From Workshop to Global Stage
How Czech Startup Pinflow Is Revolutionizing Energy Storage
This article is based on a feature originally published by Forbes Czech. You can read the full story here. Learn more about the award and the team on the Neuron Foundation's official page.
Introduction
In 2022, Czech startup Pinflow Energy Storage made headlines by winning the prestigious Neuron Award for science-to-business innovation. From humble beginnings in a small workshop in Pilsen, Pinflow has developed cutting-edge, non-flammable flow batteries that are positioning the company as a serious alternative to traditional lithium-ion battery solutions.
The “Pin Floyd” Team
The founding team Juraj Kosek, Jaromír Pocedič, Jiří Vrána, and Petr Mazúr have more than chemistry in common. Bonded by a love of music (hence the nickname “Pin Floyd”), the team blends deep scientific expertise with a passion for hands-on innovation. Former team member Jan Dundálek played a key early role but has since stepped away.
The Technology: Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Pinflow focuses on vanadium redox flow batteries, a type of energy storage that separates power (kW) and energy capacity (kWh):
- Capacity is determined by the volume of liquid electrolytes
- Power output depends on the surface area of the electrodes
Advantages of this system include:
- Non-flammable and explosion-proof
- Lifespan of up to 30 years
- Modular and scalable design
- 100% electrolyte recyclability, effectively a "forever battery"
Real-World Use Cases & Vision
Currently, Pinflow provides energy solutions suitable for small to mid-sized enterprises, especially those needing reliable backup during outages. But their ambition reaches much further:
- Scale systems from tens of kilowatts to tens of megawatts
- Serve larger-scale applications such as grid-level energy storage
- Push forward the concept of energy autonomy
Recognition & Market Expansion
Winning the Neuron Award brought credibility and exposure. Beyond that, Jiří Vrána, who doubles as both tech expert and savvy businessman, has helped the company to enter 15 international markets, build partnerships with research institutions and private companies, and differentiate itself from lithium battery competitors.
Startup Origins & Team Culture
The story began at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague. Professor Kosek combined polymer research with battery storage, while co-founder Mazúr gained international perspective during a London internship. From academic labs, they transitioned to real production, building everything, from prototypes to scalable product lines. Each member brings a distinct strength:
- Jaromír's improvisational genius,
- Petr's multidisciplinary vision,
- Jiří's commercial tenacity,
creating a uniquely driven, tight-knit startup culture.
What's Next?
Pinflow believes the future belongs to flow batteries, just as lithium once broke through into the mainstream. Their next steps:
- Scale up capacity to the megawatt level
- Expand manufacturing and attract strategic investors
- Emphasize sustainability and recyclability
They aim to make safe, long-lasting energy storage not just viable, but essential to a post-fossil-fuel future.
