Alternō Raises Series A Funding to Scale Sustainable Heat Technology for a Zero-Emission Future

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam,May 13, 2025/PRNewswire/ -- Alternō, a climate-tech startup founded in 2023, has closed itsSeries A funding roundto accelerate the deployment of its sustainable heat technology and support its mission to eliminate100 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually by 2030. By building the next generation of clean energy infrastructure—deliveringheat, electricity, andAI-powered energy management—Alternō aims to redefine how the world powers its factories, farms, and communities.

The round was led byUntroD Capital Asia, with participation fromADB Ventures, the venture arm of theAsian Development Bank—a testament to growing investor confidence in scalable climate solutions for hard-to-abate sectors. The company's growth to date has been supported by early institutional backing from Antler, which played a pivotal role in Alternō's initial development.

Pioneering Clean Heat Through Thermal Energy Storage

Alternō's patented thermal energy storage system—known as a sand battery—utilizes locally available, low-cost materials like sand to store heat at temperatures up to 600°C, with minimal thermal loss and zero emissions during operation. While sand has a moderate heat capacity (~300 kcal/m³•°C), its exceptional thermal stability and ultra-low cost make it one of the most practical and scalable materials for high-temperature heat storage. As illustrated in comparative studies of sensible heat storage materials, sand offers an ideal balance between performance and affordability, outperforming more expensive options like copper, aluminum, or steel when it comes to cost-effectiveness per unit of stored energy. This positions Alternō's solution as a high-efficiency, low-cost pathway to industrial decarbonization, particularly in emerging markets where clean heat alternatives remain scarce or economically unfeasible.

Alternō's technology has already proven effective inindustrial drying and agro-processingapplications inVietnam, where it has reduced fossil fuel dependency, lowered energy costs, and improved both output consistency and product quality. Clients include leading domestic and international companies such asPepsiCo,Mondelez, and a network of cooperatives and manufacturers acrossVietnam.

Hai Ho, Co-Founder& CEO, stated:

"This funding marks a pivotal milestone for Alternō. With the support of ADB Ventures and UntroD, we're accelerating our efforts to bring large-scale, cost-effective decarbonization to industrial sectors. This isn't just another battery—it's a revolution in how we generate and use industrial heat, starting from something as simple as sand."

Next-Generation Product Lineup

With the support of its latest funding, Alternō is expanding its portfolio to serve both factory and community-scale energy needs:

• Alternō One – A compact thermal battery that delivers clean heat to off-grid homes and remote communities. Successfully piloted inLâm Đồng,Vietnam, the system is now preparing for initial deployment inMongolia, where it will help combat extreme winter air pollution and improve energy access.
• Alternō Hybrid – The world's first modular thermal battery integrating electric and biomass heating. Designed for24/7 heat supplyin rural agro-processing, it enables farmers to repurpose organic waste into energy. This solution is poised to revolutionize agricultural drying practices acrossVietnam.

All systems areIoT-connected,AI-optimized, andremotely monitoredby Alternō's in-house R&D team, ensuring peak performance, operational transparency, and continuous improvement.

Strategic Growth and Global Recognition

To make its technology broadly accessible, the company offers flexible financial models, including Heat-as-a-Service (HaaS)—enabling clients to decarbonize without heavy upfront capital investment. Alternō is also in co-development discussions with major international partners including Honda and Marubeni, further underscoring its global potential.

The company has also gained significant global recognition, winning the 2024 PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator forAsia-Pacificand placing Top 2 globally at the Startup World Cup. These accolades highlight both the technological maturity and commercial viability of Alternō's solutions.

About Alternō

Alternō is a climate-tech startup based inSingaporewith R&D and manufacturing inVietnam. The company develops sand-based thermal battery systems that deliver high-temperature, zero-emission heat for industrial and agricultural applications. Founded in 2023, Alternō aims to accelerate the energy transition in hard-to-abate sectors acrossAsiaand beyond, with a long-term goal of reducing 100 million tons of CO₂ annually by 2030.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Alternō

race2zero@alterno.net

www.alterno.net

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SOURCE Alternō