Newtrace, a Bangalore-based deep-tech climate start-up founded in 2021, is pioneering advanced electrode and stack technologies to make green hydrogen production cheaper, more efficient, and independent of rare earth metals.

The company recently secured $6.3 million in Pre-Series A funding to scale its innovations, positioning itself as a critical player in India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Newtrace has established itself as one of the very few companies globally capable of building advanced membrane chemistry, a feat achieved by only three other firms worldwide. This breakthrough underpins its proprietary innovations that aim to transform the economics of green hydrogen production.

The company’s flagship product, VoltaGen, is a high-performance coated cathode designed for alkaline electrolyzers. It delivers high energy efficiency without relying on precious or rare earth metals. VoltaGen is engineered as a drop-in replacement for existing electrodes, enabling electrolyzer manufacturers and hydrogen producers to upgrade performance without redesigning their infrastructure. 

This innovation directly addresses the cost and durability challenges that have long hindered green hydrogen adoption.

Alongside VoltaGen, Newtrace has developed Alkaline Electrolyzer Systems, which are end-to-end proprietary stacks designed for high-current, renewable-powered water splitting. These systems are built to operate at industrial scale, ensuring reliable performance under demanding conditions. The company has also commercialised membraneless electrolyzer technology, further diversifying its innovation platform.

A central focus of Newtrace’s work is reducing the capital expenditure (CAPEX) of green hydrogen production. Its technologies are designed to lower overall costs by up to 60%, while bypassing restrictive international supply chains. This approach not only enhances affordability but also strengthens India’s strategic independence in clean energy technology.

Founded by Prasanta Sarkar and Rochan Sinha, Newtrace benefits from their deep expertise in electrochemistry, materials science, and industrial-scale technology development.

The company operates from a 30,000-square-foot technology centre in Bengaluru, staffed by more than 45 engineers and scientists. It continues to expand its intellectual property portfolio through multiple patent applications, reinforcing its leadership in the sector.

Newtrace’s innovations have gained recognition under India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets the production of 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. The company showcased its technology before Prime Minister Narendra Modi during National Startup Day 2026, highlighting its role in India’s clean energy transition.

The global green hydrogen market is projected to reach $38.1 billion by 2029 and expand to $1.4 trillion annually by 2050. Yet, less than 1 percent of hydrogen produced worldwide today is green, with costs ranging between $4 and $10 per kilogram—more than double the cost of conventional grey hydrogen.

Newtrace’s innovations directly tackle this cost barrier by addressing inefficiencies in the electrolyzer stack, particularly at the electrode level where most performance losses occur.

The newly raised capital will support pilot-scale manufacturing, customer validation, supply agreements, and expansion of engineering capabilities. Newtrace expects to begin initial commercial deliveries of VoltaGen electrodes within the next 12 months, marking a significant step towards industrial-scale deployment.

By focusing on materials innovation, scalable manufacturing, and supply chain independence, Newtrace is positioning itself as a cornerstone of India’s hydrogen economy and a global leader in advanced electrolyzer technology. Its work represents a decisive move from proving scientific concepts to delivering commercially viable solutions for the hydrogen industry.

Agencies