Additive Drives

The exist research transfer played a crucial role in this journey. As co-founder Philipp Arnold reports, the early development phase proved particularly challenging. The path from the initial concepts to functional electric motors and robust manufacturing processes was significantly more complex than originally anticipated. The funding enabled the team to advance the necessary research and development work, establish technical infrastructure, and acquire key machinery for testing and further developing the technology. At the same time, the exist research transfer program laid the foundation for building the company with relatively low risk. Arnold emphasizes that without this support, Additive Drives likely would not exist in its current form. He also notes that the personal support from the exist ecosystem, which accompanied and supported the startup throughout the entire development process, was particularly influential.

Today, Additive Drives has around 100 employees and has evolved from a technology-focused startup into a growing international company; in early 2026, it secured funding in the mid-double-digit millions. With these additional funds, Additive Drives is now focusing in particular on further industrializing its technologies and expanding its U.S. location. The company’s development impressively demonstrates how the combination of technological innovation, entrepreneurial courage, and targeted support through existing technology transfer can lay the foundation for sustainable growth.