The <a href="https://www.horizon-enlightened.com/">ENLIGHTENED project</a> is an R&amp;D collaboration between twelve companies and research organisations, funded by the EU Horizon Europe program. The focus is on increasing the potential of photovoltaic (PV) technology for low-power, low-light applications - combining energy harvesting and flexible, printed electronics to meet the power and energy requirements of small electronics across diverse application segments, while pushing the boundaries of sustainability in electronics design and production. <a href="https://www.onio.com/products/onio-zero.html">ONiO</a> is proud to be part of this partnership, contributing with our unique ultra-low-power technology platform for managing energy harvesting and full control of wireless electronic systems.In the following, we will briefly discuss two of the key areas within ENLIGHTENED - energy harvesting and flexible electronic circuits - and how their combination can stimulate the emergence of a brand new class of better, more sustainable electronics.<h2>Energy harvesting</h2>We live immersed in ambient energy. Such energy exists in multiple forms and is essentially free: yes, it’s here for grabs! So, why are all our small electronic gadgets built around batteries instead of tapping into all this free energy?&nbsp;Truth be told, from a glance, batteries are relatively cheap and in many ways convenient. But if we stop a little to think about a product’s whole lifecycle, we stumble upon low battery (inevitably at the least convenient occasions!), multiple battery changes, drawers full of used batteries leaking nasty metals that most certainly end up in landfills… And, all of a sudden, costs start piling up and convenience slips away.But is there any better way? Back to that whole free ambient energy! With a little ingenuity, it is possible to craft devices to harvest energy from sunlight or artificial lighting, radio frequency waves, motion or thermal gradients, and use such energy to power electronics. The good news is that talented scientists and engineers have already crafted many such neat energy harvesting devices. The amounts of energy obtained aren’t huge, but, if used wisely, are more than enough to keep small electronic gadgets, like the ones typically powered by coin cells or alkaline batteries, up and running. This is where a combination of optimised energy harvesting devices and ultra-efficient power electronics becomes handy!Here, we are not going to enter into details about other forms of energy harvesting, but rather focus on the one starring in ENLIGHTED: light, and in particular low-intensity light, like typically found in indoor environments.There are diverse PV technologies that can be used to harvest light and, in particular, a number of emerging technologies focused on efficiently harvesting indoor light, such as dye sensitised solar cells (DSSC), perovskite-based or organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. In a <a href="https://www.onio.com/article/power-of-light-ambient-energy-for-iot.html">previous article</a>, we provided an overview of key concepts, technologies and market players. The ENLIGHTENED project focuses on OPV technology provided by the project leader, <a href="https://www.epishine.com/">Epishine</a>. Epishine’s OPV modules are already best-in-class, providing high-efficiency, flexibility, seamless integration and low cost. Notably, OPV technology shows the lowest environmental impacts among competing alternatives. A large part of the project is dedicated to improving OPV technology (materials, design, integration and production) with a view towards mass-scale real-world applications within IoT and small electronics.<h2>Flexible printed electronics</h2>Electronic boards, so-called printed circuit boards or simply PCBs, are the backbone of any mainstream electronic device. Despite obvious improvements that span across the whole electronics industry, the foundational aspects of PCBs have remained stable over several decades. This means that the backbone of present day electronics is still very much rigid PCBs, based on subtractive production techniques using etched copper and stiff fiber glass composite substrate, commonly known as FR4. These can be produced in a cheap way in high-throughput automated industrial lines. However, traditional PCBs are bound to some serious limitations.First, the rigidity of FR4 means limited design flexibility: form factor and design of devices must be done around a stiff PCB board, and make room for one or more batteries (plus a battery hatch for changes). This is obviously very limiting when you think of wearables, smart clothing, biomedical sensors and the like. But also across other product categories like sensors, trackers or smart labels to be deployed, for instance, in industrial IoT or the automotive sector - where new form factors, size, thinness and flexibility can be game changers.Second, PCB production typically accounts for as much as 35% of the total environmental footprint of an IoT device, due to energy-intensive subtractive processes that use many chemicals and generate waste. Hence, if we want to make electronics more sustainable, then this must be one of the pressure points.The approach in the ENLIGHTENED project is to move into flexible or hybrid (rigid-flex) electronics, where circuits are printed on flexible polymeric substrates, such as PET, using conductive inks based on copper or silver. Hence, we move away from subtractive production processes, which are inherently wasteful, into more sustainable additive/printed techniques, while enabling thinner, lighter and flexible electronic system backbones. This will free developers for new form factors and new product typologies. The ENLIGHTENED consortium includes two companies specialised in printed electronics, <a href="https://www.tracxon.tech/">Tracxon</a> and <a href="https://flexoo.com/">Flexoo</a>, which are driving the development of new flex-board designs and respective manufacturing processes based on ink printing and SMD (surface mount device) component assembly.<h2>A flexible power module made for sustainable IoT products</h2>Part of the ENLIGHTENED consortium has been focused on developing a flex-board module for powering IoT devices. Energy is harvested by Epishine’s OPV cells and stored in small SMD or pouch supercapacitors or rechargeable batteries. <a href="http://ONiO.zero">ONiO.zero</a> provides system control and advanced energy management. The consortium has been testing different electronic designs, substrates and conductive inks to optimise the module. This module is intended as a power unit adaptable to diverse IoT or small electronic devices. The module can be connected to application-specific flex-boards or conventional PCBs for end product deployment. The size of the PV cell and of the energy storage element can be tuned to serve the requirements of different use cases.In conclusion, batteries and conventional PCBs have been solid contributors to the boom of wireless electronics and IoT devices. Yet, this legacy is proving restrictive as the industry explores new avenues in terms of design and product typologies, while facing increased pressure for sustainable alternatives. The ENLIGHTENED project intends to unchain developers from the legacy of batteries and rigid PCBs. The course is set: self-powered, flexible and sustainable electronics made possible!

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Small wireless electronic devices sparked a revolution in the way we interact with each other and the world around us. Still, these devices are bound by some material constraints, namely the need to use batteries for power and reliance on rigid electronic boards. These restrict the degrees of freedom for product developers and designers with respect to final form factors, applicability and user interfaces. What about if we could have self-powered, flexible electronics and, on top of that, made in a sustainable manner? This is the challenge the ENLIGHTENED project has set to solve!

