Laptops and Lederhosen

We are a Munich-based clean-tech company focused on hydrogen, with the goal of providing a sustainable solution for the transport industry. We replace conventional, fossil-fueled engines with hydrogen-based, CO2-free powertrains. With the KEYOU HICE.40 semi-trailer tractor, we demonstrate that our "KEYOU-inside" conversion system is both practical for daily use and economically viable—and that we are making a meaningful contribution to the decarbonization of heavy-duty transport.

Get to know us

Who we are and what we do

Understanding hydrogen in its entirety is an essential part of KEYOU's identity. We have a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogen engine. This includes the powertrain, vehicle, peripherals, and storage system. Based on this understanding, we have evolved into an H2 mobility provider, helping to decarbonize the mobility sector. We rely on experience and H2 expertise as well as social skills and individuality. We are committed to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for transportation. With our innovative technology and dedication to sustainability, we are proud to be at the forefront of the hydrogen revolution.

Group of KEYOU employees in front of a window

Driven by innovation. Fueled by expertise.

We are a team of engineers, climate saviors, technicians, business experts and engine enthusiasts. What started with a small team in a small office in Unterschleißheim near Munich has developed into a powerful and passionate team with employees from numerous nations. Today, you can find us in the heart of Munich – nestled between "laptops and lederhosn," near the Hackerbrücke in the Art Deco Palais, right next to the new Google Campus and the Augustiner beer garden. Here we combine all our talents and expertise in the high-tech company KEYOU to develop a sustainable and cost-efficient mobility solution - no matter if you are a young professional or an "old hand".

The timeline of KEYOU's company history

Over the years, KEYOU has managed to surpass the ambitious dreams of its founders. Because now, the bold idea of revolutionizing the mobility industry (even just a little bit) has become a reality.

2015

KEYOU was founded on September 25, 2015 by three former BMW engineers. Thomas Korn (CEO), one of the three founders, still leads the company today.

2016

Nagel Maschinen- und Werkzeugfabrik GmbH from Nürtingen, Germany, has been a strategic investor in KEYOU since the end of 2016. The company, took over the entire start-up financing (Series A).

2017

In June, we show our prototype engine to the general public for the first time at our then test stand in Nordhausen. In the same year, we win our first award (Green Product Award).

2018

First sales with major OEMs through classic development services. German Innovation Award. On the test bench, we achieve an efficiency of 44.5% for the first time - a world record! KEYOU grows, soon we need a new office.

2019

KEYOU continues to grow, first considerations to "relocate" to Munich. The prototype engine converted by KEYOU runs stably. KEYOU in the Japanese and Chinese press for the first time.

2020

We start the EIC funding project, build an 18-ton truck that will later meet the CO2 Zero Emission EU standard. We are included on the SET 100 list, making us one of the 100 most forward-looking and innovative start-ups in the world.

2021

After six years in Unterschleißheim near Munich, KEYOU decided to move to the heart of Munich. Today, the high-tech company occupies two floors in the old Postpalais, next to Google's headquarters and Augustiner Biergarten.

2022

With the Nagel-Group, ES Kapital, the family office Besto and the extended arm of the EU, the EIC, we have a strong investor group together. Start of Series B funding. The HyCET funding project is up and running: Building a 13l engine with Volvo for 40-ton trucks.

2023

KEYOU has reached another important milestone in its mission to revolutionize the transportation industry. In April, the prototype KEYOU truck drove on public roads for the first time!

2024

At IAA Transportation 2024, KEYOU presented two hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks. With “KEYOU inside”, the company showcased how diesel trucks can be converted into CO2-free hydrogen vehicles cost-efficiently — without changing the base engine.

2025

The first KEYOU 18t hydrogen truck entered customer operation. With the handover to EP-Trans, KEYOU reached another key milestone: proving hydrogen combustion not only in development, but in real transport applications on the road.

2026

Daimler Truck and KEYOU enter into a partnership to bring hydrogen-powered internal combustion trucks to market. Another important milestone on the path to industrializing hydrogen combustion technology!

