HEXIS AG

Their core work

HEXIS AG is a Swiss technology SME specializing in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems for residential and light commercial combined heat and power (mCHP) applications. They manufacture and commercialize SOFC-based mCHP units — devices that generate both electricity and heat from natural gas or hydrogen at the building level. Their work spans the full chain from technology development to market deployment, including supply chain setup and installer network development. In more recent work, they have expanded into solid oxide electrolysis, positioning themselves at the intersection of power generation and green hydrogen production.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 engagement (2016 onward), HEXIS was firmly focused on getting fuel cell mCHP technology out of the lab and into the market — commercialisation, demonstration, large-scale deployment, and supply chain development were the defining themes. From 2020 onward, their keyword profile expanded to include solid oxide electrolysis and reversible solid oxide cells, signalling a pivot toward bidirectional electrochemical devices capable of both power generation and hydrogen production. This shift reflects a broader industry movement: SOFC manufacturers are repositioning their core technology as a building block for the hydrogen economy, not just a gas-fired heat-and-power appliance.

HEXIS is moving from pure mCHP commercialisation toward reversible solid oxide cell technology, suggesting future collaboration opportunities in green hydrogen production, power-to-gas, and sector coupling projects.

How they like to work

HEXIS operates exclusively as a participant or third party — they have not led any H2020 projects, consistent with a product-focused SME that joins consortia to validate and deploy its technology rather than to manage research programmes. Their presence in PACE in both participant and third-party roles within the same project suggests they contributed manufacturing expertise and field units while maintaining a degree of commercial independence. With 35 partners across 13 countries in only two funded projects, they clearly operate within large, multi-stakeholder consortia typical of fuel cell commercialisation initiatives.

HEXIS has built connections with 35 unique partners across 13 countries through just two funded H2020 projects, indicating deep integration into the European fuel cell and hydrogen technology community. Their network is pan-European in reach, concentrated in the energy and cleantech sector.

What sets them apart

HEXIS AG occupies a rare position as a Swiss-based commercial SOFC manufacturer with direct H2020 participation, bringing an actual product — not just research — into European fuel cell projects. While most consortium members in fuel cell projects are universities or research institutes, HEXIS contributes industrial-grade hardware, manufacturing know-how, and real deployment experience. Their expanding work on reversible solid oxide cells also positions them as a bridge between the stationary power sector and the emerging green hydrogen value chain.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PACE
  Europe's largest fuel cell mCHP commercialisation project, where HEXIS held both a funded participant role (€592,500) and a third-party role — reflecting their dual status as both technology developer and market actor.
• NewSOC
  Marked HEXIS's expansion into solid oxide electrolysis and reversible cell technology, signalling a strategic move toward hydrogen production alongside their established mCHP business.