150 years after alternating current won the “war of currents,” direct current is making a comeback, and TalTech spin-off DCR Technologies is building a bridge toward the power grids of the future.
Much of today’s technology already relies on direct current (DC). Solar panels generate DC power, and it is also used by batteries, electric vehicles, and a large share of modern electronics. In homes, however, electricity still reaches wall sockets mainly as alternating current (AC), meaning devices constantly convert electricity from one form to another. This creates energy losses and additional costs.
DCR Technologies is developing a power electronics platform that allows today’s AC-powered devices to operate in future DC grids without replacing hardware. This would make it possible to continue using existing devices as energy systems move increasingly toward direct current. “Today, there are many unnecessary conversions happening within the system, and our technology helps reduce them,” explained Kristjan Lind, co-founder of DCR Technologies.
The company’s solutions are designed for electric vehicle chargers, solar energy systems, energy routers, and DC microgrids. “If DC grids become widely adopted, charging electric vehicles will not be possible without solutions like these,” said Oleksandr Husev, CEO, co-founder, and senior researcher. According to DCR Technologies, the technology adds approximately 2–3% to the total cost of electrical and charging systems while helping avoid expensive future retrofits.
From Research Project to Company
The idea behind DCR Technologies emerged from TalTech research projects in 2019. Husev recalled that he was already thinking about what kinds of technologies the energy sector would need in the longer term.
“I was thinking not only about the technologies needed tomorrow, but also the day after tomorrow,” said Husev. “Even in the original project proposal, I wrote that the goal could eventually be the commercialization of this technology.”
The journey from laboratory to company was not straightforward. Initially, the team focused on developing a wireless charging system for electric scooters. Market testing showed that companies in that sector were not yet ready to adopt the solution. The team then shifted toward DC-DC converters, where they saw stronger commercial potential.
According to Husev, building a deep tech company as a researcher means constant learning and being prepared to deal with uncertainty. In his view, researchers considering launching spin-offs should focus on solving real-world problems and learn how to explain their ideas to broader audiences.
The company’s development was also shaped by the team itself. Alongside researchers, the company was joined by co-founder Kristjan Lind, whose background in scaling hardware companies helped evaluate the commercial potential of the technology. Today, the company’s core team mainly consists of people with scientific backgrounds, including several of Husev’s former PhD students. The next step is expanding the engineering team.
The Market Is Moving Toward Direct Current
According to DCR Technologies, the world is moving toward energy systems where direct current will play an increasingly important role. Husev pointed to the Netherlands as an example, where DC-related standards are already being developed, with Estonia moving in a similar direction.
“Customers do not need to gamble on when DC grids will arrive,” said Lind. “They can invest today and already be prepared for the future.” According to Lind, DCR Technologies aims to help shape the next generation of power grids, where direct current will play a larger role than it does today.
The technology under development is based on four patents created at TalTech, while grants and research funding have also played an important role in the company’s growth. DCR Technologies has secured more than one million euros in research funding, and in the company’s initial financial plan, more than half of the funding comes from grants and support measures. According to Lind, this allows the company to continue developing the technology without giving up equity.
The company is currently between the prototype and pilot project stage. Initial systems are already operational, and the next steps focus on piloting, expanding cooperation with industrial partners, and commercializing the technology.
First Industry Signals and Next Steps
Although DCR Technologies’ solution is not yet market-ready, there is already interest from the sector. The company has received letters of interest from several major companies, including Schneider Electric.
“At this stage, letters of interest are the most important form of validation,” said Lind. “The product is not yet for sale, but this shows that the problem exists and the market is waiting for a solution.”
The company plans to launch a new investment round at the end of the year to attract investors who can help bring the technology to market and expand its adoption. DCR Technologies has also been supported by the Finnish venture capital fund Nordic Science Investments, which focuses on science-based companies. The fund’s partner, Mart Maasik, helped shape the agreements with TalTech and the spin-off model in a way that supports the long-term interests of both the university and the company in further developing the technology.
“At this point, the question is no longer only about the technology itself, but about how to bring the solution to market and scale its adoption,” said Lind.
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