MEMBRASENZ SARL

Their core work

MEMBRASENZ is a Swiss SME specializing in membrane technology for electrochemical energy applications, particularly alkaline electrolysis and photoelectrochemical systems. They develop and supply advanced membrane components — likely anion exchange membranes — used in water electrolysis for green hydrogen production and in solar-driven chemical synthesis. Their contributions span from membrane materials and module design to integration into flow reactor systems for converting sunlight and electricity into clean fuels and chemicals.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

All three projects started in 2020, so the timeline is compressed, but the keyword shift reveals a clear thematic expansion. Their earliest involvement (NEWELY) centered squarely on alkaline membrane electrolysis — a core membrane technology play. The later projects (SOLAR2CHEM, FlowPhotoChem) broadened into solar chemicals, photoelectrochemistry, flow reactors, and carbon-based semiconductors, suggesting MEMBRASENZ is extending its membrane know-how from pure electrolysis into solar-driven and photocatalytic chemical production.

MEMBRASENZ is moving from hydrogen electrolysis membranes toward solar-to-chemical conversion systems, positioning itself at the intersection of green hydrogen and solar fuels.

How they like to work

MEMBRASENZ operates exclusively as a participant, never as coordinator — consistent with a specialist SME that contributes deep technical expertise (membrane components and know-how) to larger research consortia. With 31 unique partners across just 3 projects, they work in sizable international consortia (averaging ~10 partners each), indicating comfort in complex multi-partner environments. Their role pattern suggests they are sought out for specific membrane technology contributions rather than driving project strategy.

Despite only 3 projects, MEMBRASENZ has built a broad network of 31 partners across 15 countries, reflecting the large consortium sizes typical of RIA and MSCA projects. Their geographic spread covers much of the EU and associated countries, with no apparent concentration in a single region.

What sets them apart

MEMBRASENZ occupies a niche that few SMEs cover: they are a dedicated membrane technology company contributing directly to green hydrogen and solar fuel research consortia. Their Swiss base gives them access to both EU-funded projects and strong domestic electrochemistry expertise (ETH, EPFL ecosystem in the Lausanne area). For consortium builders, they offer an industry partner that can supply real membrane components and scale-up know-how — bridging the gap between academic materials research and commercial electrolysis or photochemistry systems.

Highlights from their portfolio

• FlowPhotoChem
  Their largest H2020 contribution (EUR 402k), combining membrane and reactor expertise in an ambitious project on solar-driven flow photochemistry — a strong indicator of their core commercial interest.
• NEWELY
  Directly aligned with their company identity as a membrane manufacturer, focused on next-generation alkaline electrolysers for green hydrogen production.