Fresh Capital Sparks Europe’s Cold Plasma Push

Aurora funding accelerates cold plasma plans, though slow regulation may temper adoption

30 Nov 2025

Aurora Sterilisation has secured €3.8mn in new financing as it pursues commercial deployment of its cold plasma system, a technology aimed at replacing high-heat and chemical-based sterilisation methods that struggle with more delicate medical devices.

The UK-based company is targeting 2026 for its first market launch. Analysts say the timetable reflects growing interest in sterilisation tools that can handle complex surgical and diagnostic equipment, an area where current systems face rising performance and regulatory pressures.

Cold plasma uses ionised gas at low temperatures to deactivate pathogens. The approach is designed to reduce reliance on energy-intensive heat treatments or chemical agents such as ethylene oxide, a common sterilant that is subject to tighter environmental rules in parts of Europe.

Aurora’s latest funding round includes support from public and regional backers, among them the EU’s EIC Fund, which has previously financed the company through early-stage innovation schemes. Investors say the appeal lies in the technology’s potential to offer faster cycles and lower environmental impact.

Progress, however, does not guarantee rapid adoption. Regulatory approval processes for sterilisation equipment remain lengthy, and validation requirements for hospitals and device manufacturers add further time. Procurement cycles in public health systems can also slow upgrades because buyers must weigh capital costs against operational gains.

Interest in plasma-based systems comes as Europe seeks to build a more resilient sterilisation supply chain. Disruptions in recent years, combined with stricter emissions standards, have increased demand for alternatives that reduce chemical use and energy consumption.

New entrants are adding to the competitive landscape. Molecular Sustainable Solutions, for example, is developing advanced materials for disinfection and sterilisation. While not direct substitutes for plasma systems, such technologies point to a broader phase of experimentation across the sector, according to analysts.

Industry figures expect the next several years to bring limited but steady change through pilot programmes, targeted partnerships and incremental upgrades. These efforts are likely to shape how hospitals and manufacturers manage infection risks as they transition away from older systems.

For now, the latest investment gives Aurora a clearer path toward market testing, even as the sector continues to balance innovation with stringent regulatory demands.