Still do, to a degree.But lately, we’ve been sitting with it. Looking at what we’ve built. Talking to people. Watching how our story has landed out in the wild. And it’s become clear:We need to tell the whole truth now.<h2>Why we told the batteryless story to begin with</h2>Let’s rewind.When we started ONiO, we weren’t trying to be yet another MCU vendor with a clever logo and a new benchmark.Honestly, we were terrified of becoming invisible — just another piece of silicon with slightly better power figures and a PDF nobody reads.So we did what we had to do:We found a story.And it was a good one.Batteryless wasn’t just a gimmick. It was our origin — a design constraint that forced us to think differently. How do you build something that can cold-start from ambient energy alone?That question led us to ONiO.zero.It also gave us something way more rare: an actual identity.In a sea of suit-and-slide-deck semiconductor companies, we stood out. We felt like… people. With a point of view.<h2>We also knew we didn’t want to look like the rest of the industry.</h2>No face, no voice — just PDFs and jargon, occasionally interrupted by a press release or a talking head wandering the exhibition floor, badge swinging, rehearsing the same three phrases to a gimbal.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/onio/image/upload/v1744202551/onio_off_to_ces_39c8b6901f.jpg" alt="onio_off_to_ces.jpg"></figure>You know the type: coffee in hand, LinkedIn post ready - “Off to CES - let’s gooo 🚀”We weren’t interested in that.We wanted a brand that felt like us: curious, sharp, design-forward. A little weird. Human.So we built something people could connect with. A chip, yes — but also a story, a tone, an unique visual language. Something that didn’t just talk at people, but invited them in.A chip can be beautiful. So can the story that carries it.And batteryless gave us a way to say all of that in one word.<h2>The problem with one story</h2>But here’s the flip side of telling a strong story:Sometimes people only hear that story. And nothing else.We got pegged.As the batteryless guys. The purists.The ones who build fruit-powered demos and do firefly math.And to be honest — we love that part.We still do it.It’s fun. It makes people think. And it’s real.But somewhere along the way, people started assuming that was all we were.And in letting that story lead, we may have oversimplified our own reality.Because the truth is, most real-world applications aren’t black or white.Some are perfect for batteryless. Some need a supercap. Some are better off with a rechargeable cell. Others just want 10x battery life and no drama.We’ve always known that.We just didn’t talk about it enough.<h2>So what’s actually true?</h2>What’s true is this: ONiO.zero is an absurdly low-power, wireless RISC-V microcontroller that can run on harvested energy — from light, RF, whatever.In the right conditions, you really can skip the battery entirely.But that’s not the only way to win.Maybe you want a BLE-connected sensor that lasts five years on a tiny coin cell.Or a smart label that never needs charging.Or a soil monitor with a solar panel and a little backup.Or a keyboard that powers up as you type.That’s the world we’re building for.We didn’t set out to kill the battery.We set out to design like batteries weren’t guaranteed.<h2>What we actually believe</h2>We believe in designing for power independence.Not as a feature. As a mindset.We believe maintenance is the real enemy.That good design feels invisible.That “energy harvesting” shouldn’t sound like science fiction.And that in a few years, asking “how long does it last?” will feel weird — because the answer will just be: as long as you want.<h2>We’re still ONiO</h2>We still love weird builds and scavenged power and the elegance of restraint.We still care about making semiconductors that don’t feel like they came out of a corporate birth canal.But more than anything, we care about telling the truth — and telling it well.So yeah, we’ll still write about the joy of batteryless design.But we’re also going to show what it looks like to build real systems, with real constraints, in the real world.Some of those will have no battery.Some will have a battery that barely gets used.And some will plug in. That’s okay too.The point isn’t purity.The point is possibility.<h2>In the end</h2>We’re not trying to win a sustainability badge.We’re trying to help engineers design smarter systems - ones that last longer, waste less, and just work.If that means no battery, great.If that means fewer batteries in better places, even better.We’re still ONiO.We still build chips that run off the air.We’re just not limiting ourselves to one storyline anymore.Because the story we’re writing now?It’s bigger. And more fun. And way more real.

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Let’s be honest. 

We’ve been riding the “batteryless” wave pretty hard for a while now. 

If you’ve followed ONiO at all over the last couple of years, you’ve seen it: 

No batteries. No maintenance. Save the planet. Coin cells are evil. That whole thing. 