Lighting up electronics redesign

Senior Project and Innovation Manager

Pedro Guimarães

Think about it - This would have sounded downright ludicrous even 20 years ago. But over the past decade or so, we’ve been making rapid advances in this field - today, there is not a single area of human activity that hasn’t in some way been touched by the advent of the Internet of Things.&nbsp;This exponential growth is a result of some pretty pathbreaking innovation, no doubt - Incredible technological advances stacked on top of one another. Wireless sensors, bluetooth technology, Wi-fi, ML, AI - you get it - it’s a result of a whole bunch of advanced capabilities coming together - but what’s ironic is that in spite of all these tremendous advancements in ultra-low-power electronics, the majority of these devices still rely on batteries for their power.&nbsp;What’s wrong with them being battery powered?Where do we even begin?&nbsp;First off, let’s start with the sheer irony of the fact that the entire enterprise of IoT is predicated on the idea of untethered connectivity - i.e. unrestricted access and connectivity. Batteries, by definition, bring constraints into the mix - they have a limited capacity which means that they need periodic replacements or recharging.&nbsp;The IoT dream was realised on the promise of sensors and devices that can be deployed in the most far-flung, remote areas of the world, gathering and transmitting data seamlessly without being tethered to a power socket - but to be tethered to a battery isn’t that much of an improvement. After all, even the best batteries eventually run out.&nbsp;Not to mention the laundry list of annoying pain points that batteries come with - they are an environmental hazard and contribute massively to our <a href="https://unitar.org/about/news-stories/press/global-e-waste-monitor-2024-electronic-waste-rising-five-times-faster-documented-e-waste-recycling">massive</a> e-waste problem - use and throw batteries end up in landfills and oceans, spilling toxic chemicals into our water and food for years and years.&nbsp;The minerals that are required to manufacture these batteries are notoriously rare and very <a href="https://www.onio.com/article/environmental-cost-of-batteries.html">dubiously</a> sourced.&nbsp;They also represent a significant recurring cost to businesses that deploy large numbers of IoT sensors.&nbsp;Imagine a facility that deploys a thousand wireless sensors - if each of these sensors will require battery replacements - even if it is only once every few years - that adds up to a lot of labour costs and hassle.&nbsp;But in spite of all these obvious disadvantages, batteries have persevered and are in fact, the go to power solution for IoT devices even today.&nbsp;Why, though?Let’s find out!<h2>Risk aversion or hidden merit?&nbsp;</h2><a href="https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/product/7784614-energy-harvesting-for-the-iot-addressable-">ABI Research</a> estimates that over 60% of current sensor deployments in industrial IoT environments are battery-operated, with minimal usage of state-of-the-art, <a href="https://www.onio.com/article/environmental-benefits-of-energy-harvesting.html">green</a> modalities such as energy harvesting.Moreover, there are <a href="https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/sensor-market/1038#:~:text=Global%20sensor%20market%20to%20grow,forecasts%2C%20segmented%20by%20sensor%20technology.">reports</a> that suggest that the IoT-battery market is actually growing, indicating that many companies still prefer the “tried and tested” batteries&nbsp; over potentially revolutionary, albeit unfamiliar alternatives.So, why is it that batteries continue to dominate the IoT sensor market in spite of so much pathbreaking innovation in the self-powered IoT arena?For one, engineers find them very easy to work with and design around. Companies have invested billions of dollars and decades of their time in perfecting Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layouts, mechanical housings and certification processes around battery-based semiconductor systems.&nbsp;<blockquote>Batteries are simply not the future-proof power solution that IoT’s next evolution demands, but an abrupt pivot to fully batteryless systems isn’t realistic either. Instead, the industry is looking toward transitional solutions—methods that recognize our present limitations but also nudge us toward more sustainable, self-powered approaches over time.</blockquote>There are very well-oiled supply chains that have been established around these products worldwide to enable fast prototyping and mass-production. Moreover, battery-based designs fit very neatly into existing regulatory frameworks, making it easier for companies to bring these products to market.&nbsp;Moreover, we’ve managed to create highly standardised modalities to measure battery capacity which makes it very easy to incorporate battery-related components into devices.&nbsp;Another major factor is form. OEMs have designed the form factors of their product lines around standard battery types - such as AA, AAA, coin cells - you name it. We understand the voltages, capacities, lifespans and capacities of these batteries and therefore, have modelled our designs to fit these widely available power solutions.&nbsp;This one might be obvious, but batteries are a product that boast of very well entrenched supply chains - they are manufactured by very large and well connected players - they make their way from factory floors to local distributors seamlessly, making it very cost effective, upfront,&nbsp; for companies to design their products around them.&nbsp;So, does this mean, we just accept the status-quo for what it is and not do anything about it?No Way!I think the trick here is to not take a zero-sum approach - it is essential to see the merit in both sides of the argument - there are a number of reasons why batteries still make practical sense for large-scale use in IoT - especially industrial IoT - and can’t be phased out instantaneously.&nbsp;But equally, we just can’t hide from the fact that we do need to start phasing them out at some point in the near future - they simply don’t belong in the high-tech connected world that we are creating - the world of AI, ML and edge computing. They are a stop-gap solution at best and it is imperative that we recognise this.&nbsp;They are not the future-proof power solution that the future of IoT demands from us - but here’s the thing - we’re not going to make a sudden leap - things never work that way. We need a gradual transition - we need solutions that are pragmatic enough to recognise our present limitations while being visionary enough to propel us towards the future, in whatever capacity they can.&nbsp;Many use-cases can benefit from a middle-of-the-way approach that doesn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater - an approach that integrates energy harvesting into existing battery-powered designs in order to bolster their lifespans and reduce their environmental footprint.&nbsp;Before we explore the hybrid approach, it is essential to answer this question - why bother making the shift at all?Firstly, there’s the elephant in the room - sustainability. We all bear a massive responsibility to hand over the planet in good shape to the generations to come. The e-waste crisis has reached an extent where we simply can’t ignore it any longer - reducing our battery turnover will have a direct impact on how many batteries end up in landfills and oceans. There’s also the indirect effects - fewer maintenance trips, lesser battery production and ergo, a smaller carbon footprint.&nbsp;Secondly, it just takes us closer to the original IoT dream - which was that of frictionless, untethered, “set-it-and-forget-it” sensing. Hybrid sensors bring us closer to that dream and batteryless sensors truly enable that dream - this is especially true in remote deployments and in harsh environments, where battery swaps are close to impossible.&nbsp;<h2>The Hybrid Approach - Bridging the Gap</h2>In recent years, energy harvesting technologies have emerged as by far the most compelling alternative to batteries when it comes to IoT power solutions. They enable truly batteryless sensors that are able to power themselves by energy harvested from their surroundings.&nbsp;We might not realise it, but there are swirling cascades of energy all around us at all times - energy harvesting technologies allow us to capture small packets of this energy and convert it into usable electricity that can power sensors and keep them untethered.&nbsp;There are a number of standards that have emerged in the past decade&nbsp; as viable contenders - RF energy harvesting, piezoelectric energy harvesting, photovoltaic energy harvesting etc.&nbsp;Energy harvesting powered sensors are cleaner, more economical (over their lifetimes) and more compact than their battery powered counterparts. However, as we saw earlier, there are other concerns that stop them from being adopted en masse.