9-Tech is an innovative enterprise consisting of a team of engineers and researchers who study and create prototypes, specifically developing new solutions to recover strategic materials from e-waste.
The mission of 9-Tech is to ensure e-waste upcycling, that is the valorisation of critical raw materials contained in it.
Among the technologies under study, the one with the highest TRL concerns the recycling of photovoltaic waste.
Thanks to the cooperation with Depuracque, 9-Tech will sell in Italy and Europe plants for PV panels recylcing, recovering more raw materials and with higher purity compared to the existent solutions.
9-Tech is committed in more research projects about circular economy and ESG (Envinronmental, Social, Governance) supporting the design and the construction of prototypes and developing the patented technologies it owns.
Our history
Since its foundation, on 30th January 2020, 9-Tech started to work on the realisation of a pilot plant for PV panels recycling thanks to the support of the Booster and Accelerator projects (1st and 2nd phase) of EIT Raw Materials (85k euros).
In 2021 permissions were requested for the building of a pilot plant with support from Veritas group, which hosts the prototype. Moreover, 9-Tech has won the first prize in the contest hosted by VeNiSIA Accelerator Program.
In 2022 the company won first prize in the Intesa SanPaolo ESG challenge which allowed the start-up to modify the pilot plant making it operational, carry out experiments on thermal and mechanical treatment, develop and patent a treatment to recover silver using reagents with low environmental impact and increase and extend patents.
In fact, the company to date holds 2 EU patents on PV recycling and 5 others are pending.
The Depuracque company became a shareholder of the company with the aim of supporting the industrialization of the prototype.
In 2023 the company won Fortune Italy‘s Change the World Italia award and was included among the 10 best companies in the business sector for the circular economy (sustainable development award).
Since January 2023 it has started coordinating the European project PARSIVAL, a RIS Capacity Building project financed by EIT RawMaterials and since October it is participating in the horizon EVERPV project.
In the first months of 2024 the experimental phase of the pilot plant and the design of a 3000 ton/year plant to be built in Porto Marghera were concluded.
The authorization process for the plant began in 2024.
- 30th Janyary 2020: foundation
- June: Start of development of the 9PV experimental plant (EIT RawMaterials booster project)
- September: pilot plant completed
- October: Application for the first two patents (oven and separation method)
- May: Experimental plant’s environmental permitting request
- October: Patents on the process granted
- November: 1st prize at VeNiSIA contest
- July: 1st prize in Intesa SanPaolo’s InAction ESG contest (250k)
- July: received the environmental permit to operate the experimental 9PV plant.
- September: Extension of intellectual property patents (EU)
- October: Concluded agreement with Depuracque (joint venture contract)
- January: start of the PARSIVAL project.
- February: start of tests in the 9PV plant.
- February: 1st prize Fortune Italia
- October: start of the EVERPV project
- November: Sustainable development award at Ecomondo
- January: completion of experimental plant tests.
- January: extension of the patent for silver recovery in EU, USA and CN.
- February: patent application for separation machines.
- April: application for permitting to set up industrial plant
- August: Patent application for ultrasonic cleaning reactor.
- December: Silver recovery patent granted.
- February: receipt of environmental permitting for industrial plant construction
- May: Industrial plant construction start (planned)
- May: Industrial plant tests start (planned)
Our team
We are a young reality that brings together the energies of different researchers and professionals who collaborate and support our project!
Pietrogiovanni Cerchier
CEO
Francesco Miserocchi
CTO
Rosa Lubrano
AFC
Depuracque
Nicola Levorato
President of the board
Depuracque
Alberto Nalon
CMO
Depuracque
Luca Pezzato
CSO
CNR – ICMATE
Francesco Nisato
Prototypes design and building
Veritas
Margherita Turatello
Administration support
Marco Sinico
Marketing and comms
510service
Vittorio Cerchier
Project Manager
ITS Engineering
Pietro Causin
Technical drawing
Paola Cecchinato
Accounting
Download the 9-Tech Gender Equality Plan
Our effort for gender equality