Our mission and values

Our mission is simple, clear, and straightforward. From the very beginning, we have been motivated to revolutionize the mobility sector using hydrogen, driven by the ambition to bring zero-emission hydrogen engines to the market that are both practical for daily use and economically viable. Today, we enable sustainable and competitive hydrogen mobility solutions by converting existing diesel engines into zero-emission hydrogen engines, and with the KEYOU HICE.40, we offer an attractive, everyday-ready, and cost-effective semi-trailer tractor for heavy-duty transport.

We love what we do

We're passionate about what we do. Our thrive for innovation and problem-solving mentality drive us to deliver the best solutions to clients.

We are creative and professional

Our team brings creativity and a unique "KEYOU perspective" to every project, delivering innovative solutions with the utmost professionalism.

We value the team and are empathetic

We understand that each project is unique and requires personalized, intensive support. That's why we take the time to listen to our customers and understand their needs. Our team of highly qualified experts is empathetic and looks for solutions that exceed customer expectations.

We get stronger and better every day

Continuous learning and constant improvement are at the core of our company. Our team is at the forefront of research on new technologies and creation of innovative ideas to provide sustainable solutions. Our goal is to deliver exceptional results.

We rely on trust and truth

Trust is of the utmost importance to us. This includes trust among employees, as well as trust in business partners and customers. We cultivate integrity and transparency in all our interactions. While facts and figures play a major role, we also let our hearts speak for us.

Founder & management

KEYOU’s leadership team brings together experienced executives with complementary expertise. They are united by one mission: making clean, affordable mobility possible using the sustainable, energy-dense fuel of the future – hydrogen.

Personal Image of a member from Flow Ninja.

CEO & Co-Founder

Thomas Korn

As CEO and Co-Founder of KEYOU, Tom is now turning his dream of developing sustainable and clean hydrogen engines into a reality.

Chief Financial Officer

Olaf Bergner

Olaf is a skilled manager who can draw on a wide range of management- and start-up experience. As Chief Financial Officer, he is spearheading the KEYOU finance team while actively raising new investments.

Chief Commercial Officer

Jürgen Nadler

Convinced by the concept, technology and founding team, Jürgen Nadler joined the high-tech company and was able to successfully position the start-up as a high-tech company on the market as Chief Commercial Officer.

Chief Operating Officer

Tilo Sigeneger

With extensive experience in development, production, industrialisation, and general management, Tilo Sigeneger drives the operational scaling of KEYOU as Chief Operating Officer — with the goal of successfully bringing hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles into industrial application.

Memberships & Associations

We are part of a wide range of hydrogen associations. In these networks, we are sharing our knowledge about hydrogen and hydrogen engine as well as gaining interesting political insights.

Our Advisory Board

With their many years of experience in the automotive industry, the members of KEYOU's Advisory Board are an important sparring partner for our management team. Together they discuss strategic topics and the challenges of the future, sometimes "just" about the daily business practice, in order to make the right decisions in the sense of KEYOU.

Prof. Dr. Manuel Aguiar

Advisory Board Member

Manuel Aguiar is an university professor and top manager with great social commitment.

Rudolf Ellensohn

Advisory Board Member

Rudolf Ellensohn is an experienced automotive expert and former C-level executive of Liebherr and IVECO.

Dr. Ulrich Bez

Advisory Board Member

Ulrich Bez is a highly-skilled automotive engineer and visionary. As a former C-level executive he worked at Porsche and Aston Martin.

Prof. Dr. Jörg Zürn

Advisory Board Member

Jörg Zürn is a real entrepreneurial personality with over 34 years of professional experience in the Daimler Group as a C-Level executive.

Holger Mandel

Advisory Board Member

Holger Mandel is the former Executive Board member of MAN Truck & Bus SE and CEO of MAN Truck & Bus Germany.

Award-winning experts

We know awards aren't everything – but we see them as recognition of our work and of what we've achieved so far. We're delighted that people value what we do, and perhaps even share our vision. So yes, we're also a little proud to have received many of the industry's major awards in recent years.