&nbsp;That’s why hybrid solutions are quickly becoming the sweet in-between option for manufacturers looking to get the best of both worlds. There are two schools of thought around these hybrid devices - the first one is to think of the battery as a safety net - the device primarily draws power from ambient sources and only taps into its battery when it needs a boost or when environmental conditions make energy harvesting difficult.&nbsp;The second one is to see the energy harvesting as a boost to the battery - increasing the battery life exponentially by reducing the load. Either way, these solutions are starting to make a lot of heads turn with their versatility and massive scope.&nbsp;&nbsp;They minimise disruption - manufacturers don’t have to overhaul entire product lines and supply chains. They increase reliability and scalability as we gradually build towards a totally batteryless future.&nbsp;So, what does a hybrid solution look like?Partial Energy Harvesting - You add a mini solar cell, RF harvester, or other ambient energy capture mechanism alongside the existing battery. This means the sensor can sip on harvested energy most of the time and only dip into battery reserves when ambient sources aren’t sufficient (e.g., at night or in signal-poor locations).Extended Battery Lifespan - By running off harvested energy whenever possible, the battery drains more slowly—significantly cutting down on replacements, maintenance trips, and environmental impact.No Major Overhaul - From an engineering perspective, you don’t have to scrap your entire product line or redesign from scratch. If you’ve already got standardized PCBs, enclosures, and supply chains for your battery components, you can often incorporate energy-harvesting modules with minimal disruption.<blockquote>One reason battery-based devices remain prevalent is the sheer familiarity of design processes. Engineers know exactly how to choose and test AA or CR2032 coin cells, and OEMs can count on a robust, global supply chain to source these components. According to ABI Research, more than 60% of current industrial IoT sensors still run on traditional batteries—a testament to the comfort and reliability that comes with well-understood power solutions.</blockquote>But why exactly does this hybrid model matter beyond the theoretical? Let’s get a bit more tangible—it helps to picture specific, real-world scenarios that show just how big an impact even partial energy harvesting can have.<h2>Bringing Hybrid to Life: Real-World Scenarios</h2><h3>1. Remote Farmland Sensors</h3>Imagine an agricultural setting with hundreds of soil moisture and temperature sensors spread across fields. Typically, these sensors run on coin cell batteries and last around 2 years before dying. A hybrid approach—adding a small solar panel or basic RF harvester—means the device draws ambient energy for most operations and sips on battery only when conditions are poor. Suddenly, that 2-year lifespan might double to 4 years or more.<h3>2. Industrial Warehouse Tracking</h3>Picture a vast warehouse with inventory-tracking tags on conveyor belts, pallets, and shelves. Most of these tags might last about 18 months on a small coin cell. But if you integrate a kinetic harvester (energy from motion) or exploit the constant hum of Wi-Fi signals, that battery might stretch to 3 years or more.Minimal Disruption: You don’t have to overhaul your entire warehouse workflow—just embed a harvesting module where the battery slot already exists.Extended Battery Lifespans: Doubling the life of each tag slashes replacement labor, making your entire operation smoother and more cost-effective.Strategic Scalability: As your company adds more sensors, you’re not exponentially increasing battery headaches—each new sensor can partly power itself.<h3>3. Shipping Container Trackers</h3>Consider GPS-enabled trackers attached to shipping containers moving across seas, rail lines, and trucks. Traditionally, these trackers need battery replacements every 6–8 months—which is no small feat when containers are constantly on the move. With a small solar panel on top, the device relies mostly on harvested energy during daylight, dipping into the battery only at night or in covered storage. That extends operational life to 2 years or more.Significant Maintenance Cuts: Fewer global hunts to locate each container and swap batteries.Continuous Visibility: Fewer dead trackers means less risk of losing cargo data in transit.Eco-Friendly Edge: Shipping companies can tout sustainability gains, appealing to both regulators and eco-conscious clients<h3>4. Healthcare Wearables</h3>Think about a patient-worn armband that monitors vitals in real time. Normally, it needs charging every couple of days—which many patients forget, creating data gaps. By integrating motion-based or RF-based harvesting, you can push that charging cycle out to nearly a week for some users.Better Compliance: Patients are more likely to keep wearing the device if they don’t have to charge it constantly.Improved Healthcare Outcomes: Continuous monitoring (fewer missed days) means earlier interventions if anomalies arise.Foundation for Batteryless: Once the wearables can reliably gather enough ambient energy, the battery can shrink or vanish entirely—especially valuable for remote patient monitoring in underserved areas.<h1>Making the Most of a Hybrid Model</h1>Whether it’s farmland, warehouses, shipping, or healthcare, partial energy harvesting can have massive ripple effects. Let’s connect the dots on why hybrid systems solve more than just the “battery annoyance” factor:Reduced E-Waste Even if you don’t achieve 100% batteryless operation, slashing battery replacements by half—or even a quarter—adds up to a monumental environmental win. Over a large fleet of sensors, fewer spent batteries in landfills means a smaller overall carbon footprint.Lower Operating Costs Every battery swap typically involves manual labor—someone has to locate the sensor, open it up, replace the battery, ensure it’s functioning again, and log the event. Multiply that by hundreds or thousands of nodes, and it’s a significant cost sink. When you extend battery lifespans with energy harvesting, you drastically reduce these site visits.Stepping Stone to Batteryless The infrastructure you build now—using low-power MCUs, partial harvesters, and redesigned PCB footprints—lays the groundwork for an eventual transition to fully battery-free devices. As energy-harvesting technology matures (improving cold-start capabilities, boosting capture efficiency), you can phase out the battery entirely in future device iterations.<h1>Keeping It Organic</h1>But let’s not forget the bigger picture: These scenarios and benefits aren’t just nice bullet points—they form part of a broader narrative about IoT’s natural evolution. We moved from wired sensors to battery-powered sensors because it freed us from wall sockets. Now we’re moving from battery-only to battery-plus-ambient-energy because it reduces cost, maintenance, and e-waste. Eventually, we’ll reach a point where ambient energy alone is enough in many (though not all) situations.“This is less of a revolution and more of a gentle shift,” says an imaginary IoT project manager. “We’re not throwing out our existing designs overnight. But every time we update a sensor, we add a tiny harvester. After a few generations, we’ll see how much we’ve cut down on batteries—and that’s a big deal.”The key is recognizing that batteries aren’t evil nor are they a permanent fixture. They’re simply tools that served a purpose for a while—and in many cases, continue to serve a purpose. But as IoT scales to tens of billions of devices, the environmental and economic downsides become too large to ignore. Hybrid energy solutions, in this sense, represent a pragmatic path—one that acknowledges our reliance on batteries but also paves the way for a more autonomous IoT.<h1>Conclusion: Embracing the Hybrid Mindset</h1>Ultimately, hybrid power solutions answer two pressing questions:How do we reduce battery replacements now? andHow do we transition smoothly to batteryless IoT in the future?By adding small but powerful energy harvesters—like solar panels, RF collectors, or piezoelectric elements—manufacturers and deployers can keep their existing battery-centric infrastructure and supply chains, yet dramatically reduce how often those batteries need replacing. That’s a huge win for the environment, a win for operational budgets, and a win for the original IoT vision of unfettered connectivity.So, while batteries remain the status quo, we don’t quite have to turn a blind eye to the serious limitations that they bring to the table. Challenge your designs, incorporate some ambient energy capture, and watch as your device runtimes stretch, your maintenance costs drop, and your brand reputation shines. The true promise of IoT—“deploy anywhere, run forever”—may be closer than we realize, and hybrid solutions are the stepping stones that will get us there.

