Every year the Norrsken Foundation awards 100 promising impact startups worldwide. The basis is more than 1,400 nominations submitted by 50 selected partners. In 2025, 46 of the selected start-ups will be from Europe. Germany leads the field with 18 startups, ahead of Great Britain (14) and France (7).
According to Norrsken's definition, an impact startup combines economic success with social added value. The Norrsken/100 highlights companies that use scalable technologies to solve global problems – from climate change to healthcare.
These five Munich startups are part of the Impact/100
Proxima Fusion is developing fusion power plants based on stellarator technology. The startup emerged from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in 2023. The goal is to realize the demonstration stellarator "Alpha" by 2027—the first plant to produce net energy.
Tozero aims to fully recycle batteries. The company is working on a process that recovers lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite from used batteries. The first commercial demonstration plant is currently being built in Germany, which is expected to produce over 2,000 tons of recycled graphite per year by 2027.
Premium helps property owners identify CO₂ hotspots and plan renovations in a targeted manner. Using AI and satellite imagery, the software captures relevant ESG metrics and risks. Predium thus supports investors and companies in decarbonizing their portfolios.
Avelios Medical is developing a modular hospital IT system based on AI. The system structures data, automates administration, and enables more efficient patient care. The goal is to significantly accelerate digitalization in hospitals.
The Exploration Company is committed to sustainable space travel. The team led by founder Hélène Huby builds reusable spacecraft that enable transport missions to space stations and research projects. The startup aims to significantly reduce the costs of space travel.
Munich's startup ecosystem impresses internationally
Munich's strong presence at Norrsken/100 demonstrates that the Bavarian capital is a leading location for impact innovation. From energy and recycling to healthtech and aerospace – Munich's founders are proving that technological progress and sustainability can go hand in hand.
