HammerDrum: The Venture Leader Cleantech bringing geothermal energy to urban areas

10.10.2024 15:00, Rita Longobardi

Meet Oliver Rau, Co-Founder of HammerDrum. The cleantech startup is developing drilling machines for geothermal applications. In November, Oliver and the other nine Swiss National Cleantech Team members will travel to Munich on a business development and investor roadshow.

Name: Oliver Rau
Location: Zug
Nationality: Swiss
Graduated from: MSc from University College Dublin
Job title: Co-Founder | Business Lead
Number of employees: 3
Money raised: CHF 655’000
First touchpoint with Venturelab: Mars Habitat Challenge


 
Can you tell us who your product or solution helps, and how?
HammerDrum is developing an innovative deep drilling technology (500 meters and deeper) to harness geothermal energy for large developments. Our custom-built robot enables deeper drilling in tight spaces, making geothermal probes feasible for larger properties with limited space. This allows property owners and businesses to switch to renewable thermal energy while increasing their property's long-term value.

What market are you addressing and what is the potential of your startup in that market?
In Europe and the USA, 60% of buildings still use fossil fuels for heating. Switching to renewable solutions is particularly challenging for larger urban properties, which make up about 80% of all buildings. HammerDrum AG focuses on the urban deep drilling market, making it possible to drill in previously inaccessible locations and enabling properties to switch to sustainable, locally sourced geothermal energy. With its innovative technology, HammerDrum has the potential to lead the market in transforming urban heating systems.

How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
The initial idea for the technology came from my co-founder Nicola Nyffeler while he was developing a percussion mechanism for tunnelling. However, the first concepts were extensively revised and developed through several iterations together with Duarte Santos, our third co-founder. As a result, the current technology is vastly different from the original designs. The only constant has been our vision to make geothermal energy easier and more economical to harness.
 
What do you expect from the Venture Leaders Cleantech roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision?
HammerDrum is addressing a global challenge that extends far beyond Switzerland. By joining the Venture Leaders Cleantech roadshow, HammerDrum aims to expand its international network and forge partnerships to bring its vision to life.

What are your team’s key achievements to date?
Our team has achieved significant milestones, including building the world's first drilling robot capable of creating a borehole while fully submerged. We have also established successful partnerships with key industrial players and leading research institutes in Switzerland and Germany. Most importantly, we have a passionate and dedicated team committed to making a meaningful impact and changing the world.

What is the most challenging and rewarding aspect of being a founder?
The most challenging aspect of being a founder is navigating the uncertainty and risk of building a business from the ground up, while the most rewarding aspect is making tangible progress every day and seeing your vision come to life.

What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
Trust your gut feeling. It might sound silly, but looking back, some of my biggest mistakes could have been avoided if I had trusted my instincts over my mind or rational reasoning. As a young founder, this is incredibly hard to do, especially when your instincts contradict the opinions of more experienced entrepreneurs and coaches.

What is your favourite productivity hack/tool and why?
My absolute favorite productivity hack is a solid night's sleep. There's no better feeling than tackling challenges with a well-rested and energized mind.

What was your dream job when you were a child?
As a child, I had many ideas, but in the end, I had to choose between becoming a pilot, a pirate, or an entrepreneur.