Sweden is one of Europe’s most innovative countries, leading the innovation barometer for years and scoring top numbers when it comes to deeptech and impact investment.
Yearly, Ny Teknik spotlights the best technology startups in Sweden, selecting 33 from hundreds of applicants. Today, CelluXtreme was selected as 1 of the 33 best in 2024 and we are deeply honored. Find our listing on Ny Teknik’s website.
A Milestone to Celebrate
“There are so many impactful technology companies in Sweden. Yet alone the KTH campus hosts a range of innovative start-ups that develop circular and bio-based solutions”, says Anna Wiberg, CEO of CelluXtreme. “That we were selected by Ny Teknik as 1 of 33 feels so rewarding and makes me proud. It is great feedback for our team that also strengthens our belief that we are on track with the development of our deeptech start-up. Society needs sustainable and high-performance materials. What we produce is a new type of multi-functional fibre reinforced composite material.”
CelluXtreme’s Technology
CelluXtreme’s technology roots in the controlled spinning of super-strong and super-though cellulose-based fibres. The technology was a result of Karl Håkansson during his PhD at KTH. He is now responsible for the material and process development at CelluXtreme.
“Our fibre is high-performing and biobased, which is an exciting combination. As we make the fibre from cellulose, its density is low compared to glass and carbon fibres that are used for conventional reinforced composite materials. This makes our fibre an interesting choice for lightweighting, for example in aviation, sports or automotive.” Karl adds, that “another unique and exciting property is the possibility to functionalise our fibre by addition of nanomaterials during the spinning. That opens a wide range of opportunities”.
CelluXtreme’s fibre – naturally strong, and naturally sustainable
CelluXtreme was founded in 2020 by Daniel Söderberg, CTO at CelluXtreme and Magnus Wikström. Anna and Karl joined soon after. The catalyst for starting CelluXtreme was the large public attention for a cellulose-based fibre that is stronger than steel.
Daniel explains that “cellulose is a future material. Nanocellulose, which is the smallest part of a plant fibre, is one of the strongest natural materials existing. And it is part of the natural carbon cycle, removing atmospheric CO2 when in use. The trick to enable new high-performance products is to control the nanocellulose placement in the fibres.” Daniel, who is also Professor at KTH says that “groundwork was laid at KTH and RISE, and fundamental research continues in my research group. To deliver societal impact from the science, the material needs to be made accessible. That is what we achieve through CelluXtreme.”
CelluXtreme’s Development
CelluXtreme has grown to five employees and is supported by academic advisors from KTH. Read more of our team on the website. Organizations, companies and individuals that have shown that they believe in our concept are a big support to our development. CelluXtreme likes to thank Vinnova and Energimyndigheten for funding, and Sting for guidance and boosting us, especially our coach Pär Hedberg.
Join the Development
At CelluXtreme we develop our material in collaboration with early customers that are eager to innovate and set a development tone. We are now preparing for our scale-up in 2025 and are ready to take in new co-development projects. Reach out to us and take the chance to meet our founder at the Ny Teknik 33-listan celebration.
Meet Anna and Karl on December 2nd at the Clarion Hotell in Stockholm and celebrate together Sweden’s best technology start-ups.