Jälle Technologies is an Estonian deeptech company pioneering advanced solutions in sustainable battery recycling. Founded in 2023, it focuses on recovering critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, while also converting graphite waste into valuable graphene-like materials. As the world accelerates the transition to electrification, the volume of used batteries is skyrocketing, making recycling innovations essential for a circular economy and reducing environmental impact. Jälle Technologies is noteworthy for its proprietary, scalable recycling methods and strong scientific roots in energy storage and materials science. This article explores ten key facets of Jälle's journey, technology, and impact in the evolving battery recycling landscape.
Jälle Technologies was established in 2023 by scientists from Estonia's National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, blending deep academic expertise with commercial insight. The founding team combines over 10 years of lithium-ion battery recycling experience with over 25 years in energy storage and carbon materials research. This science-driven approach grounds Jälle’s innovation in proven research, enabling the development of practical, scalable technology that addresses the challenges of sustainable battery material recovery.
The company targets the rapidly growing problem of lithium-ion battery waste generated by electric vehicles and energy storage systems. With European end-of-life battery volumes expected to exceed 230 kilotonnes by 2030 — a 70-fold increase compared to 2020 — Jälle’s mission to recover lithium, cobalt, and other critical materials supports both environmental sustainability and the energy industry's supply needs.
Beyond recovering metals, Jälle has developed proprietary processes to upcycle graphite waste—commonly discarded in battery recycling—into graphene-like materials. These high-value carbon materials have applications in composites, construction, and advanced electronics, all benefiting from graphene's exceptional strength, conductivity, and lightness. This innovative upcycling enhances resource efficiency and adds economic value to what was once considered waste.
Jälle Technologies champions the circular economy model by ensuring that valuable materials extracted from battery waste re-enter the production cycle. This approach reduces dependency on virgin resources, lowers environmental footprints associated with mining, and bolsters supply chain resilience. Their recycling technologies boast higher recovery rates and lower resource consumption compared to traditional methods, thereby advancing sustainable industrial practices.
The global shift to electrification increases demand for batteries, driving a surge in spent batteries requiring efficient recycling solutions. CEO Erki Ani emphasizes the importance of preparing now for the “tidal wave” of dead batteries. Jälle is positioning itself as a key player ready to meet this challenge, facilitating cleaner energy storage solutions and contributing to the transition towards a low-carbon future.
In 2025, Jälle Technologies raised €2 million in a pre-seed funding round. The investment came from Enterprise Estonia, Kiilto Ventures, 2C Ventures, and notable business angels, reflecting strong market confidence. This funding supports scaling pilot production, industrial validation of technology, and expansion of the technical team. The collaboration with investors underlines a shared vision of turning Jälle’s lab-proven science into robust industrial processes.
The company's leadership combines technical brilliance and business acumen. CEO Erki Ani brings experience in cleantech and circular economy advocacy, while CTO Kerli Liivand, an electrochemist and materials scientist with over 15 years in the field, spearheads technology development. Their team leads efforts in designing scalable, efficient processes to recover and reuse critical battery materials sustainably.
Jälle’s recycling technology is designed to handle hazardous lithium-ion waste safely and efficiently, mitigating risks associated with battery disposal. By maximizing material recovery and minimizing waste, their approach helps reduce environmental pollution, conserve natural resources, and supports regulatory goals like the EU’s 70% lithium-ion battery recycling efficiency target.
Scaling battery recycling faces technical and economic barriers, including complex battery chemistries, safety concerns, and insufficient recycling infrastructure. Jälle focuses on creating industrially viable solutions that balance scientific rigor with practical deployment. Their emphasis on combining graphene production with material recovery sets them apart by diversifying value streams and improving economic sustainability.
Looking ahead, Jälle Technologies aims to expand its pilot plants and validate its technology on an industrial scale. By advancing efficient, reliable recycling processes, the company supports Europe's circular energy ambitions and global sustainability commitments. Its innovations in graphite upcycling and metal recovery position Jälle as a vital contributor to the green economy, addressing raw material scarcity while driving technological advancement.
Jälle Technologies exemplifies the cutting edge of battery recycling innovation, merging deep scientific expertise with a practical vision to close the battery lifecycle loop. Its commitment to transforming end-of-life lithium-ion batteries into valuable materials not only addresses ecological challenges but also reinforces critical supply chains for clean energy technologies. As the electrification wave rises, Jälle’s role grows ever more crucial, prompting reflection on how technology and circular economy principles can reshape resource use for a sustainable future.