Cellfion and the EIC Accelerator: PFAS-Free Membranes From Wood

Cellfion, founded in Stockholm in 2021 and led by chief executive Liam Hardey, makes ion-exchange membranes from functionalised nanocellulose, a material derived from wood, as a replacement for the fluorinated membranes used in fuel cells, electrolysers and flow batteries, which depend on PFAS, the so-called forever chemicals. Its technology builds on more than 20 years of research at Linköping University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, according to Cellfion. The EIC Accelerator granted €2,435,182 towards a total cost of €3,478,833 for the project, which ran from June 2024 to May 2026, according to CORDIS.

The project's report says Cellfion cut solvent use in its chemical process by about 48%, raised fibre charge above 600 µmol/g, developed crosslinking methods for wet stability, integrated membranes into working fuel cell assemblies, optimised roll-to-roll production and validated the membranes with industrial partners, according to CORDIS. In October 2025 Cellfion announced it had completed external validation and initial industrial-scale production trials. In December 2025 the Swedish Energy Agency granted it SEK 54 million towards a SEK 120 million roll-to-roll production line in Stockholm with a capacity of 120,000 square metres a year, according to Cellfion.

Where Cellfion Stands Now

On 30 September 2026 Cellfion announced about €6.9 million of first-stage financing, including investment from an unnamed Japan-based global company as a strategic partner and continued investment from Voima Ventures, Almi Invest GreenTech and Klimatet Invest, to set up its first membrane production facility in Sweden, according to Cellfion. It is also a partner in PROMISERS, a European project developing PFAS-free fuel cells and electrolysers with Syensqo, Fumatech, De Nora and others under Horizon Europe, according to Innovation News Network. In 2025 it patented an air filtration medium, broadening its applications.

The Technology: Charged Cellulose Instead of Fluoropolymers

Membranes in proton exchange fuel cells and electrolysers let ions pass while blocking gases, and today they rely on fluorinated polymers. Cellfion chemically charges cellulose nanofibrils so they conduct ions, then forms and reinforces them into thin membranes. In June 2026 it reported research showing its membranes outperforming conventional ones in a sulphur dioxide depolarised electrolyser for hydrogen production.

What the EIC Award Promised, and What the Record Shows

The project promised to develop and scale up manufacturing of forest-based membranes for electrochemical devices. It ended in May 2026 with an optimised process, validated membranes and successful industrial-scale trials, the steps needed before a factory. Commercial volumes will depend on the production line now being funded.

1. Membrane optimisationDeliveredProject report.
2. External validationDeliveredOctober 2025.
3. Scale-up processValidatedRoll-to-roll trials.
4. Commercial productionFundedLine being built.

The Money

Cellfion raised €1.3 million in seed funding in 2022. Since the EIC project it has secured a SEK 54 million public grant and €6.9 million of private financing. Its accounts were not accessible in free sources for this article, as the Swedish company-data sites were blocked.

What Cannot Be Checked

Why Europe Should Care

The European Commission treats green hydrogen as a key pillar of the energy transition, yet all proton exchange membrane fuel cells and electrolysers today rely on PFAS, according to Innovation News Network. A PFAS-free membrane made from wood would remove that dependence and give Europe a home-grown supplier. Cellfion has now shown the membranes and funded the factory.

The Verdict

Cellfion and the EIC have not been asked for comment for this article. It is based entirely on public records and published statements, linked throughout.