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Estonia’s energy transformation continues on all levels — from the commissioning of new power plants to startups pushing innovative solutions. This week, startup PowerUP Energy Technologies has secured €10 million in Series A funding to scale production of hydrogen fuel cell generators that serve both defence and commercial markets. The round was co-led by dual-use venture firms Mercaton and ScaleWolf, with participation from Estonia’s SmartCap Green Fund and existing investors.
The Tallinn-based company distinguishes itself through proven battlefield deployment. PowerUP’s hydrogen generators have already been tested in Ukraine, validating their reliability under extreme conditions.
This track record proves that the product is suitable for critical applications, from military operations to telecommunications infrastructure. This includes, but is not limited to, powering CCTV and other security systems, or essential lighting, charging, and small environmental control systems with minimal noise or heat footprint.
“While other technologies are still being tested in labs, ours has already been battle-tested on the front lines in Ukraine,” said founder and CEO Ivar Kruusenberg. “This is the very definition of dual-use innovation: a cleantech solution that has been forged and validated by the urgent needs of defence.”
Founded in 2016, PowerUP initially developed its fuel cell technology for European Space Agency missions before adapting it for terrestrial use. The generators offer silent, emission-free operation with low heat signatures, making them particularly valuable for military forward-operating units and off-grid civilian infrastructure like telecom towers. They range from portable 400W devices to all-in-one container solutions and industrial-grade adaptations.
The funding will support three strategic priorities: expanding commercial sales teams for backup power markets, establishing regional hubs in Central Europe and North America, and accelerating R&D for higher-density fuel cell models.
ScaleWolf partner Dave Harden said the dual-use value proposition is unique: “PowerUP has shown that its systems can deliver dependable power in demanding environments, supporting both defence missions and essential civilian operations.”
