Vienna-based Flexdrill has developed an ultra-compact hydraulic impact drilling rig that removes the need for the 20-ton rotary machines traditionally used for residential geothermal boreholes. By generating torque at the bottom of the well and leaving the plastic drill pipe in place as the heat-exchange casing, the system cuts installation complexity, property disruption and overall cost. The company holds a PCT patent and plans five additional sub-patents to defend its design in a market dominated by legacy manufacturers. Currently at TRL 5, Flexdrill has €1 million in signed letters of intent and is working toward CE certification. The team intends to commercialize through initial direct rig sales, then a leasing model that lowers capex barriers for small HVAC installers. Near-term goals include completing a full-scale prototype, drilling 200-meter pilot boreholes with partners such as roots.energy and the University of Zagreb, and delivering the first five commercial units in 2026. Management targets break-even and sustainable profitability by mid-2027.

Total raised

$1M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Feb 2026