What if discovering new materials took weeks instead of months? Thanks to EIT Community Supernovas support, ExoMatter is turning that vision into reality.
Founded in 2022 as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center, ExoMatter’s AI-driven platform is transforming how research teams identify the most promising materials—faster, more sustainably, and with greater precision. ExoMatter merges Barbara Bachus, co-founder of ExoMatter, dual passions for chemistry and entrepreneurship.
Some of Germany’s largest enterprises such as Audi, Infineon and Airbus have relied on ExoMatter for their groundwork in materials development, allowing them to focus their work on the most promising materials candidates identified.
The EIT Supernovas Boost
Barbara joined the EIT Community Supernovas programmes in 2024, participating in Rocket Up and the Investment Forums just as ExoMatter was preparing for a new funding round and international expansion.
It was really worth it. The mentoring was incredibly valuable. I gained detailed insights into which KPIs I should be tracking and why they matter. This gave me much more clarity and confidence in how to measure and steer our growth. Beyond that, the programs also provided access to great networks and practical guidance that directly supported me and ExoMatter on our journey.
Barbara Bachus, Co-Founder of ExoMatter
A key highlight was the mentorship she received from a fellow entrepreneur, which helped her refine investment and market-entry strategies. The Supernovas ecosystem also gave her something crucial: the exchange with other women founders.
With Supernovas’ support, Barbara gained visibility and introductions to top VCs, including at international events. ExoMatter went on to raise over €1.7 million in funding, positioning itself among Europe’s most promising deep tech startups in the manufacturing ecosystem.
Empowering Women in Deep Tech
Barbara is also candid about the continuing need for initiatives like EIT Community Supernovas:
I think many people assume the topic of women founders is already solved, but it isn’t. Especially in the early stages, women entrepreneurs in deep tech still face unique barriers, from access to funding to building the right networks. That’s why support like the EIT Community programmes is so critical: it provides not only resources and visibility, but also the encouragement and confidence to push forward in an environment where women are still underrepresented.
Barbara Bachus, Co-Founder of ExoMatter
ExoMatter’s next goals are ambitious: closing the next investment round, validating product–market fit in new countries, and expanding the platform’s AI capabilities.
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