CELEROTON AG

Their core work

Celeroton AG is a Swiss SME that develops ultra-high-speed turbo compressors designed for fuel cell vehicle air supply systems. Their core product addresses a critical bottleneck in automotive PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) systems: delivering compressed oxygen efficiently, compactly, and reliably. They progressed through the EU SME Instrument from feasibility (Phase 1) to full development (Phase 2), indicating a commercially maturing technology. They also contribute compressor expertise to larger collaborative projects focused on reducing the cost of fuel cell balance-of-plant components.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Celeroton's early H2020 work (2017) focused on the broader challenge of cost-effective manufacturing for fuel cell balance-of-plant components (INN-BALANCE) alongside a feasibility study for their turbocompressor concept (SME Phase 1). By 2019, they secured major Phase 2 funding (€1.7M) to fully develop their turbocompressor, with keywords shifting toward vehicle-level concerns like oxygen supply efficiency and energy performance. The progression shows a classic deepening trajectory — from component-level feasibility to a fully funded product development effort aimed at automotive integration.

Celeroton is moving from R&D participation toward commercializing a specific product — a turbocompressor for fuel cell vehicles — suggesting they are approaching market readiness.

How they like to work

Celeroton primarily leads its own projects (coordinator in 2 of 3), using the SME Instrument to advance their proprietary technology. They join larger consortia selectively when the topic directly aligns with their compressor niche, as seen in INN-BALANCE. With 10 partners across 4 countries from just 3 projects, they maintain a focused but internationally connected network — a typical profile for a technology SME that contributes deep specialist expertise rather than broad project management.

Celeroton has collaborated with 10 unique partners across 4 countries, primarily through the INN-BALANCE consortium. Their network is modest in size but internationally oriented, consistent with a specialist SME that connects through targeted fuel cell and automotive partnerships.

What sets them apart

Celeroton occupies a very specific niche: ultra-high-speed turbo compressors for fuel cell vehicle air supply. This is a critical enabling component that few European SMEs specialize in, making them a valuable partner for any consortium working on automotive hydrogen fuel cells. Their successful SME Instrument Phase 1-to-Phase 2 progression demonstrates both technical credibility and commercial viability assessed by EU evaluators.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Turbo-FCell
  SME Instrument Phase 2 with €1.73M funding — represents the full product development commitment following a successful feasibility study, and accounts for 97% of their total EC funding.
• INN-BALANCE
  Large collaborative RIA on automotive PEMFC cost reduction where Celeroton contributed turbocompressor expertise alongside major fuel cell industry partners.