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We are in the midst of an IoT explosion - there’s no two ways about it. According to IoT analytics’ state of IoT report 2024, the total number of connected devices in the world as of 2021 was 12.3 billion! This number is slated to exceed 27 billion by the end of 2025! 

Make no mistake, that’s a tremendous achievement, technologically speaking. To the uninitiated, that means that we’ve managed to connect billions upon billions of objects to the internet - objects that, for the most part, don’t belong in the realm of traditional computing devices such as tablets, computers and smartphones. That’s nothing to sneeze at! 

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Batteries or Energy Harvesting - Can’t It Be Both?

Senior Content Manager

Abishek Swaminathen

<h1>Sustainable electronics disentangled</h1>Sustainability is taking centre stage in many business sectors and the electronics industry is no exception. Yet, when we look deep into the newest electronic devices around us, are these really fundamentally more sustainable than the ones we were used to 10 or 20 years ago? In this article, we will look into how to make IoT and small electronic devices more sustainable, namely through energy harvesting. In doing that, we will introduce the SELECT project, where ONiO and a group of strategic partners are bringing together unique building blocks to enable a more sustainable future for electronics.IoT nodes and small, portable electronic devices are an integral part of today’s increasingly digitally connected society. The <a href="https://iot-analytics.com/number-connected-iot-devices/">number of connected IoT devices</a> was estimated at 19 billion in 2024, projected to grow to more than 40 billion by 2030. Yet, the growth of IoT seems to be lagging behind compared to some of the earlier prognostics, which have, for instance, pointed to <a href="https://community.arm.com/cfs-file/__key/telligent-evolution-components-attachments/01-1996-00-00-00-01-30-09/Arm-_2D00_-The-route-to-a-trillion-devices-_2D00_-June-2017.pdf">one trillion IoT devices produced until 2035</a>. One of the major bottlenecks limiting further scalability of present and future IoT is power and, in particular, the reliance on pervasively spread battery-powered devices. At the same time, the scale of deployments raises deep concerns with sustainability, concerns which spread across IoT, small electronic devices, and the electronics industry at large.<h2>Sustainability: beyond the buzz&nbsp;</h2>Despite all the buzz around sustainability over the past decades, truth be told, the core materials and the pillar principles of electronics design for mass production remain pretty much unchanged. Yet, the industry has a growing pool of more sustainable options on the table nowadays, and it’s time to turn the talk about sustainability into real, impactful actions.It is not difficult to find grand vision statements about sustainability from large electronics corporations in the past few years. For instance, back in 2021, <a href="https://www.itweb.co.za/article/samsung-in-green-push-for-tv-line-up/xnklOqzLgx974Ymz">Samsung announced</a> that its TV business was on a journey of “going green”. Among the action points was the introduction of solar-powered remote controls that, according to the company, could help prevent waste from 99 million AAA batteries over seven years. Another example is <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24206847/logitech-ceo-hanneke-faber-mouse-keyboard-gaming-decoder-podcast-interview">Logitech’s plan</a> to reduce its carbon footprint by half, including the introduction of long-lasting hardware like the “forever mouse” concept.Despite all the nice talk and good intentions, the electronics industry in general, and the IoT and small electronics segment in particular, is facing strong challenges with sustainability. The industry still relies on raw materials that are highly polluting (e.g. heavy metals in batteries) and greenhouse gas-intensive (e.g. conventional printed circuit board laminates), and their replacement is quite challenging from technical and cost perspectives. A resolute stab at sustainability requires looking into every single component of an electronic system and the whole system’s life cycle. The market actors that do not take this seriously risk being severely penalised by customers and consumers, who are increasingly awake to signs of frail ESG policies and greenwashing.<h2>Energy harvesting gaining momentum</h2>A growing number of IoT-connected devices, including the ones with low-power consumption (1 micro Watt to 1 milli Watt range), continue to rely on disposable or rechargeable batteries. Yet, batteries are far from being a good solution for powering small electronics, especially single-use coin cells or alkaline power cells typically used in such devices. Small devices reliant on batteries are a problem for several reasons. On the one hand, the limited lifespan of batteries and the high costs and burden associated with battery replacement and device maintenance can become a logistical nightmare in very large distributed node systems. On the other hand, the social and environmental problems associated with the lifecycle of batteries and respective raw materials such as <a href="https://www.onio.com/article/environmental-cost-of-batteries.html">lithium and cobalt</a>. In a nutshell, batteries are bound to represent an apparent bottleneck in the massive deployment of IoT devices and a huge environmental problem. Therefore, it becomes clear that players serious about sustainability must look into batteries and consider better alternatives whenever possible.&nbsp;That’s where <a href="https://www.onio.com/article/ambient-energy-world-of-iot.html">energy harvesting</a> comes into play. The market arena for energy harvesting, aka <a href="https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MRN_Ambient-IOT.pdf">Ambient IoT</a>, is growing in importance. The use of energy harvesting for small electronics is not entirely new. For instance, portable electronic devices such as calculators and watches powered by small photovoltaic panels were popular during the 1980s and 1990s. Yet, that trend did not pick up, and batteries have taken over the business of powering small portable electronics almost entirely. Now, the growth of the IoT together with technical progress in ultra low power electronics and ambient energy harvesting are providing a new opportunity for energy harvesting.&nbsp;The emergence of new ultra low power microchips, such as <a href="https://www.onio.com/products/onio-zero.html">ONiO.zero</a>, and new harvesting technologies, such as <a href="https://www.epishine.com/">Epishine</a>’s very efficient photovoltaic cells, are revamping the interest in energy harvesting. Early examples of use cases include asset tracking, condition-based monitoring, cold-chain monitoring, building automation and home control. The total market opportunity is <a href="https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MRN_Ambient-IOT.pdf">sized at trillions of units</a>.