Elementarhy: The Startup Bringing Next-Gen Hydrogen Technology to Space and Earth

A revolution in clean energy is underway, and at the forefront is Elementarhy, the newest startup to join the ESA BIC Northern Germany business incubation programme. With a mission to redefine hydrogen production through cutting-edge Membrane Electrode Assembly technology (MEA), Elementarhy is bringing sustainable energy solutions not only to Earth, but also to space.
By dramatically improving the efficiency and scalability of hydrogen electrolysis, the team behind Elementarhy is tackling one of the biggest challenges in energy: how to produce clean, cost-effective hydrogen while reducing dependence on scarce raw materials.
With the support of the ESA BIC Northern Germany, Elementarhy is now gearing up to adapt its technology for space applications – where hydrogen could become the key enabler for off-world exploration, satellite propulsion and extraterrestrial fuel production.

Meet the minds behind Elementarhy and learn about how their ambitious venture came to life.

A Friendship that Sparked Innovation

Elementarhy is the brainchild of Arne Birth and Dr Gustav Sievers, two long-time friends with a shared passion for energy solutions and water sports. “Gustav and I have known each other for over 20 years – we studied at the same university, although in different sciences,” Arne Birth explains. “I studied Business Administration and Geography, while Gustav studied Environmental Sciences. At that time, we already shared two passions: new, clean energy solutions and a love for water sports. We combined those passions, along with Gustav’s expertise in electrochemistry, to develop a new technology that splits hydrogen production.”

For Gustav Sievers, the journey into hydrogen technology began almost a decade ago. “When I was studying, I first found the technology – almost 10 years ago – and developed it through my environmental studies in Copenhagen.” Although they initially took separate career paths – Gustav in scientific research and Arne in business and the chemical industry – the two reconnected in 2022 when Arne sought a way to pivot away from oil and gas.“On February 24, 2022, it was clear to me that I wanted to pivot from the oil and gas industry to build up a more secure and sustainable energy & precious metal supply.  I contacted Gustav and he told me that he had a big need for business development on the technology he was working on and needed to commercialise it. From that moment, Elementarhy was born.

The Breakthrough Technology that is Changing the Game

At the core of Elementarhy’s innovation is Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA), a crucial component of Protone Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis. This technology separates water into hydrogen and oxygen, offering a clean, efficient, and highly scalable method for producing hydrogen fuel.

“It’s like a sieve,” Gustav explains. “What we provide is a piece – a five layer membrane – that separates water into hydrogen and oxygen.” Elementarhy’s 5-layer e|MEA Membrane Electrode Assembly configuration offers several advantages over traditional MEA designs. By using ultrathin catalysts, they have managed to reduce iridium consumption by 20 times – approximately 5% – all while maintaining the same performance. This breakthrough makes the technology more scalable and helps avoid bottlenecks, which is crucial as the demand for hydrogen solutions continues to grow. “Iridium actually comes from space – it arrives on Earth via asteroids – and at the moment, we only have eight tons per year available. If we want to scale this technology up, we need to use a lot less,” Gustav explains. “On Earth we have the problem that we can’t electrify everything – we need molecules for ammonia production, steel production and other industries. In space, we need large quantities of hydrogen for rocket fuel and station life support. Our technology could produce rocket fuel on Mars.”

An example of Elementarhy fully customizable e|MEA. Photo credit: Elementarhy ©2025

Elementarhy uses deep technology to make green hydrogen scalable and competitive. Their approach focuses on customising and producing the elementary component of an electrolyzer – the MEA – with significantly fewer critical raw materials, and impressive performance metrics. The modular nature of Elementarhy’s e|MEA means electrolyzer manufacturers have the flexibility to customise the design and operation of each layer to suit specific needs and operating conditions. By allowing this customisation, the e|MEA is able to be used for various applications and environments. With these innovations, Elementarhy is not only making hydrogen production more efficient and cost-effective, they are also reshaping the future of hydrogen technology for both Earth and space applications.

Why this Technology? Why Now?

The timing of Elementarhy’s breakthrough could not be more critical. As global demand for hydrogen grows, traditional methods of production face major roadblocks, including high costs, limited raw material, and environmental concerns. Arne highlights the economic and sustainability advantages of their technology: “As an economist, it’s very interesting for me to create more with less. There’s a huge demand for these critical raw materials, and we need to use them as efficiently as possible. With our advanced plasma coating process. Gustav adds, “traditional electrolysis technology relies on chemical-based processes, but we use a vacuum process that can be done in space to move atoms around. It’s a much more dedicated approach to making the technology more material-efficient. That’s the main goal.”

