Avoxt aims to make green hydrogen accessible worldwide

Hydrogen is often referred to as the key to a CO_₂-neutral industry. However, hydrogen produced in a genuinely sustainable manner remains too expensive and technically challenging to scale up. Groningen and Eindhoven-based startup AVOXT aims to change this with an innovative electrolyzer stack that is more efficient, more robust, and cheaper than what is currently available on the market. Since 2022, AVOXT has raised nearly €2 million and benefits from Eindhoven's high-tech community.

“Our mission? Green hydrogen is affordable for everyone,” says co-founder Ton Rademaker. “That sounds like a dream, but we are building it. Our technology could soon make a difference in 20% of the global electrolyzer market.”

From climate motivation to hard innovation

The idea for Avoxt was born out of a deep personal and social motivation. “One of our founders is a grandfather who wants to leave a livable world for his grandchildren,” says Rademaker. “The other is a young tech optimist who wants to fix things now for his generation. We want to make an impact — not in 50 years, but in 5.”

Initially, Avoxt worked on a different technology, but that path proved unsustainable. After a strategic pivot, they focused all their efforts on a new stack concept crucial for the functioning of electrolysers — the devices that split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Their technology is more efficient, has a longer lifespan, and reduces the cost per kilo of hydrogen produced (LCOH).

€2 million in funding and first partners secured

Avoxt has secured just under €2 million in loans, equity, and grants to date. Rademaker: “That's a huge boost. We're still in the early stages, but this will enable us to give our dream a solid foundation.”

The challenge ahead is clear: attract new investors to enable upscaling to industrial applications. The market Avoxt is targeting is considerable. It is estimated that by 2030, around €80 billion worth of electrolysers will be sold worldwide. Of this, approximately €25 billion will be spent on stacks — exactly what Avoxt is targeting.

“We're up against big names like Plug Power, NEL, and ITM Power,” says Rademaker. “But when you look at efficiency and LCOH, we win. We're convinced that our technology will become the new standard in the long run.”

Eindhoven: the right place, but not without challenges

The choice of Eindhoven was strategic: the Brainport ecosystem offers ample access to high-tech knowledge and a strong network. “We are right in the middle of that ecosystem,” says the entrepreneur. “Whether it's engineering, materials experts, or subsidies, you can always find the right people here.”

Nevertheless, there are also shortcomings. “Staff, especially technically skilled people, remain a bottleneck,” he acknowledges. In terms of funding, they would likely have grown faster in the US. “The Netherlands is well-positioned for hydrogen, with hubs in Groningen, Rotterdam, and here in the region. But for deep pockets, you have to go to America.”

A long-term game with a short-term focus

At AVOXT, they know that hydrogen transitions take time and that political winds can influence their chances. Climate change-skeptic governments are disastrous. Our opportunities lie with stakeholders that look purely at LCOH and not at ideology,” says Rademaker.

“We build for customers who dare to look beyond tomorrow. And if it’s up to us, we’ll soon make green hydrogen more affordable worldwide than fossil alternatives. Then our mission will be accomplished.”

G&A 2025

Every year, we spotlight 10 start-ups from the Brainport region. Each receives a Gerard & Anton Award.

View G&A 2025