<h2>A change in mindset: electronics design for energy harvesting</h2>The design and development of electronic devices for energy harvesting requires a fundamentally different approach than the usual development for battery power. Energy harvesting typically generates only minimal amounts of power, meaning that the electronic circuits and systems must be tuned for extreme power performance and flexibility. Besides, ambient energy is often available in variable levels and intermittent modes. For instance, light levels are variable in most environments, and the same goes for radio frequency sources, depending on proximity to antennas, routers, mobile phones, etc. Hence, power management strategies must be designed for intermittent energy availability. Summing up, the electronic systems must be capable of harvesting under the most demanding conditions (e.g. very low light or weak radio frequency sources), run from ultra low power levels, store and manage any excess energy in the best way possible. By the same token, energy budgeting and duty cycle planning are keystones for seamless batteryless operation from ambient energy - emphasizing the importance of a crystal clear understanding of the requirements for each application and use-case.As a minimum, a functional energy harvesting device/system needs the following building-blocks: (1) one or more energy harvesters, harnessing ambient energy from light, radio frequency, motion or thermal gradients; (2) integrated circuits for control, processing and communication; (3) an energy storage/buffer element; (4) the load(s), i.e. the element(s) being powered, which may include sensors, transmitters, controllers, etc. These and a few additional auxiliary components must be mounted on an electronic printed circuit board (PCB). The SELECT project focuses on each of these elements and their seamless integration for deploying sustainable electronics with energy harvesting.<h2>The SELECT project</h2>The SELECT project brings together six partners on the quest for sustainable electronics. The project is co-financed by the <a href="https://eurekanetwork.org/programmes/eurostars/">Eurostars program</a>.ONiO leads the way with its ultra low power microcontroller tailored for energy harvesting, <a href="https://www.onio.com/products/onio-zero.html">ONiO.zero</a>, at the core of the project. <a href="https://www.onio.com/products/onio-zero.html">ONiO.zero</a> combines an <a href="https://www.onio.com/article/onio-riscv-coremark-results.html">ultra power-efficient RISC-V CPU</a> with an advanced power management integrated circuit (PMIC) and wireless radio communication on a single microchip. Epishine provides highly efficient and versatile printed organic photovoltaic cells optimized for indoor conditions, which are <a href="https://www.epishine.com/technology/lca">best-in-class with respect to sustainability</a>. <a href="https://www.lignaenergy.com/">Ligna Energy</a> owns unique supercapacitor technology that leverages bio-based sustainable materials and roll-to-roll manufacturing methods for green, safe and ultra-thin energy storage. <a href="https://www.jivamaterials.com/">Jiva Materials</a> offers Soluboard®, a fully recyclable and biodegradable rigid PCB laminate with a 67% lower carbon footprint than glass-fibre and epoxy technologies used in conventional FR-4 PCBs. These four partners put in the key ingredients for the SELECT recipe. The consortium is complemented by two end-user partners: <a href="https://www.pricer.com/">Pricer</a>, a partner for in-store communication and digitalization and a leading supplier of Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) solutions, and <a href="https://www.4modtechnology.com/">4MOD Technology</a>, a versatile company specialising in the design and engineering of remote controls and IoT solutions.The team will tune each of the key ingredients (microcontroller, photovoltaic harvester, supercapacitor, Soluboard® PCB), focusing on solving the challenges involved in their orchestration to work optimally together. These components are already available now, but their combination brings benefits to the next level. The project will generate reference boards and development kits combining these key elements - i.e. forming a SELECT platform ready to use in the development of a new order of sustainable IoT and small electronic products.The new SELECT platform will be able to serve a wide range of applications across the IoT and small electronics market verticals. During the project, the partners will focus on two lead applications: ESLs, under Pricer’s leadership, and remote control units, headed by 4MOD Technology. The key outputs of the project will include reference designs and prototypes customised for these two demo cases. But the SELECT platform will be ready to target an array of additional product categories, with a view to fast-tracking energy harvesting-based solutions to real market products that can effectively compete with the current battery-based standards.SELECT is using some of the most sustainable components available, with benefits in toxicity and contamination of the environment and particularly in carbon emissions. A back-of-the-envelope calculation shows a potential for saving at least 150.000 tonnes of CO2 equivalents per year if the SELECT solutions were rolled out across the ESL and remote control markets (estimated at 300 and 400 million units per year, respectively). This is the equivalent of taking over 100.000 combustion engine cars off the streets. These savings were estimated from removing single-use batteries and using photovoltaic harvesters instead, plus replacing FR-4 PCB with Soluboard®. The SELECT project includes systematic Life Cycle Analyses where the environmental benefits will be studied in detail and computed in a proper manner. In any case, looking at these ballpark calculations for the two test cases only, and considering the total space of applications that can be targeted by SELECT - extending from industrial IoT sensors to building automation, electronic tags and trackers, wearables, etc. - the extent of the project's impacts can be massive.<h2>Conclusion</h2>The tools to make IoT and small electronic devices way more sustainable are already on the table today. But we need to move from individual eco-friendly components to systems fully orchestrated to work optimally with more sustainable options such as energy harvesting. The added value of the SELECT solutions lies in the seamless integration of sustainable building blocks to craft an electronics development platform built with a 360º view on sustainability, from individual components to system level.&nbsp;Besides focusing on performance and sustainability, the SELECT platform will enable the deployment of very cost effective products and systems, especially when considering system bill-of-materials and lifetime costs. By removing batteries and simplifying electronic systems, SELECT will reduce the component count and footprint of electronics, with a positive impact on costs. Hence, SELECT will bring unprecedented possibilities in terms of thinness, material minimization and low cost of end devices. Moreover, with no battery changes, maintenance and lifetime costs will be much reduced, bringing logistics and cost benefits for the end users. Finally, for many product categories, the device’s lifetime will be extended and costs with end-of-life, namely recycling, will also be reduced.The SELECT partners' ambition is bold: mastering energy harvesting while redefining electronics with sustainability at the core. Power is on!

