ONiO secures major Eurostars grant to revolutionize sustainable electronics with energy harvesting.
ONiO, along with an elite group of innovators, has secured a sizable grant for our SELECT project (Sustainable Electronics for Energy Harvesting Applications). This game-changing project is directed towards developing a scalable platform for energy harvesting applications using sustainable electronic components. The total project cost is a whopping €3.1 million!
Our team includes some of Europe’s brightest minds, all geared up to tackle the big sustainability challenges in the electronics industry with cutting-edge tech and green solutions. Here’s a shoutout to our incredible partners:
- ONiO AS (Norway): Leading with ultra-low power microcontrollers for energy harvesting.
- Epishine AB (Sweden): Organic photovoltaics optimized for indoor light.
- Ligna Energy AB (Sweden): Innovating eco-friendly supercapacitors from renewable materials.
- Jiva Materials Ltd (UK): Crafting fully recyclable and biodegradable PCB laminates.
- 4MOD Technology SAS (France): Developing next-gen remote controls.
- Pricer AB (Sweden): At the forefront of innovation with electronic shelf labels (ESL) that enable automated, real-time price updates, boosting efficiency and accuracy for retailers.
Project Overview and Goals
The SELECT project is all about creating a new, scalable platform for energy harvesting (EH) using sustainable electronic components. Here’s what we’re cooking up for the platform:
- Utilizing the ONiO.zero microcontroller tailored for extreme low power and EH (ONiO).
- Modules for EH from radio frequency (ONiO) and photovoltaics (Epishine).
- A bio-based supercapacitor (Ligna Energy) for energy storage.
- A fully recyclable and biodegradable PCB laminate (Jiva Materials).
This platform is designed for a bunch of IoT and small electronics applications, kicking off with electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and remote controls. We’re tackling the industry’s reliance on polluting materials and greenhouse gas-heavy processes, offering a truly sustainable alternative for self-powered electronics.
Why This Matters
The electronics industry, especially the IoT and small electronics segment, is grappling with huge sustainability issues. Traditional solutions rely on disposable or rechargeable batteries that are pricey, high-maintenance, and bad for the environment. SELECT aims to ditch these for energy-harvesting tech that draws power from ambient sources like light and radio frequencies.
By eliminating batteries, SELECT plans to slash the environmental footprint of electronic devices, from production to disposal. It’s not just about high-tech; it’s about a greener, more sustainable future for electronics.
Customer Cases
The SELECT project is all set to show off its potential with two exciting customer cases:
- Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL): Pricer AB is at the forefront of innovation with its electronic shelf label (ESL) solutions, enabling automated and real-time price updates without the need for manual intervention. These cutting-edge ESLs offer retailers a seamless and efficient way to manage pricing dynamically, improving operational efficiency and ensuring accuracy across all product displays.
- Remote Controls: Have you ever dreamt of a remote control that never needs battery replacements? 4MOD Technology SAS is making that a reality with their next-gen remotes powered entirely by ambient energy. Say goodbye to hunting for batteries and hello to a sustainable future.
Economic and Environmental Impact
This grant is a massive boost, helping us and our partners push the boundaries of sustainable electronics. SELECT promises:
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Using renewable materials and sustainable processes, we’ll cut down the environmental impact of electronic components.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Offering top-notch technical performance and sustainability, while staying competitive with conventional alternatives.
- Market Growth: Boosting market prospects and sales for all involved, creating synergies and growing the energy harvesting market.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Eurostars program for the support. This initiative is vital for fostering innovation and sustainability in the tech industry.
Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting journey towards a sustainable future in electronics. We’ll keep you updated on our progress through regular updates on our website and social media channels. Follow ONiO and our partners for more updates on the progress of the SELECT project.