From Earth to Space: A Natural Progression

While Elementarhy initially focused on earth applications, its space potential was always part of the vision. “We started with Earth, because that’s where this application is desperately needed,” Gustav says. “But this technology actually comes from the space sector  – so that’s its home, so to speak.” As the space industry pushes further into Moon and Mars exploration, Elementarhy is perfectly positioned to support off-world hydrogen production. Arne elaborates: “In space you have different conditions. On Earth, when hydrogen bubbles are produced, they always rise up. But in space, there is no ‘up’ – so we need to adjust the technology accordingly. With our vacuum process, it’s not an issue anymore.” Hydrogen will play a crucial role in sustaining human presence on Moon and Mars, providing oxygen for astronauts, fuel for rockets, and decentralised energy storage for future space colonies. “We always say that our technology ‘enables technology’,” Gustav emphasises. “From all the sectors we can supply, space is one of the most exciting. You can use it to move satellites, produce oxygen in space, and power future space missions.”

A New Chapter: Joining the ESA BIC Northern Germany

The entry of Elementarhy into the ESA BIC Northern Germany business incubation programme for young space startups marks a major step in the Elementarhy team’s journey.“I saw ESA BIC online and in the news,” Gustav recalls. “I was also talking to people in the space sector who said that it’s not really about funding, it’s about being connected to ESA and becoming part of the network. For us, that’s one of the main benefits.” Through ESA BIC Northern Germany, Elementarhy gains access to expert consultants, testing facilities, and invaluable industry connections. “We’re excited to test our technology under different conditions – like at the Falturm in Bremen, where we can conduct zero-gravity experiments,” Gustav says. “And of course, we want to talk to customers who are interested in our product.” Arne adds, “getting a better understanding of the market and customer needs is a big topic for us. That will have a direct impact on our product development. The ESA network is also incredibly important – it’s a great way to make connections, gain insights, and pivot in the right direction when needed.”

What’s Next for Elementarhy?

With a strong team of 11 people and backing from the German Ministry of Economics and Energy, Elementarhy is now focused on developing its first MEA pilot system. “Our main plan this year is to set up the first pilot and start talks with potential customers,” Arne explains. “Based on that, we can refine the product in collaboration with them.” Gustav sums up their shared ambition: “We just want to push forward. There’s a huge market for clean hydrogen, and we want to make our mark.” With its breakthrough technology and a clear vision, Elementarhy is set to revolutionise hydrogen production – on Earth, in orbit, and beyond.

To learn more about Elementarhy:
Website
LinkedIn

About ESA BIC Northern Germany

The Incubation Centre of the European Space Agency in Northern Germany (ESA BIC Northern Germany) is headquartered jointly with the Bremen aeronautics and space industries association at the Bremer Innovations- und Technologiezentrum BITZ as well as the Digihub Industry – two of the largest innovation and technology centres for high-tech companies and startups in the German federal state of Bremen. The ESA BIC Northern Germany brings new startup opportunities to the region and thus strengthens the aeronautics and space sector in the German federal state of Bremen. AVIASPACE BREMEN e.V. supports the incubatees with its network, public relations work and targeted coaching not only during the incubation period, but also afterwards as alumni. STARTHAUS Bremen & Bremerhaven is the central point of contact in the Bremen startup ecosystem and supports the startups on all issues relating to business development and financing. The ESA BIC Northern Germany is managed by Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO), an international networking and branding company for the European space programmes that also manages ESA BIC Bavaria with three locations in southern Germany.

Since 2021, ESA BIC Northern Germany has also been offering its service to space-related startups in Schleswig-Holstein. The Technikzentrum Lübeck with GATEWAY49, AviaSpace Bremen and AZO jointly operate this extension of ESA BIC Northern Germany. As of June 2024, ESA BIC Northern Germany also offers its services to space-related startups in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The Innovation Port Wismar with AviaSpace Bremen and AZO jointly operate this extension of ESA BIC Northern Germany. There are also plans to extend ESA BIC Northern Germany to the northern German federal states of Hamburg, Lower Saxony, and Berlin-Brandenburg.

Technical support of the ESA BIC Northern Germany, is offered by Fraunhofer IFAM, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence DFKI, DLR-RY Institute for Space Systems, Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar Research AWI, Universities in the State of Bremen incl. many institutes such as IUP Institute for Environmental Physics, Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity ZARM, TH Lübeck, University Lübeck,  Life Science Nord, Airbus Group, ArianeGroup, AES Aircraft Elektro/Elektronik System, Dräger, DSI Aerospace, Possehl, and OHB.