Kalpana Systems secures international investment to scale spatial ALD Technology for barrier coatings
Investment scales proven technology to large-scale industrial systems for sustainable packaging, solar cells and batteries.
Dutch high-tech thin-film machine manufacturer Kalpana Systems has received new investment from Australian non-profit Minderoo Foundation, and existing investors, including Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam (ETFR).
The investment enables the company to accelerate bringing the first machines for producing ultra-thin barrier coatings to market. Using their spatial Atomic Layer Deposition technology, the company enables packaging that is 100% recyclable or compostable, without compromising shelf life.
Kalpana Systems machine
Better Barriers with Spatial ALD
Spatial ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) technology enables the creation of ultra-thin barrier coatings that are just a few nanometres thick. This way, sALD technology minimises the use of barrier material. Thanks to an innovative transport system, the protective layers are applied continuously and at high speeds onto the flexible substrate. This roll-to-roll production method drastically reduces costs. This makes spatial ALD a technology that can significantly improve the sustainability of solar cells, the performance of batteries and the recyclability of packaging.
From pilot line to industrial production
The commercial version of the thin-film machine, which can be installed at manufacturers’ facilities, is expected to be ready by mid-2026. The investment also helps shorten production time and accelerate entry into international markets.
The funding additionally supports development of a high-speed production line for sustainable packaging applications, an area where industry requirements are rapidly evolving. To meet these challenges, the company is targeting production speeds up to 30 times higher than current standards, delivering commercially viable solutions for the future of environmentally friendly packaging.
“This investment round provides the resources to accelerate our flagship K300 machine to market, whilst taking crucial steps in the packaging sector. Our ultimate goal is to use spatial ALD to meet the performance and cost requirements of international packaging manufacturers.”
– Diederick Spee, CEO of Kalpana Systems.
Demand for recyclable barrier materials
New EU regulations on composite plastic use and corporate sustainability targets are driving demand for recyclable and compostable packaging. Several multinational consumer goods companies are currently testing Kalpana Systems’ nano-barrier coatings in a pilot program. The spatial ALD coatings can replace complex multi-barrier layers whilst offering comparable protection against oxygen and moisture, enabling paper-based or mono-material packaging to remain fully recyclable.
Minderoo joins as strategic partner
The addition of Australian-based Minderoo Foundation brings a partner with strong commitment to reducing plastic pollution.
“Minderoo Foundation is turning innovation into impact through this investment in Kalpana Systems. Rather than seeking short-term results, Minderoo is firmly focused on driving lasting change. We believe these investments demonstrate the power of impact capital when funders and innovators are aligned on the mission to solve the scourge of plastic.”
– John Hartman, CEO of Minderoo.
This partnership expands Minderoo’s portfolio in research and commercial applications for plastic reduction.
Current investors support strategic roadmap and regional scale-up
Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam (ETFR) and other early-stage investors continue supporting Kalpana Systems as it expands from applications in solar cells, OLED and batteries into sustainable packaging. This follow-on investment enables Kalpana to scale its operations from pilot to industrial production, with the first commercial roll-to-roll sALD machine being built at the company’s new facility in Rotterdam. The location offers access to a strong innovation ecosystem, including technical universities, vocational education partners and a growing network of deeptech and manufacturing companies.
“Kalpana Systems has made the leap from prototype to industrial platform – a crucial phase where science meets market execution. This follow-on investment enables Kalpana to scale its groundbreaking technology for sustainable packaging and solar energy from Rotterdam, demonstrating how deeptech from our region can grow into a global industrial force.”
– Mathijs van Rijk, Senior Investment Manager at ETFR.
Kalpana Systems’ presence in Rotterdam strengthens the region’s position as a hub for sustainable innovation.
Chantal Zeegers, Alderman for Climate, Building and Housing for the City of Rotterdam says:
“Choosing Rotterdam, Kalpana Systems demonstrates that this is the place where technology, manufacturing and sustainability converge. Their presence strengthens our position as a leading hub for high-tech production, talent and collaboration.”
Next steps
- Commercial roll-to-roll spatial ALD system ready for deployment in 2026.
- Further development to achieve high production speeds suitable for integration into packaging industry production lines.
- Process improvements for advanced barrier coatings and solar cell applications.
Read more here about earlier investment rounds in which InnovationQuarter participated as an investor in Kalpana Systems. Want to find out which of our funds suits you best? Try our funding quickscan.
About Kalpana Systems
Kalpana Systems is a Dutch high-tech thin-film machine manufacturer specialising in spatial Atomic Layer Deposition (sALD) technology for sustainable applications in packaging, solar cells and batteries.
About Minderoo
Foundation Minderoo is a proudly Australian philanthropy, working to forge a fair future by courageously challenging inequalities and campaigning for meaningful change. Determined to remove barriers that prevent the creation of a fair future, Minderoo’s efforts focus on three key areas – communities, gender equality, and natural ecosystems.
About Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam
The Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam is the investment fund of the municipality of Rotterdam, with a size of €100 million. The revolving fund finances innovative companies and large sustainable projects that can contribute to Rotterdam’s energy transition and circular economy. The city aims to reduce CO2 emissions, improve air quality, and reduce the use of raw materials with this fund. InnovationQuarter acts as the fund manager for the Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam.
