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Smart Steel Technologies develops and implements an AI-based process control system designed to optimize the steel and non-ferrous metals manufacturing process. Their software solutions provide ready-to-use tools that enhance quality control, improve energy efficiency, and reduce CO2 emissions throughout the steel production chain. The company’s approach leverages extensive AI and metallurgical expertise to deliver measurable operational improvements.
The company was founded in 2019 by Dr. Falk-Florian Henrich, who serves as its CEO. Dr. Henrich's insight stemmed from recognizing the significant competitive pressures on the global steel industry, identifying a critical need for advanced digital solutions to drive efficiency and sustainability. His background and leadership have positioned Smart Steel Technologies to address these challenges directly.
Smart Steel Technologies primarily serves the global steel industry, enabling steelmakers to navigate complex production demands. The company's mission is to support the industry's transformation towards intelligent steel manufacturing by helping producers save energy, reduce their environmental footprint, and consistently improve product quality, fostering a more sustainable and efficient future for steel production.
Smart Steel Technologies has raised $2.0M across 1 funding round.
Smart Steel Technologies has raised $2.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Smart Steel Technologies (SST) is a Berlin-based software company founded in 2019 that develops AI-based solutions for optimizing steel manufacturing processes.[1][2][3] It serves major steel producers like ArcelorMittal and Vallourec, addressing inefficiencies in energy use, CO2 emissions, product quality, and production planning across steel mills in Europe, North and South America, and Asia.[1][2] SST's ready-to-use products, such as schedulers for short-term and long-term planning, material allocators, surface quality inspectors, and temperature controls, enable real-time calculations for precise steel chemistry, process control, and synchronized production chains, helping mills operate more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.[1][4] Backed by Heraeus as its largest shareholder since February 2023, SST demonstrates strong growth through global adoption and an interdisciplinary team of AI experts, metallurgists, and engineers.[1][2]
SST was founded in 2019 in Berlin, Germany, by Dr. Christian Schorr, who serves as Founder, Majority Owner, and CEO.[2][3] Schorr brings a Ph.D. in Mathematics and an M.Sc. in Computer Science from TU Berlin, with prior experience as Founder and CEO of CeleraOne (acquired by Axel Springer SE) and expertise in large-scale machine learning research and software engineering.[2] The idea emerged from recognizing the "last efficiency frontier" in steel manufacturing, combining AI, mathematical modeling, and deep steel domain knowledge to tackle complex challenges like real-time optimization and production scheduling.[1][2] Early traction built on Schorr's tech background and a team including a VP of Metallurgy with 20 years at SMS group (Ph.D. from RWTH Aachen), a North America Managing Director with steel data experience (Ph.D. in Theoretical Chemistry), and machine learning specialists.[2] Pivotal growth came with Heraeus joining as the largest shareholder in February 2023, expanding reach to global steelmakers.[1]
SST stands out in the steel tech space through these key strengths:
SST rides the green steel and Industry 4.0 wave, applying AI to decarbonize and digitize a carbon-intensive sector facing regulatory pressures like EU emissions trading and net-zero mandates.[1] Timing aligns with steelmakers' urgent need for efficiency amid volatile energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and competition from low-carbon alternatives—SST's tools directly cut CO2, energy use, and waste while boosting quality and throughput.[1][4] Market forces favoring SST include rising AI adoption in heavy industry (e.g., via mathematical modeling for scheduling) and investor interest in deep tech for sustainability, as seen with Heraeus' stake.[1][2] By enabling "green steel" transitions for giants like ArcelorMittal, SST influences the ecosystem, setting standards for AI-driven optimization and helping traditional manufacturers stay competitive against electric arc furnaces and hydrogen-based processes.[1]
SST is poised for accelerated expansion as steel decarbonization accelerates, with potential to capture more market share through new products in predictive maintenance or hydrogen integration, leveraging its Berlin-Cincinnati footprint and Heraeus network.[1][2] Trends like AI advancements in real-time simulation and global "green steel" mandates (e.g., post-2025 policies) will amplify its role, possibly drawing further acquisitions or partnerships amid steel's $1T+ market.[1] Its influence may evolve from niche optimizer to ecosystem leader, empowering producers worldwide to meet profitability and sustainability goals—reinforcing its claim as the world's leading steel AI provider.[1]
Smart Steel Technologies has raised $2.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Smart Steel Technologies's investors include 468 Capital, LEA Partners.
Smart Steel Technologies has raised $2.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $2.0M Venture Round in November 2019.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2019 | $2.0M Venture Round | 468 Capital, LEA Partners |