CONVION OY

Their core work

Convion is a Finnish SME specializing in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power systems, developing and commercializing distributed power generation units in the 50 kW+ range. They design SOFC systems that convert biogas and other fuels into electricity with high efficiency, targeting wastewater treatment plants, industrial sites, and other distributed energy applications. Their work spans from system development through demonstration to commercial-scale deployment, positioning them as a technology provider bridging the gap between SOFC research and market-ready products.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Convion's H2020 trajectory shows a textbook progression from feasibility to market. In 2015, they started with a small SME Instrument Phase 1 feasibility study (HighPower, €50K) while simultaneously joining two large demonstration and development projects (DEMOSOFC and INNO-SOFC). By 2018, their focus shifted decisively toward commercialization — the ComSos project explicitly targets commercial-scale SOFC systems with keywords like "business plan" and "commercialization," signaling a move from proving the technology works to bringing it to market.

Convion is transitioning from R&D participant to commercial SOFC system supplier, making them increasingly relevant for partners seeking market-ready fuel cell technology rather than basic research.

How they like to work

Convion primarily operates as a participant in larger consortia (3 out of 4 projects), contributing specialist SOFC expertise to multi-partner efforts. Their single coordinator role was an SME Instrument Phase 1 — a solo feasibility study, which is typical for SMEs testing their business case. With 14 unique partners across 6 countries, they maintain a moderately broad European network, suggesting they are a trusted technical contributor sought out by different consortium leaders rather than a hub that builds its own coalitions.

Convion has collaborated with 14 unique partners across 6 European countries, indicating a solid pan-European network within the fuel cell and hydrogen community. Their participation in both FCH2 Joint Undertaking projects and standard Innovation Actions suggests connections to both the dedicated hydrogen ecosystem and broader energy R&D networks.

What sets them apart

Convion occupies a rare niche as a dedicated SOFC system integrator that has progressed through the full development pipeline — from feasibility through demonstration to commercial scale — within H2020. Unlike large corporations dabbling in fuel cells or research institutes focused on fundamentals, Convion is an SME whose entire business is built around making SOFC systems commercially viable. For consortium builders, they offer a partner who combines deep technical SOFC expertise with genuine commercial intent and market knowledge.

Highlights from their portfolio

• DEMOSOFC
  Largest single EC contribution (€2.6M) — a flagship demonstration of SOFC technology at a real wastewater treatment plant, proving the technology works at scale.
• ComSos
  Most recent project (2018-2023) explicitly targeting commercial-scale SOFC systems, marking Convion's transition from R&D to market deployment.
• HighPower
  Convion's only coordinator role — an SME Instrument Phase 1 feasibility study that validated their distributed power plant business concept.