Have you ever thought your workout could become a source of electricity? Lithuanian startup Tukas EV turned that idea into reality by creating HR Bank – a pedal-powered fitness device that generates and stores electricity. Whether you’re cycling at home, at the office, in the countryside, or even in the forest, you can produce your own energy. Just 15 minutes of pedaling is enough to charge a smartphone, and one hour powers a laptop.
With its unique design and functionality, HR Bank has already gained international recognition – it received the prestigious iF Design Award Gold. This is the first time a product created in Lithuania has received such an honor.
HR Bank functions as a trainer, electricity generator, and 2 kWh energy storage unit in one. The stored energy can keep a refrigerator running for up to three days, charge more than 20 laptops, or brew around 150 cups of coffee. It can also be connected to solar panels to store surplus energy or serve as a backup power source.
Tukas EV founder Jonas Navickas says: “The idea of generating clean energy came while watching my kids – they have so much energy! And I thought, what if that energy could actually be used?”
“The war in Ukraine and increasingly frequent blackouts were a turning point. It became clear that energy independence matters — even for individual households. We wanted to build a device that’s not only functional but also beautifully designed. Something you’d be proud to have in your living room, office, or classroom.”
“Our vision was clear from the beginning, but developing the prototype took longer than expected. The process was more complex, and the costs went far beyond our initial resources.”
Smart ideas need smart financing
As Tukas EV approached the final stages of production, they faced a need for additional funding. A loan from Finora Bank made it possible to launch the product.
“We needed a fast and reliable partner. Finora Bank took the time to understand our business and believed in our product from the start. The loan helped us finalize production and take HR Bank to international markets,” says Navickas.
A bank that supports business growth
Tukas EV’s journey shows how the right financing — delivered at the right moment — can accelerate progress. Finora Bank works with companies looking to scale production, invest in technology, expand to new markets, or improve efficiency.
“Our goal is to help ambitious businesses grow. Our approach is hands-on and client-focused,” says Mangirdas Kireilis, Head of Sales at Finora Bank. “We take the time to understand each business and provide financing that fits their actual needs — not just what fits into a template.”
Finora Bank offers business loans starting from €25,000 for companies operating in manufacturing, export, real estate development, services, and other sectors.
A sustainable product, a clear need, and the right financial partner
The partnership between Tukas EV and Finora Bank shows how innovation can move forward with the right support at the right time. When the company needed funding to complete production, a tailored loan enabled them to scale — opening the door to international markets. Today, HR Bank is being exported across Europe and beyond, chosen by businesses and individuals who care about sustainability and energy independence.
It’s a strong example of how a business with a clear vision can grow with confidence — when backed by a financial partner that understands its potential.