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Sustainability is taking centre stage in many business sectors and the electronics industry is no exception. Yet, when we look deep into the newest electronic devices around us, are these really fundamentally more sustainable than the ones we were used to 10 or 20 years ago? In this article, we will look into how to make IoT and small electronic devices more sustainable, namely through energy harvesting. In doing that, we will introduce the SELECT project, where ONiO and a group of strategic partners are bringing together unique building blocks to enable a more sustainable future for electronics.

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Sustainable electronics disentangled

As Faber later had to clarify, the concept of a “forever mouse” wasn’t an actual product but merely an idea. Her comment garnered so much attention that she had to confirm it wasn’t about any specific device.&nbsp;But, when seen in the right context, Faber’s words weren’t really about a mouse at all—they were about something much bigger. The widespread reaction missed the larger point she was making.Faber wasn’t simply hyping up her company with a hypothetical product. She was highlighting a paradigm-shifting movement in the tech industry—a rethinking of how we approach innovation, design, and, ultimately, technology itself.There is simply no running away from the fact that the tech industry has developed some pretty unsustainable habits over the past few decades - habits like planned obsolescence, short upgrade cycles, proprietary repair mechanisms and deliberately sub-par build qualities have contributed massively to our massive e-waste <a href="https://www.onio.com/article/batteryless-vs-better-recycling-iot-future.html">problem</a>.The sheer ridiculousness of this constant upgrade culture we see around us is all too tired a trope - it’s common knowledge at this point that we’ve allowed tech companies to bamboozle us with their scarcity-driven marketing.&nbsp;While the smartphone unequivocally represented a huge breakthrough in communication and information technology, it has now become emblematic of this economic sleight of hand that’s being perpetrated by tech giants - a carousel of perpetual consumption, where smartphones are released year after year accompanied by meticulously crafted marketing narratives designed to cloak their predecessors in a veil of inadequacy.&nbsp;These practices deplete rare earth minerals, place enormous amounts of strain on water reserves and contribute to the generation of millions of tonnes of electronic waste.&nbsp;It is <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/electronic-waste-(e-waste)#:~:text=Key%20facts,collected%20and%20recycled%20(2).">estimated</a> by the WHO that over 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced in the year 2022! Of this, only a paltry 22.3% was formally recorded to have been recycled. These are truly terrifying numbers! We are fast approaching a point where we will be compelled to change course dramatically or face some seriously dire consequences.&nbsp;We’ve created a system (yes we’re all responsible for this!) that has normalised wastefulness and apathy towards precious natural resources. Faber’s forever mouse is emblematic of a new paradigm emerging among tech leaders who understand the precarity of this situation we find ourselves in - a paradigm that prioritises durability, repairability and sustainability over relentlessly churning out low-quality products and in turn, neglecting long-term welfare for short term gains.&nbsp;<h2>The Battery Problem</h2>15 billion batteries are produced every year! That’s a crazy number! Here’s another crazy number –&nbsp; 62 million tonnes of e-waste is generated every year, making its way into landfills and our oceans.&nbsp;This is a grave threat to all life on our planet.&nbsp;Batteries were once seen as a lifeline that would take us to a greener and more sustainable future. But today, the stark reality of batteries is there for everyone to see. Modern Li-ion batteries use rare minerals that are concentrated in specific parts of the world - Lithium and Cobalt for the most part.&nbsp;Lithium mining ravages water tables and wreaks havoc on local ecosystems. Cobalt is largely found in one country - the Democratic Republic of Congo - and is mined by child miners who get paid a pittance and end up developing chronic illnesses that severely impact their futures.The basic point we’re trying to get at is this - our massive global appetite for batteries is a huge red flag in terms of sustainability. For a number of years now, there has been a growing realization that we need a viable alternative power solution. Batteries are not the green power solution that they’re made out to be.&nbsp;<h2>The Rise of Energy Harvesting</h2>This is where energy harvesting technology enters the picture. What if our everyday devices could power themselves using ambient energy from their environment? It's not science fiction—it's happening right now.Energy harvesting technology allows devices to capture and utilize energy from various sources:<ul><li>Movement and vibration (kinetic energy)</li><li>Light (solar energy)</li><li>Temperature differences (thermal energy)</li><li>Radio frequency signals (RF energy)</li></ul>This technology is particularly suited for low-power devices like computer peripherals, which is why Faber's "forever mouse" concept isn't as far-fetched as it might seem. Modern ultra-low-power microcontrollers can operate on incredibly small amounts of energy—we're talking microwatts here. By harvesting energy from the environment, these devices can operate indefinitely without ever needing a battery change.<h2>Beyond the Mouse: A New Paradigm</h2>The implications of this technology extend far beyond just computer mice. Imagine a world where all your peripherals—keyboards, headsets, remote controls, game controllers—never need battery replacement. But it's more than just convenience; it's about fundamentally changing our relationship with technology.This new paradigm is built on several key principles:<h3>1. Durability by Design</h3>Durability is one the defining principles behind this new wave of forever devices. Products that are designed to last for decades and not just 3-4 years. High-quality materials and builds that stand the test of time and don’t ask for incessant upgrades.&nbsp;Moreover, modularity is a major part of this as well - modular designs that allow for repairs and upgrades.&nbsp;<h3>2. Software-First Innovation</h3>This is all about enabling continuous improvement through updates and rolling out new features without necessitating hardware replacements.&nbsp;Which means that devices get to have extended lifespans simply as a result of optimisation and sound design.&nbsp;<h3>3. Sustainable Materials</h3>This one’s pretty much a no-brainer. Recycled and recyclable components form the crux of sustainable design which is built around responsible sourcing and minimal environmental impact.<h2>The Economic Shift</h2>Critics might argue that such durable devices would hurt companies' bottom lines. However, this view is increasingly outdated. Companies like Logitech are recognizing that sustainability isn't just good for the planet—it's good for business:Customers are willing to pay premium prices for lasting quality. Over the course of their ownership, this would imply lower warranty and support costs - not to mention the brand loyalty that companies stand to build through commitment to ethical practices. Moreover, this also opens the doors to new revenue streams from software and services,.&nbsp;<h2>Technical Innovation Meets Environmental Responsibility</h2>The technology enabling this revolution is already here. Ultra-low-power microcontrollers, like <a href="http://ONiO.zero">ONiO.zero</a>, can operate on minimal energy while providing robust processing capabilities. These cutting-edge chips represent a quantum leap in energy efficiency, starting up from less than 1μW of power and seamlessly operating on various energy harvesting sources. They maintain reliable wireless connectivity while processing complex inputs, all with minimal power consumption, making them ideal for the next generation of sustainable devices.<h2>The Path Forward</h2>The shift to batteryless peripherals won't happen overnight, but the momentum is building. Industry leaders are recognizing that the future of consumer electronics lies not in planned obsolescence, but in creating lasting value through sustainable innovation. This monumental transition demands comprehensive industry collaboration on standards alongside sustained investment in energy harvesting research. Success will also depend on effective consumer education about sustainable technology and supportive policy frameworks for sustainable manufacturing practices.<h2>A New Chapter in Tech Evolution</h2>Faber's "forever mouse" concept represents more than just a product idea—it's a symbol of where technology needs to go. As we face increasing environmental challenges, the tech industry must evolve from being part of the problem to becoming part of the solution.The future of consumer electronics isn't about churning out endless new models or forcing unnecessary upgrades. It's about creating devices that last, that improve over time, and that respect both user needs and environmental constraints.<h2>Conclusion</h2>The transition to batteryless, sustainable peripherals represents a crucial step toward a more sustainable tech industry. It challenges us to rethink not just how we power our devices, but how we approach technology consumption as a whole.As we move forward, the success of this transition will depend on continued innovation in energy harvesting technology, commitment from industry leaders, and support from consumers who understand that the best technology is that which serves both human needs and environmental sustainability.The "forever mouse" might have been just a concept, but the future it represents is very real—and it's closer than we think. We're entering an era where technology can truly last forever, powered by the world around us, designed for durability, and built with the planet in mind.

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"‘The forever mouse is not just an idea—it’s a commitment to a future where tech doesn’t come at the planet’s expense”

This is a quote by Hanneke Faber, the CEO of Logitech. She made this remark during an interview with Verge, on their decoder podcast. She was talking about an idea for a mouse designed to last indefinitely - a mouse that could be upgraded through software updates rather than total replacement. A product design that places durability and repairability front and centre. 

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Beyond Batteries: The Future of Forever Devices

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
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                            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

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. 