And, yeah — we meant it.

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Batteryless was never the point

Runar Finanger

ONiO is an IoT company specializing in crafting self-powered microcontrollers that run on nanowatts harvested from their surroundings.

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ONiO is a fabless IoT company specialising in batteryless microcontrollers that run on energy harvesting. We are deeply committed to crafting viable clean-energy solutions for IoT devices, breaking them free from the battery. ONiO.zero can use virtually any RF, thermal, solar, piezo signal as a power source. 

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 The power of Zero is undeniable The people behind ONiO Kjetil Meisal Vemund Bakken Runar Finanger Ronan Barzic Related Pages Products Articles The Big Picture The Team 
                            You can only imagine
                            the impact
                        
                        
                            With billions of IoT nodes and sensors set to power our future, reducing dependence on disposable batteries is critical. ONiO.zero-based solutions make IoT smarter and greener by enabling sustainable designs that minimize waste and unlock new possibilities. Together, we can create a future where innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
                         We envisioned an IoT future where power solutions are smarter, more sustainable, and designed to meet the needs of tomorrow. That’s why we created ONiO.zero—a microcontroller that can run 100% on energy from its surroundings. Whether you’re designing battery-free solutions or dramatically extending battery life, ONiO.zero delivers unmatched efficiency with zero compromises.

Zero limitations—A world of potential.  CEO CTO CMO Director IC Design

ONiO is the company behind ONiO.zero - a batteryless and wireless microcontroller. ONiO’s team is home to some of the brightest engineering minds in the Semiconductor world and so much more.

About ONiO

Powered byONiO.zero Batteryless Remote Control Related Pages Love a good read? Tuck right in. Technology Redefined Learn more Related Pages Products News Articles    Informative and backed by solid research - welcome to our growing archive of articles!

Informative articles about energy harvesting and IoT technology -  backed by solid research - welcome to our growing archive of articles!

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Join our team of innovators  Join our team of innovators Grow with us At the cutting edge of engineering. Disruption guaranteed. Related Pages Careers Articles Careers Working at ONiO  ONiO’s team is home to some of the brightest engineering minds in the semiconductor industry.When you work at ONiO, you are going to be rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest talents in the space. Have you always wanted to be a part of something truly exciting? Something that touches real lives?When you work for ONiO, you join a team that’s on the vanguard of the next tech revolution. And what’s more, we’re one heck of a riot to roll with. We are thrilled to welcome future employees to apply for a job and pursue a career at ONiO. You will have the chance to learn from true innovators, work in a dynamic environment and with unique technology that will add comfort and safety to everyday lives. We encourage you to explore our current openings and career opportunities! Fancy pursuing a career at ONiO? We are thrilled to welcome your applications. You will have the chance to learn from true innovators and work in an exciting and diverse environment. If the idea of working with technology that will add comfort and safety to everyday lives tickles your fancy, feel free to check out our openings! ONiO’s team is home to some of the brightest engineering minds in the Semiconductor world and so much more.

Fancy pursuing a career at ONiO? You will have the chance to learn from true innovators and work in an exciting and diverse environment. If the idea of working with technology that will add comfort and safety to everyday lives tickles your fancy, feel free to check out our openings!

ONiO careers

Get clued in Your Power Your Choice Smaller Bill Of Material Power Freedom.  Zero maintenance.   IoT Unleashed Power Independence for a connected world. What's next?  Energy Harvesting Everything IoT About ONiO Join us ONiO - Power your way! Get started The lowest power MCU - 22µW/MHz Join our team of innovators Invest in us Learn More  ONiO.zero is an easy to use wireless microcontroller that works with any power source - from ambient energy to batteries. That's what we call power freedom. Instead of playing with pennies - we turned to the dollar. We integrated radio, mcu, memories and PMIC in a single package.  Slash maintenance costs with battery-free operation or extended battery life. Now that's something your customer wants to hear. IoT liberated from power constraints. Whether battery-free or ultra-long battery life, there's no limit to where IoT can go. ONiO.zero is the world’s first wireless microcontroller designed for total power flexibility — from energy harvesting to ultra-low-power battery operation.

