode 395
CargoBeamer rail transport system for non-craneable semi-trailers
CargoBeamer provides technology and infrastructure to transport standard semi-trailers by rail on a sled-like system. No additional conversions or reinforcements are needed. Bringing cargo to the railroad tracks reduces CO₂ emissions. CargoBeamer, Leipzig-based, secured €140m in Series B funding, led by the Albrecht family office (Aldi). Opinion: CargoBeamer secured significant funding while investments in the sector are plummeting. Aldi has a highly optimised logistics network. The Albrecht family office leading the investment underscores strong confidence in their solution.
CargoBeamer is located in Leipzig for its strategic location as a European logistics hub.
Sunfire chemical process for renewable industrial gases and fuels
Sunfire develops and produces machines that use electricity, steam, and CO₂ to produce green hydrogen and synthetic fuels. These technologies help replace fossil fuels and reduce CO₂ emissions. The process used is electrolysis. The company is based in Dresden and raised €215m in its latest Series E funding round, bringing its total funding to €918m (including €100m debt financing and €369m EU grants). Opinion: Sunfire claims to be the world-leading electrolysis company. It is particularly relevant in energy-intensive sectors, such as chemical, fuel, steel industries.
Latest news: the opening of RWE’s first hydrogen site in Lingen with Sunfire being a key component.
Seamless Therapeutics precision gene editing for disease treatment
Seamless Therapeutics is a biotech startup based in Dresden. Developing gene editing technologies to restore health by precisely correcting genetic mutations (a biological process). Genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, can be treated that way. Seamless Therapeutics recently raised €11.8m to further develop its gene-editing platform. Opinion: By precisely editing the faulty genes, responsible for different diseases, the technology could correct the underlying cause and provide a long-term solution for patients. Seamless Therapeutics contributes to the broader movement towards more effective, precise, and individualised healthcare solutions.
Personalised healthcare is becoming increasingly relevant.
