|
Kiel Start-up Spotlight: conformally – Deep Tech from Kiel for innovative coatings
Whether it’s sensor technology, medical technology or microelectronics – many high-tech applications rely on extremely thin and precise coatings. Conventional methods often fail to provide a suitable solution for complex surfaces.
With its technology, conformally addresses precisely this challenge and develops PFAS-free, high-performance coating technologies for deep-tech industries such as semiconductors, medical technology, sensor technology and microelectronics.
The spin-off from Kiel University offers a new generation of ultra-thin polymer coatings that can be applied with exceptional precision and uniformity to complex materials. What makes them special are innovative variants of Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and a proprietary Local Coating Technology. This opens up entirely new possibilities in the development of materials and microelectronic components.
Behind conformally is an interdisciplinary team with a strong scientific and entrepreneurial foundation: Joschka Paulsen, as CEO, is responsible for strategic development, whilst Julia Piehl contributes her experience in controlling, marketing and industrialisation. Torge Hartig, a surface scientist with a PhD and CTO, drives the technological implementation, supported by Dr Stefan Schröder, one of the leading experts in Conformally technology. Tim Pogoda, as COO, ensures scalable implementation.
The technology is based on over ten years of research at Kiel University (CAU) and is currently being further developed specifically for coatings in the nanometre range.
We asked conformally in more detail how they have been supported so far on their journey through Kiel’s start-up scene, both financially and professionally, and what they think makes Kiel such a special business location.
What advantages does Kiel offer as a location for starting a business?
Kiel offers us an excellent base for our start-up: Kiel University and the Kiel Nanolabor are among the leading research centres for surface chemistry, polymer science and nanotechnology, giving us direct access to outstanding expertise, laboratory facilities and scientific collaborations.
At the same time, we benefit from the close links between research and industry: established partnerships with high-tech companies, access to regional research clusters in Schleswig-Holstein and straightforward collaboration with institutes and laboratories strengthen our development. Furthermore, a dynamic ecosystem for technology-oriented start-ups is growing in Kiel, which provides targeted support for deep-tech start-ups.
What infrastructure in Kiel do you use for your start-up, and which aspects have been particularly valuable so far?
We are currently based at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Kiel. Our close proximity to cutting-edge research gives us direct access to the latest scientific developments, talented early-career researchers and state-of-the-art facilities.
What kind of support (financial, advisory, etc.) have you received so far, and from whom?
We have received a great deal of support from our local network, for example from Kiel University (CAU), particularly from the Centre for Entrepreneurship led by Dr Anke Rasmus. We have also been able to build up a network of advisors with whom we discuss technical and business-related issues. Through KielRegion.Accelerates, we have already gained a great deal of expertise from the experts involved.
Why did you decide to take part in KielRegion.Accelerates, and what are you hoping to achieve from it?
As a deep-tech start-up, we are about to embark on our next funding round and wish to prepare for it in a targeted and professional manner. The accelerator programme offers us the ideal combination of structured mentoring, market and business analysis, and access to a relevant network of investors, industry partners and experienced founders.
Above all, we hope that participating will help us expand our network. The workshops are designed to help us further professionalise our go-to-market strategy, organisation and funding strategy. Furthermore, we hope to receive valuable feedback on our business model and gain greater visibility within the relevant DeepTech ecosystem ahead of the upcoming funding round.
What role did mentors or local networks play in setting up your start-up?
Mentors and local networks play a vital role for us, and we regularly see how they lead to new and exciting insights, contacts and opportunities.
Bootstrapping, venture capital, grants, loans... how are you funded, and what advice do you have for other start-ups looking for funding?
We are currently funded largely through the EXIST research transfer programme. We have also deliberately chosen partners who contribute not only capital but also their networks and experience. We are now seeking venture capital to drive our development forward.
What have been your biggest challenges so far, and in particular when it comes to securing external funding?
We see the biggest challenge as finding an investor who is the best fit for our vision and technology. However, thanks to our existing network, we are optimistic about the prospects.
What advice would you give to other founders?
Focus on real customer problems from the outset and speak to potential users as early as possible. Build a strong network of mentors, industry partners and supporters.
What support from our network could help you grow even further?
We would particularly welcome support in establishing contacts with industry partners, pilot customers and technology-focused investors.
Connections with companies in the fields of sensor technology, medical technology, semiconductor science and materials science will help us to validate further use cases and launch pilot projects. Equally valuable are links to deep tech venture capital firms and funding bodies with experience in hardware-intensive future technologies.
Would you like to find out more about conformally, or could you support the start-up with your network and expertise?
Related news
Kiel Start-up Spotlight: Kopexa brings structure to ISO and compliance processes
ISO 27001, NIS2 or DORA – many companies are familiar with the requirements, but the path to compliance is often a struggle. Instead of clear processes, Excel spreadsheets, a variety of tools and a great deal of manual work dominate. This costs time and patience, and rarely provides the necessary overview.
27. April 2026
Halfway through KielRegion.Accelerates: Progress, Lessons Learnt and the Road to the Final
The second round of KielRegion.Accelerates is in full swing – and after two and a half months, one thing is clear: a lot has happened. Since the kick-off in February, our start-ups have been working intensively on their strategies and next steps for growth.
23. April 2026
Kiel Start-up Spotlight: curly.do brings the perm back to the salon
Curls are making a comeback – yet traditional perms are often seen as imprecise, difficult to replicate and no longer in vogue. What’s more, the conventional method offers little to no scope for creativity.
13. April 2026