ONiO is a fabless IoT company specializing in batteryless microcontrollers that run on ambient energy. ONiO.zero can use virtually any RF, thermal, solar, piezo signal as a power source. Our aim is to unshackle one IoT device at a time from the battery, en route to a 100% battery-free IoT future. Our product offers manufacturers a more minimalist, user-friendly, economical and environmentally sustainable power solution for IoT devices. 

 Looking for a green deal? Our valued partners Q1 2017 Q2 2018 Q3 2021 Q2 2025 TBD Domain experts Devoted and engaged Related Pages About Us Products Invest in us Engage with ONiO Funding Timeline Register your interest Who are we looking for ? [object Object] Brilliant minds and good ideas need to come together if we are to solve big problems. We understand this! We respect and value the domain expertise and industry experience that an investing partner will bring to the table. When you invest in ONiO, you are not just investing in our product but in us. As an investor, you will be an integral part of the ONiO family – your strategic inputs, network, industry expertise and passion for what we’re doing will be welcomed and cherished.

For us, it’s more than just numbers on a sheet of paper. SME Instrument, Innovation Norway, and Forskningsrådet have helped mitigate the risks of undertaking broader and more ambitious development efforts. Besides the evident financial support, ONiO is honoured to be selected as one of the most innovative companies in Europe. We’ve closed our Series A.
If you’re interested in future rounds, drop us a line.
(No angels please) Pre Seed Seed Bridge Series A When the time is right. Do you love taking on new and exciting challenges? Do you share our passion for environmental sustainability and technology? Are you willing to take risks in the pursuit of something incredible? Then, you’re our kind of investor!

When you invest in ONiO, you are not just investing in our product but in us. As an investor, you will be an integral part of the ONiO family – your strategic inputs, industry expertise and passion for what we’re doing will be welcomed and cherished.

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ONiO energy fields What’s been happening at ONiO ONiO.zero - v1 ONiO.zero - green powerplant ONiO.zero - v2 ONiO.zero v3 ONiO.zero v4 ONiO Logo Related Pages Invest in us Contact us News Centre Media Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.&nbsp;Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. ONiO.zero microcontroller - orange. A colorful representation of a tiny wireless MCU that harvests ambient energy. Package: QFN28. Real size: 4x4mm. ONiO.zero microcontroller. A miniaturised green power plan - a wireless MCU that harvests ambient energy. Package: QFN28.  ONiO.zero microcontroller - purple/blue. A colorful representation of a tiny wireless MCU that harvests ambient energy. Package: QFN28. Real size: 4x4mm. ONiO.zero microcontrollers. A colorful representation of a tiny wireless MCU that harvests ambient energy. Package: QFN28. Real size: 4x4mm. ONiO.zero microcontrollers. A colorful representation of a tiny wireless MCU that harvests ambient energy. Package: QFN28. Real size: 4x4mm. ONiO logo transparent PNG. Size: 1026x281px

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This move reflects a growing recognition that ambient energy—light, RF, heat, vibration—is abundant but not always predictable. While ONiO.zero, ONiO’s flagship microcontroller, can start from under a microwatt and run on mere slivers of power, for certain use-cases it still needs a way to buffer and deliver energy reliably. That’s where VINATech becomes mission critical.Supercapacitors offer something batteries don’t - the ability to charge and discharge rapidly, last through countless cycles, and endure harsh environments. Their inclusion in the ONiO ecosystem enables longer-lasting, maintenance-free devices across industries—from shelf labels and air quality sensors to industrial tags and smart buttons.Rather than lock developers into a fixed stack, ONiO is curating a flexible ecosystem that enables design freedom while ensuring performance. VINATech’s Hy-Cap line complements ONiO’s flexible hardware stack, giving developers proven, production-grade options for buffering ambient energy. The result: faster prototyping, simpler power design, and hardware that behaves predictably in the wild — like a postage-stamp-sized PCB running a full ambient energy stack: harvester, VINATech supercapacitor, and ONiO.zero.This partnership is one of several ONiO is cultivating to expand its batteryless toolkit. VINATech’s supercapacitors aren’t a lab experiment — they’re already powering millions of commercial devices, including Samsung’s latest solar-powered TV remotes. That kind of field-tested reliability fits ONiO’s practical philosophy: build for power independence, not theoretical perfection. As ambient-powered designs go from demo to deployment — and take advantage of the fact that supercapacitors like VINATech’s are not classified as batteries under EU regulations, these are the kinds of components that make it possible.<h2>About VINATech</h2>VINATech is a South Korean manufacturer of high-performance energy storage components, including hybrid and EDLC supercapacitors. Its Hy-Cap® line is known for rapid charge/discharge, long life, and stability in extreme conditions. VINATech’s products are used across consumer, industrial, and automotive markets, including in Samsung’s solar-powered TV remotes. The company operates globally with production in Korea and Vietnam.For more information, visit<a href="http://www.vinatech.com"> www.vinatech.com</a><h2>About ONiO</h2>ONiO is a Norwegian fabless semiconductor company building wireless microcontrollers that run on ambient energy — including RF, thermal, solar, and kinetic sources. At the core is ONiO.zero: a RISC-V-based SoC that cold-starts from under a microwatt and integrates compute, radio, memory, and power management on a single die. Designed for battery-optional applications, ONiO chips enable maintenance-free, power-independent devices across IoT, sensing, and edge intelligence. Whether running fully batteryless or paired with advanced energy storage, ONiO’s platform gives developers the tools to design systems that last longer, deploy wider, and waste less.More at <a href="https://www.onio.com">onio.com</a>

