Who is part of the founding team and who is responsible for what tasks or has what set of skills?
The founding team consists of Michael Ilewicz (B.Sc. Physics, B.Sc. Renewable Energies), Mithil Badam (M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering) and Mohammadreza Ashoori (M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering).
Michael (management) is responsible for product strategy, R&D and financing, Mithil (future production manager) is in charge of prototype development and Mohammadreza is supervising simulation and quality assurance.
A brief description
We develop heat pump drives with integrated energy recovery that consume 20% less electricity at high heating temperatures. Thanks to innovative cavitation-resistant material structures, we enable more cost-effective heating solutions for old buildings compared to gas or oil heating systems.
The background of the development
The idea originated from a charity project during the pandemic, where the team developed IoT ventilators with energy recovery. Recognizing that their technological concepts had broader potential, they decided to apply the technology to heat pumps. The focus on heat pumps was chosen because there is a huge need here and the team sees the greatest leverage to contribute to the community. For the team, impact and added value are paramount.
What was the biggest challenge for you last year?
The biggest difficulties lay in finding co-founders, as there were several changes, as well as technical challenges with the CNC machine, which required frequent repairs and extensions. We also underestimated the complexity and extent of the European product safety laws, as well as the rather high bureaucratic effort at the university. Unfortunately, Germany has remained true to its reputation for bureaucracy here.
Tips for founders / What would you do differently today?
The biggest difficulties were in finding co-founders, as there were a few changes, as well as technical challenges with the CNC machine, which required frequent repairs and extensions. In retrospect, we should have hired an experienced CNC technician and worked harder to find co-founders. In terms of product safety, we should have hired a specialist on day one to prepare the CE certification of our prototype and create a development project plan for us.
Area of application
Energy technology, especially heat pump technology for building heating systems
Contact
Michael Ilewicz
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ecalia
From September 15, 2024 to September 14, 2025, the team receives the Young Innovators grant. The TTI and TRACES, the TRACES, the transfer center of the University of Stuttgart, are delighted for the team and wish them further success!
Do you also have an idea for a start-up? Then you can find all the information you need for the next steps here.
Contact
Hanna Dewes
Research Associate