Together, the two companies are co-developing turnkey reference designs, such as glucose monitors, temperature patches, and cold-chain trackers, enabling manufacturers to build thin, disposable, and fully untethered IoT products that meet stringent regulatory and environmental requirements.ONiO.zero brings sensing, processing, data logging, and wireless communication together in one ultra-efficient chip. This unified design allows all system functions to work together with very low energy use, delivering performance that is difficult to achieve with traditional multi-component solutions.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/onio/image/upload/v1763997015/befc_cell_fce809b37e.jpg" alt="befc_cell.jpg"><figcaption>Paper-based biofuel cell vs. traditional batteries - two very different answers to the same problem.</figcaption></figure>BeFC’s recyclable, metal-free biofuel cells complement this architecture with a clean, ultra-low-impact power source capable of running devices from minutes to months, depending on the use case. Together, they create a highly efficient foundation for battery-free smart electronics.<blockquote>The partnership between BeFC and ONiO brings together cost competitiveness, performance, advanced features, and the sustainability credentials the industry increasingly expects. — Dr. Jules Hammond, CTO &amp; Co-Founder, BeFC</blockquote><h2>A Pathway to Fully Sustainable Smart Devices</h2>The collaboration supports a shared goal: reducing reliance on lithium-based and coin-cell batteries in high-volume, regulated markets. By combining ONiO.zero’s ultra-low-power microcontroller with BeFC’s metal-free paper-based energy source, the partnership aims to make large-scale deployment of eco-designed electronics practical across medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical logistics, and smart packaging.<h2>Core objectives of the Partnership</h2><ul><li>Enable battery-free sensing devices for healthcare, logistics, smart packaging, and environmental monitoring without compromising performance or communication reliability.</li><li>Deliver turnkey reference designs for high-volume applications, giving manufacturers a rapid path to commercialization.</li><li>Offer a scalable alternative to toxic coin-cell batteries, supporting compliance with emerging environmental regulations.</li><li>Demonstrate a sustainable system architecture for next-generation electronics, designed for recyclability, circularity, and broad market adoption.</li></ul><blockquote>We are delighted to be working with industry leaders like BeFC, who are at the forefront of renewable and sustainable energy technologies. ONiO.zero and BeFC’s paper-based fuel cell are a natural fit. Together, they unlock applications that were previously impossible without primary batteries or significant cost penalties.&nbsp; — Vemund Bakken, CTO &amp; Co-Founder, ONiO&nbsp;</blockquote><h2>How the Technologies Work Together</h2>BeFC provides clean, metal-free micro-energy. ONiO.zero provides the sensing, processing, and wireless communication. Because ONiO.zero operates on extremely low power, a single BeFC paper-based fuel cell can support devices for months instead of days, enabling continuous monitoring and dependable data transmission.&nbsp;The result is a complementary platform that makes practical battery-free electronics possible across a wide range of applications.<h3>About ONiO</h3>ONiO is a fabless semiconductor company based in Oslo, Norway.ONiO builds microcontrollers that run entirely on ambient energy.Our flagship product, ONiO.zero, is a multipurpose wireless MCU and the most energy-efficient microcontroller ever built - capable of cold-starting and operating from less than 1 µW of harvested power.We believe a trillion-sensor world cannot depend on disposable batteries. Self-powered IoT is not an upgrade; it is an inevitability.ONiO’s mission is to enable a future where connected devices are fully untethered, maintenance-free, and powered by their environment.At its core, ONiO gives product teams true design freedom - letting them focus on what really matters, which is, the application. ONiO.zero powers itself from ambient energy, making it possible to build connected devices without the constraints, compromises, or endless maintenance loops that strictly battery-powered, legacy solutions impose.<h3>About BeFC</h3>Inspired by nature, BeFC develops sustainable, metal-free biofuel cells designed to eliminate the need for lithium-based and coin-cell batteries in the next generation of smart devices. Born from decades of academic research, BeFC’s patented paper-based biofuel cells generate electricity using only paper, enzymes, and sugar offering a clean, safe, and fully recyclable power source for high-volume applications such as medical diagnostics, wearables, consumer goods, and smart logistics.Founded in 2020, BeFC’s mission is to drastically reduce the environmental impact of microelectronics by providing a scalable, cost-efficient alternative to conventional batteries. The company aims to power the future of eco-designed electronics with recyclable, on-demand low-energy solutions that support global sustainability goals and emerging environmental regulations.<h3>Contact Information:</h3>To learn more about the partnership or to explore collaboration opportunities, please contact: BeFC <a href="mailto:info@befc.fr">info@befc.fr</a> <a href="https://www.befc.fr">www.befc.fr</a> &nbsp;

Today, BeFC, a leading pioneer in metal-free, paper-based biofuel cell technology, and ONiO, the creators of the world’s lowest-power microcontroller, ONiO.zero, announced a strategic partnership to accelerate sustainable next-generation smart devices across healthcare, logistics, smart packaging, environmental sensing, and defense.

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A New Era of Green Electronics: BeFC and ONiO Launch Strategic Partnership

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:<ul><li><a href="https://www.onio.com/">ONiO AS</a> (Norway): Leading with ultra-low power microcontrollers for energy harvesting.</li><li><a href="https://www.epishine.com/">Epishine AB</a> (Sweden): Organic photovoltaics optimized for indoor light.</li><li><a href="https://lignaenergy.se/">Ligna Energy AB</a> (Sweden): Innovating eco-friendly supercapacitors from renewable materials.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.jivamaterials.com/">Jiva Materials Ltd</a> (UK): Crafting fully recyclable and biodegradable PCB laminates.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.4modtechnology.com/">4MOD Technology SAS</a> (France): Developing next-gen remote controls.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.pricer.com/">Pricer AB</a> (Sweden): At the forefront of innovation with electronic shelf labels (ESL) that enable automated, real-time price updates, boosting efficiency and accuracy for retailers.</li></ul><h2>Project Overview and Goals</h2>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:<ul><li>Utilizing the ONiO.zero microcontroller tailored for extreme low power and EH (ONiO).</li><li>Modules for EH from radio frequency (ONiO) and photovoltaics (Epishine).</li><li>A bio-based supercapacitor (Ligna Energy) for energy storage.</li><li>A fully recyclable and biodegradable PCB laminate (Jiva Materials).</li></ul>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. &nbsp;<h2>Why This Matters</h2>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.<h2>Customer Cases</h2>The SELECT project is all set to show off its potential with two exciting customer cases:<ul><li>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.</li><li>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.</li></ul><h2>Economic and Environmental Impact</h2>This grant is a massive boost, helping us and our partners push the boundaries of sustainable electronics. SELECT promises:<ul><li>Reduced Environmental Impact: Using renewable materials and sustainable processes, we’ll cut down the environmental impact of electronic components.</li><li>Cost-Effective Solutions: Offering top-notch technical performance and sustainability, while staying competitive with conventional alternatives.</li><li>Market Growth: Boosting market prospects and sales for all involved, creating synergies and growing the energy harvesting market.</li></ul>We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the <a href="https://eurekanetwork.org/programmes/eurostars/">Eurostars program</a> 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.

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! 

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ONiO secures major Eurostars grant to revolutionize sustainable electronics with energy harvesting.

