Global data volume is growing rapidly, driven by AI applications. Meanwhile, individual data centers already consume as much energy as cities with 100,000 residents. The startup Ewigbyte is developing a glass-based storage technology that writes data directly into glass using ultrashort light pulses. The technology makes information changeable only through physical destruction, requires no ongoing energy consumption after writing, and is designed to strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty.
For this approach, Ewigbyte now receives €1.6 million in pre-seed funding. Vanagon Ventures and Bayern Kapital lead the round. Experienced business angels from the Baystartup investor network also participate. Additionally, the German Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation (SPRIND) awards a validation contract to the startup. The capital flows into developing an industrial prototype that enables the transition from research to application.
Data permanently inscribed in glass
Ewigbyte does not store data in magnetic or electrical states, but writes it directly into glass using a femtosecond laser. Per pulse, the system writes over one million data points in the form of tiny, QR-code-like patterns. The information remains permanently physically fixed and withstands environmental influences.
The team is responding to structural weaknesses in existing storage technologies. Heat, humidity, cyberattacks, power outages, or solar storms threaten conventional systems. At the same time, energy requirements and costs are increasing.
Prototype as foundation for pilot customers
With the fresh capital, Ewigbyte is developing an industrial write, storage, and read machine as a prototype. This system forms the foundation for collaboration with initial pilot customers.
Steffen Klewitz, co-founder and CEO of Ewigbyte, says:
“The funds from this round allow us to bring the technology to an industrially usable state more quickly. We can even implement key components earlier than originally planned, enabling first pilot applications from this year onwards.”
Investors are also convinced. Sandro Stark, general partner at Vanagon Ventures, says:
“Expanding storage infrastructure is the key to everything that comes before it: AI, energy, computing power. It is the central building block. And Ewigbyte has the potential to become a company of generational significance in this field.”
And Hans Schorsch, business angel from the Baystartup network and the round’s largest individual investor, reports:
“The pitch deck immediately ‘infected’ me and I was clear: This fits. Beyond the company’s actual purpose, the technology, and the challenge of developing new markets, it’s something special to be part of Ewigbyte and to create something truly new.”
