Fiber Elements

About Fiber Elements

Fiber Elements is an Austrian company specializing in the automated manufacturing of basalt fiber reinforcement structures for the construction industry, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional steel-reinforced concrete. Founded in Leoben in 2023 by architect-turned-entrepreneur Wolfgang Fiel, the startup aims to address the construction sector's significant carbon footprint. Fiel's career has focused on sustainable materials in both research and practical applications, leading him to recognize the potential of combining basalt's natural properties with a holistic design-to-manufacturing approach.

The company's core technology, developed in collaboration with leading Austrian universities such as the Technical University of Leoben (MUL), the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), and the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), revolves around the fully automated production of three-dimensional, load-path-oriented basalt fiber structures. This process utilizes continuous basalt fibers—derived from volcanic rock—which are robotically wound and placed to create reinforcement nets optimized for each component's specific stress points. The resulting mineral composites are reportedly three times stronger than steel while being two-thirds lighter. The use of non-corrosive basalt allows for a reduction in the required concrete cover, contributing to a potential CO2 emission reduction of up to 70% compared to conventional steel-reinforced concrete.

Fiber Elements operates on a business model that supplies its reinforcement systems to clients, including major prefabricated concrete manufacturers in Austria, Germany, and Denmark. In July 2025, the company secured €2.6 million in a seed funding round led by LEA Partners and the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund. This capital is intended to accelerate the company's transition from pilot projects to industrial-scale production, double its team, and further develop the AI-driven optimization of its digital workflow. A key part of its future strategy is the introduction of decentralized 'nano-factories' for on-site production, aiming to reduce transport costs and environmental impact, thereby making sustainable prefabricated components more accessible.