Empyrio

Empyrio is a deep-tech startup addressing a critical yet underserved problem in wastewater management - cost-efficient and environmentally safe sewage sludge utilization for small and medium-sized wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). While large cities can afford centralized sludge incineration, smaller municipalities are left with outdated, expensive, and environmentally harmful disposal practices such as land application and landfilling. Our patented, compact, containerized system enables on-site thermal processing of high-moisture sewage sludge with no need for additional fuels or raw materials. This energy-positive solution not only reduces costs by up to 50%, but also prevents the spread of heavy metals, PFAS, microplastics, and pathogens into the environment. The process produces ash from which phosphorus - a critical, non-renewable agricultural nutrient - can be recovered, supporting circular economy goals. Backed by EIT InnoEnergy, Norway Grants, and a series of EU accelerators, we have completed a pilot in Latvia and are now raising €2.5M to build the first commercial plant. With 12,000+ potential clients globally and clear regulatory tailwinds (especially in Germany and the EU), Empyrio is poised to set a new industry standard for sustainable sludge management.