Lugano-based Gaia Turbine announced the successful completion of a new €1.15 million funding round for the development of its hydroelectric micro and mini-turbine – this follows the launch of its first pilot project in Q4 2024.
The funding round included participation from angel investors and TiVentures SA, which had previously invested in the company.
“This pilot project is a pivotal moment for Gaia Turbine,” said Franco Tommasini, Co-founder and CTO of Gaia Turbine SA. “We are both demonstrating the effectiveness of our technology in n operational environment and we are preparing to take it to a larger scale thanks to the confidence of our investors and industry partners.”
Gaia Turbine SA was established in 2020 by Calogero Amato (CEO) and Franco Tommasini (CTO) in order to develop a plug-and-play hydroelectric micro & mini-turbine, ideal for aqueducts and minimum vital flows, reportedly with more than 90% efficiency.
This latest funding marks a significant step forward in Gaia Turbine’s growth strategy, following the launch of its first pilot project in December 2024 at AMB (Azienda Multiservizi Bellinzona).
The startup’s plug-and-play hydroelectric turbine has been connected to the power grid, where it is successfully demonstrating its performance under real-world and variable operating conditions.
With the additional capital, Gaia Turbine is accelerating its development activities, with a clear focus on scaling its market presence and advancing toward full industrialisation.
The company is currently evaluating potential sites for its next pilot installation, which will further validate the turbine’s flexibility and efficiency in new application scenarios, such as water supply networks.
Furthermore, the Gaia Turbine team is strengthening ties with commercial and industrial partners, both in Switzerland and internationally, to foster strategic collaborations and lay the foundations for large-scale deployment of its technology.
Recently, the company also announced the launch of a strategic business study in collaboration with Student Impact, a distinguished association that brings together talented students from the University of St.Gallen, noted for its expertise in sustainable business practices.
This initiative merges Student Impact’s perspective with Gaia Turbine’s “commitment to innovation in the hydropower sector“, aiming to explore new strategies for enhancing sustainability and business growth.