Our history
Everything stared...
...with the company GetroniX. Gerald Eichler (CEO of GetroniX) and Simon Prüller successfully implement projects in the field of special machine construction/automation technology.
In addition to special machine construction, GetroniX is also active in the realization and maintenance of solar systems, including with drones. Valuable experience and insights can be gained during this time.
An innovative concept for a blackening system is developed and implemented for a project in the solar industry. Valuable know-how and a network of contacts are created for 2nd Cycle.
The idea...
...of an automated upcycling system for used solar modules is born in a conversation between Gerald and Simon. Intensive literature research and discussions with industry experts confirm the possibility and we decide to seize it.
We received the RIZ UP Genius Award, sponsored by EVN, for our 2nd Cycle idea and our business plan in the "Ecologically ingenious" category.
The 2nd Cycle idea is selected by a jury of experts as one of the ten most promising climate-relevant business ideas in Austria. We become part of the "Greenstart Incubation Program". Valuable expert input and countless new contacts follow in the months that follow.
The founders...
...of 2nd Cycle comes from the heart of the Mostviertel region. This makes the skillsets of the individual co-founders all the more diverse. An ideal prerequisite for the realization of our project.
We are "Greenstar 2023"...
...is decided by a jury of experts and an online vote based on criteria such as the potential of the idea, progress during the incubation phase and impact.
We were able to present our idea to Federal Minister Leonore Gewessler BA at the Climate Ministry and discuss the great potential of an automated option for processing used solar modules.
The development phase starts
We start with the detailed planning of the prototype. The concept is intensively discussed and further developed.
Together with Joanneum Research Graz and Graz University of Technology, we are submitting a research project "SAR4SPEC". The aim of the research project is to use SAR satellite data to monitor the condition of solar modules from space.
First collaborations are emerging ...
...and many more will follow. Even though we are developing a large part of the system internally, we are aware of the scale of this task and are networking with research institutes and universities.
We have been selected for ESA BIC...
...by a jury of experts. ESA supports promising start-ups financially and with expert advice through the ESA Business Incubator.
At the Future Convent, once in Gmunden in Upper Austria and once in Styria, we have the opportunity to present our start-up to over a thousand HTL students alongside global players such as Voest and Fronius. We notice the enthusiasm of young people for climate-related topics. We are very pleased and encouraged by this.
We were invited to present our idea and our vision in the podcast of the Climate and Energy Fund "Folgewirkung". It was an interesting experience for Simon to record a professional podcast.
The renovation starts...
...and we will soon be able to move into our new location with office and hall space in Amstetten. We can hardly wait and are giving it our all!
2nd Cycle FlexCo...
...is founded with six co-founders in Vienna with our lawyer Dr. Keyvan Rastegar. We are not only pioneers in the upcycling of solar modules, but we also found one of the first FlexCo's in Austria.
The first investment round...
...is successfully concluded with the Müller-Guttenbrunn Group and DI Michael Altrichter as business angels. We now have strong strategic partners at our side.
We moved...
...into our new company location in Amstetten. There we have the perfect conditions for implementing our vision.
We get a robot with seven axes and a load capacity of 300 kg from Makerspace [A]. If you look closely, you can see the gleam in our eyes. We can make good use of the robot for our prototype.
New logo design!
We proudly present our newly designed logo! What began as an improvised creation in PowerPoint has now evolved into a modern logo.
And the winner is... 2nd Cycle! 🏆✨
We are delighted to announce that we have won first place in the special Start Up category of the “Skarabäus” waste management award! This award recognizes innovative projects that promote the circular economy in Lower Austria and we are proud to be part of this movement.
