Lyon, May 19, 2026 – Novaleum, a deeptech startup incubated by PULSALYS and originating from several Lyon laboratories, has announced a successful first fundraising round of €1 million. This capital injection is set to accelerate the development of its innovative technology for valorizing fatty waste. The company aims to convert residues, currently mostly incinerated, into locally produced biofuels and biogas.
Accelerated Development and Market Launch
This operation, secured from Business Angels less than a year after the company’s inception, will enable Novaleum to finalize its first industrial unit and launch its initial client pilots. The first commercializations are anticipated to begin in 2028. This funding marks a significant step towards bringing their sustainable energy solutions to market.
Patented Technology from Lyon Laboratories
The startup’s core innovation relies on a patented continuous thermomechanical separation technology, developed within three prominent Lyon research laboratories: the Institut Lumière Matière (ILM), the Institut de Chimie et Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires (ICBMS), and the chemistry department of IUT Lyon 1.
Novaleum’s process efficiently transforms fatty waste, particularly from the agri-food industry and sanitation networks, into several valuable resources. These include a biosourced oil for advanced biofuel production, a methanogenic solid for biogas generation, and reusable water. According to Novaleum, nearly one million tons of fatty waste are produced annually in France, a resource that remains largely underexploited.
Targeting Energy Sovereignty with NovaBox
With its NovaBox technology, Novaleum is targeting key players in sanitation, recycling, and the agri-food sector. Each modular unit is designed to eventually process 1,000 tons of fatty waste per year, producing the equivalent of 100 tons of advanced biofuels. This positions the startup to address several strategic challenges, including industrial decarbonization, local energy production, and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Led by Yann Gillard, Novaleum currently employs eight people and benefits from the support of Bpifrance, the Métropole de Lyon, and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region. This strong backing underscores the potential impact of their technology on regional and national energy independence.
For those interested in staying updated on the economic news of the region, a complimentary weekly newsletter is available for subscription.
Source: https://www.lyon-entreprises.com/actualites/article/novaleum-levee-fonds-biocarburants-dechets-gras
