Environ: Innovation for the energy transition

Logo of Environ Energy GmbH
© Environ Energy GmbH

Environ Energy GmbH, a company that rethinks sustainable energy solutions, was born out of a passion for photovoltaics. With the innovative Envi IQ software, the team links photovoltaic systems, heat pumps and battery storage systems, turning private households into small municipal utilities. Supported by a strong network and regional funding, Environ is driving forward the energy transition - from the Münsterland region for a sustainable future.

  • Sustainable energy
  • 15 employees
  • Heek
  • Westmünsterland Founder Award
Working at Environ
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
The ENVI-IQ system from Environ
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
The founding team of Environ
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
A look at the ENVI-IQ app
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
The Environ team
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
1
THE PATH TO FOUNDATION

David has always had a soft spot for technology. After completing his apprenticeship as an industrial electronics technician at 2G Energy GmbH in Heek, he decided to study energy management alongside his job in order to deepen his knowledge. He worked in various areas at 2G, where his work in sales and project management particularly characterised him.

In 2018, he moved to the USA for work. But then came the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, and travel restrictions meant that his practical work in the USA was cancelled for the time being. To compensate, he began installing PV systems - a sideline that quickly became a real passion. This period got him thinking.

"That was the moment when I knew I had to do my own thing," recalls David. This gave rise to the plan to develop innovative solutions for photovoltaic systems, battery storage and heat pumps - not as a traditional craft business, but with a future-orientated, networked approach.

2
A STRONG FOUNDING TEAM

David would not have dared to take this step alone, but he found the ideal partners in Christian, Damian and Stefan. Christian Möllers, an electrical engineering graduate and software developer, was immediately enthusiastic about the idea of combining photovoltaic systems and heat pumps in one company and linking the whole thing with a smart software solution. "Normally, you would have to go to an electrician for the PV system and a heating engineer for the heat pump. With us, customers get everything from a single source - perfectly coordinated," explains Christian.

Damian and Stefan, also with technical expertise and experience, completed the founding team. In August, the time had come: the limited company was established and the first projects were realised.

3
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY: ENVI IQ

The special feature of Environ is the specially developed Envi IQ software. It connects photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, battery storage systems and wallboxes with each other. The result: a system that utilises dynamic electricity tariffs, increases self-consumption, intelligently shifts loads and thus enables customers to make sustainable savings. In this way, the home becomes its own municipal utility.

"We call this a win-win-win situation," explains David. "Our customers save money, we relieve the strain on the grids and the energy transition is driven forward." The team is particularly proud of the cloud solution, which enables flexible updates at any time - without the need for a technician visit.

4
REGIONAL SUPPORT

The founding of Environ was significantly supported by the Economic Development Corporation (WFG). "Without the WFG, we wouldn't be where we are today," says David. An office on the maakwi campus in the region proved to be a stroke of luck. Here, the team made valuable contacts that not only helped with app development, but also with marketing.

Environ also received funding, including the Westmünsterland Start-up Award and 170,000 euros from the Innovation Programme for Business Models and Pioneering Solutions (IGP). These funds flow directly into the further development of the ENVI-IQ software.

5
CHALLENGES AND VISIONS

Like every start-up, Environ also faces challenges: "Convincing customers who are still wary of renewable energies is not always easy," admits David. The search for qualified specialists also remains challenging. But the team agrees: the market is huge and the future lies in networked, sustainable solutions.

David dreams big: "With 20,000 customers, we could replace a nuclear power plant." This vision drives the team forward, even when there are setbacks.

6
START-UP TIP: JUST DO IT!

David has advice for anyone who wants to start their own business: "Just start and do it. If something doesn't work, it's time to rethink and find a new approach."

Environ shows how a strong idea, paired with a committed team and regional support, can achieve great things. The Münsterland region can rejoice - a company is being created here that is taking the energy transition to a new level.

Environ Energy GmbH wins the Westmünsterland 2024 start-up prize

The winners of the Westmünsterland 2024 start-up prize
© Gerrit Weddewer / www.welf-online.de

David and Christian were honoured with the prestigious Westmünsterland Founder Award in 2024 for their innovative idea and the founding of Environ Energy GmbH. The prize offers young entrepreneurs a platform, promotes their projects and emphasises the strength of the start-up scene in the region.

You can find more information about the Westmünsterland Start-up Award and the 2024 award ceremony here.

Photo shoot at Urbanhive
© Münsterland e.V. / Philipp Fölting
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