Norwegian semiconductor company ONiO and South Korea’s VINATech have entered a partnership aimed at redefining the very foundations of sustainable IoT. ONiO, a Norwegian semiconductor innovator, and VINATech, a South Korean leader in energy storage, are joining forces to truly advance batteryless IoT technology. The collaboration adds VINATech’s supercapacitors to ONiO’s modular design stack, bringing new resilience to energy-harvesting electronics as part of a broader shift toward a solid-state power loop architecture.

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ONiO + Vinatech - Supercap powered Green IoT

Remote Control Energy sources Right as rain, safe as houses A Zero-compromise user experience Ultra-low power requirement All the frills and thrills - IR diode support Future proof flexibility Pulse density modulation interface (PDM) Capacitive touch Button key scanner Accelerometer Reference Design Want to talk? Watch Video Introduction Visit the ONiO.zero page Energy Harvesting Reliability User Interfaces Contact us for more information Watch Video The remote as we know it is a dinosaur - ancient technology! Today, with energy harvesting, the pain of charging and replacing batteries is history! Our surroundings are rife with potentially usable energy that we can harness and store. Energy from WiFI AP, mobile phones and other dedicated terrestrial RF energy sources supplies enough power for the remote to operate. At the heart of our smart remote solution is ONiO.zero - a batteryless wonderchip that runs on ambient energy! The best part, fewer batteries are thrown away in landfills. What's more - super-tiny photovoltaic cells could be used in tandem to make sure you never run out - Given typical light conditions, you could power your remote for eternity - no replacements, no nothing! RF fields between 650MHz and 2.4GHz.Any source between 350mV and 4V that produce 5-10μA). E.g. PV/Solar, thermal and motion.  ONiO.zero implements a low power PDM interface for interfacing low power microphones. The supported sampling speeds are 300kHz to 12MHz with support for fractional bitrate. The capacitive touch engine does not require any internal oscillator to run and is fully self-clocked. This means that it’s extremely low power and can asynchronously wake the rest of the system up. True wake on touch! Supports 8 rows and 8 columns making for a total of 64 buttons. Runs on an ultra low-power oscillator. Any keypress wakes up the CPU. FIFO (First in First out) of last 8 key presses. A low power SPI and two-wire interface are implemented for efficient interfacing with an accelerometer. The data from the accelerometer can be classified by ONiO.zero into gestures. Drained batteries and interruptions are best left in the past! With just a little ingenuity, we can design batteryless solutions that, well, just make more sense! Energy has to be present when the remote is in use. By utilising both RF and PV cell harvesting the remote will constantly be charging - even when its stuck between your sofa cushions. We took a novel new approach to low-power. We designed for nano-watt operation - not milli- or microwatts from day one. This has resulted in a framework that allows applications using a battery today - remove them tomorrow. We have to acknowledge that most remote controls today still utilise infrared communication. That's why we added a dedicated hardware module for carrier generation and modulation of IR diodes. A modern remote control is meant to be user-friendly and flexible. ONiO.zero supports multiple user interfaces - so you’re never caught off guard - whatever your device or need, we’ve got you covered.

A real smart remote solution runs on ONiO.zero - a batteryless wonderchip that feeds on ambient energy! Best part, no more annoying broken battery lids!

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