A series of recent milestones confirms Altris’ transition from technology development to industrial execution. Strategic partnerships, committed industrial capital and growing market recognition are now converging to position sodium-ion batteries as a market-ready, European-built solution.
The start of 2026 marks an important phase for our portfolio company Altris. In quick succession, the company has secured a landmark industrial partnership and investment with Draslovka, strengthened its collaboration with long-standing strategic investor Clarios, and gained international recognition through inclusion in the Global Cleantech 100. Together, these developments highlight Altris’ steady progress from innovation to industrial deployment within Europe’s evolving battery ecosystem.
A strategic industrial partnership with Draslovka
Altris’ partnership with Czech speciality chemicals group Draslovka represents a major milestone for the company and for Europe’s battery value chain. Under the agreement, Draslovka will make a €19.3 million in-kind strategic investment in Altris and host the conversion of an existing production line at its Kolín facility to manufacture Altris’ patented sodium-ion cathode active material (CAM).
Once ramped, the line is expected to supply up to 350 tonnes of CAM annually, equivalent to around 175 MWh of sodium-ion cell capacity. The approach enables rapid, capital-efficient industrialisation by leveraging existing infrastructure, process expertise and licences, while anchoring production firmly in Europe. Start of production is planned for late 2026.
Beyond scale, the collaboration reflects a broader shift in how battery technologies are being developed in Europe – through close industrial partnerships and with early attention to manufacturability and supply security.
“This alliance exemplifies how Altris is building a European sodium-ion value chain with leading industrial partners,” says Christer Bergquist, CEO of Altris. “Europe is no longer waiting for sodium-ion to mature elsewhere – we are industrialising it here, with Western manufacturing and Western supply. It reflects our strategy to focus on what we do best: delivering world-class cathode material that supports a more resilient European battery supply.”
Building on strong industrial foundations
The Draslovka agreement builds on Altris’ established industrial relationships, not least with Clarios, a global leader in advanced low-voltage battery solutions and a long-standing strategic investor in the company.
Earlier this year, Altris and Clarios announced an expanded partnership underpinned by a Joint Development Agreement focused on sodium-ion technology for automotive applications. The collaboration includes increased equity investment, joint development and validation activities, and preparation for industrial-scale production. Together with Slovak manufacturer InoBat, the companies are advancing prototype cell assembly and testing within a European manufacturing and R&D framework.
These relationships underline Altris’ strategy of engaging early with industrial players and potential customers – ensuring that technology development remains aligned with performance requirements, manufacturing realities and market demand.
Recognition at global level
As a further endorsement of Altris’ progress, the company was named to the Cleantech Group’s 2026 Global Cleantech 100. The annual list recognises companies combining technological innovation with a credible path to commercial and industrial impact.
For Altris, the recognition highlights both the relevance of sodium-ion technology as a complementary battery chemistry and the importance of building European-controlled value chains that can scale responsibly over time.
Industrial progress with long-term perspective
Together, these milestones signal more than short-term momentum. They reflect Altris’ disciplined transition towards industrial relevance – supported by strategic investors, committed partners and growing market confidence.
As Magnus Lundin, Nordic Investment Director at InnoEnergy notes:“What we see at Altris today is the result of a visionary and consistent execution. The new strategic partnership with Draslovka shows that the technology is ready to move into industrial environments, while the deepened collaboration with Clarios confirms interest from leading battery players. This combination of industrial commitment, customer relevance and disciplined scaling is exactly what is required to build long-term value and impact in Europe’s energy transition.”
With strong foundations in place and industrialisation underway, Altris is helping build a more resilient European battery ecosystem and creating the conditions essential for Europe’s transition to net zero. As a long-standing partner and investor, we are proud to support Altris in this next phase of industrial execution.
