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exaere wins Female StartAperitivo 2026
(Foto: Hamburg Startups)
TUHH startup exaere wins Female StartAperitivo 2026, impressing with deep tech for sustainable raw materials
A strong signal from the TUHH ecosystem: the startup exaere, currently supported at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) at Startup Port @TUHH within the EXIST Women program, has won the Female StartAperitivo 2026 and thereby qualified for the national Female Founders Contest.
This success highlights a founder working on one of today’s most pressing technological challenges: the sustainable recycling of rare earth elements.
Deep tech meets sustainability
exaere is developing a biotechnology-based process aimed at recovering critical raw materials more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly way. The solution addresses a key bottleneck in modern industrial value chains and energy transition strategies. It was precisely this combination of scientific depth and industrial relevance that convinced the jury.
A success from the TUHH ecosystem
The award is also a strong example of the innovation potential emerging from TU Hamburg. Within the EXIST Women program, exaere is being closely supported by the Startup Port @TUHH – from refining the business model to preparing for market entry.
Visibility for female founders in deep tech
The Female StartAperitivo is an important platform for founders and teams with high innovation potential. exaere’s success demonstrates the crucial role that science-based startups can play in shaping the future of industry, climate, and technology.
Looking ahead
With this win in Hamburg, the next milestone is already set: participation in the national Female Founders Contest. Yelda will continue to be supported by the Startup Port @TUHH as part of the EXIST Women program.
The Startup Port @TUHH warmly congratulates exaere on this achievement and looks forward to actively supporting the team’s continued development – from research-driven idea to scalable market solution.
Hamburg, June 2026
TU Hamburg
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