ONiO is thrilled to announce we've been granted an award by the <a href="https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/">Research Council of Norway</a> for a pioneering endeavor: developing batteryless sensor systems tailored for Precision Agriculture. These innovative sensors are set to revolutionize monitoring by focusing on key soil characteristics crucial for farmers - specifically, soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient content. Our goal? A transformative leap forward in deploying expansive sensor networks that smartly bolster agricultural practices. The plan is to engineer hardware that’s both affordable and simple to install - imagine sleek, low-profile units that can be effortlessly placed and left to do their job, gathering and transmitting data over their lengthy lifespan without the need for any wires, batteries, or maintenance whatsoever.The project is expected to pave the way for way more sustainable agriculture operations&nbsp; - influencing water and nutrient management, slashing the reliance on various inputs (like water, fertilizers, chemicals, and energy) and, by extension, significantly diminishing the environmental impact, all while boosting crop yields.Leading this venture is ONiO, in collaboration with <a href="https://sensonomic.com/">Sensonomic</a> and <a href="https://web.trondelagfylke.no/mare-landbruksskole">Maere Agricultural School</a>. Our role at ONiO is to spearhead the development and execution of all hardware aspects for these novel systems, leveraging our proprietary self-powered electronics technology. Sensonomic, with their expertise in crafting algorithms and software solutions for farmers, will play a crucial role in converting raw data into practical advice for enhancing farm productivity. Meanwhile, Maere Agricultural School is set to offer its facilities as a testing ground, aiding the consortium in deploying these systems under authentic agricultural conditions, from greenhouse environments to open-field settings.This project is receiving a generous boost from the Research Council of Norway, with a grant allocation of 11.9 million NOK under the <a href="https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/call-for-proposals/2023/innovation-project/">Innovation Project for the Industrial Sector program</a>, supporting our vision of smarter, more sustainable agriculture.

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Green fields ahead: ONiO Awarded Research Council Grant for developing batteryless sensor systems for Precision Agriculture

OSLO, NORWAY and NORRKÖPING, SWEDEN, January 30th, 2023 - ONiO®, a leader in ultra-low-power, batteryless microcontrollers, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Ligna Energy, known for their innovative and sustainable supercapacitors. This collaboration is a huge step towards a more green and eco-friendly Internet of Things (IoT) world.ONiO brings to the table the world's lowest-power microcontroller, setting a new benchmark in energy efficiency. When paired with Ligna Energy's green supercapacitors, which use forest-derived materials for minimal environmental impact, we get a delectable combination that promises both efficiency and sustainability by the bucket load!&nbsp;"Our partnership with Ligna Energy is more than just a technical collaboration; it's a shared vision for a sustainable IoT future, coming to life" states Kjetil Meisal, CEO of ONiO. "Their supercapacitors perfectly complement our microcontrollers, hugely boosting our ability to deliver environmentally conscious IoT solutions."Ligna Energy's S-Power 2S supercapacitors offer compatibility and efficiency that are a great fit with ONiO's innovative microcontrollers. This partnership aims to push the boundaries of what's possible in eco-friendly technology, reducing the carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency in IoT devices.Peter Ringstad, CEO of Ligna Energy, adds, "An important part of realizing the full potential of our supercapacitors is to optimize the energy efficiency of the system our component is integrated in. With ONiO’s revolutionizing microcontroller, we can support our customers with creating truly sustainable IoT devices.”&nbsp;The collaboration between ONiO and Ligna Energy represents a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable IoT solutions. It underscores both companies' dedication to innovation and a shared commitment to a more environmentally responsible technology landscape.<h2>About Ligna Energy</h2>Ligna Energy, based in Norrköping, Sweden, is an award-winning Swedish cleantech company known for its cutting-edge ultrathin supercapacitors.We believe in a future where technology and nature works close together. This philosophy is reflected in our unique material recipe that utilizes waste from forest industries, solving the challenges of battery waste while repurposing waste from other industries at the same time. Our products are produced with roll-to-roll methods, which results in a highly automated and stable volume production. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>About ONiO</h2>Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, ONiO® is an innovative fabless IoT company focused on developing advanced batteryless microcontrollers powered by ambient energy. Our mission is to revolutionize the IoT landscape by delivering clean-energy solutions that liberate devices from the constraints of traditional batteries. ONiO.zero, our line of versatile batteryless general-purpose microcontrollers, can efficiently harness power from a wide range of sources, including RF, thermal, light, and piezo.At ONiO, we envision a future where IoT devices are 100% battery-free, contributing to a more minimalist, user-friendly, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable ecosystem. By providing manufacturers with groundbreaking power solutions, we strive to transform&nbsp;If you’d like to know more about us and what we do, please give us a visit at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.onio.com"> www.onio.com </a>or follow us on our socials to stay updated on our latest product developments and news!<h3> Press Contact ONiO</h3>Runar Finanger, CMO <a href="mailto:runar.finanger@onio.com">runar.finanger@onio.com</a><h3> Press Contact Ligna Energy</h3>John Söderström, Marketing Director <a href="mailto:john.soderstrom@lignaenergy.com">john.soderstrom@lignaenergy.com</a> &nbsp;

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Uniting Wireless Batteryless Microcontrollers with Eco-Friendly Supercapacitors for a Sustainable IoT Future.

ONiO.zero Get started with ONiO.zero ONiO ULPMark®-CoreMark score Want to talk? Benefits Energy Harvesting Key Features Want to talk? Environmental Benefits ONiO.zero A miniaturised green powerplant One Chip Many Benefits High Integration. Smaller BOM. Power Freedom. Your Way. IoT Unleashed Ambient Energy Features that redefine power MCU Radio Peripherals Energy source Operation conditions Memory Material Savings (Kilo Tons) The planet says Thank you! Scarce Supply Unsustainable ONiO.zero is a tiny but mighty wireless microcontroller designed to revolutionize the way your devices are powered. Whether by eliminating batteries altogether or dramatically extending their lifespan, ONiO.zero unlocks a future of smarter, more sustainable technology. Think of it as a micro-powerplant that seamlessly integrates into your device, powering it for life—or making batteries last far longer than you ever thought possible. Not only do you get better performance, more flexibility and substantial usability gains - It’s also way easier on your pocket. By combining radio, MCU, memories, and PMIC into a single package, we’ve simplified design and reduced component costs. That’s better for your budget and your devices. Go battery-free or extend battery life dramatically. Reduce maintenance costs and deliver solutions that last longer and work smarter. IoT liberated from power constraints. Whether battery-free or ultra-long battery life, there's no limit to where IoT can go. Grafted on a tiny piece of silicon, you have electrical circuitry to accumulate even the smallest amounts of energy. This nano sized power house enables you to execute programs, connect to external sensors, and communicate wirelessly. A goldmine waiting to be tapped. ONiO.zero is a milestone in utilising renewable energy to power microelectronics -  a future where RF, solar, piezo and thermoelectric energy is harnessed and put to work for us! Based on expected number of IoT devices in 2035 Batteries have powered incredible advancements—but they come at a cost.They contribute to waste, strain resources, and harm ecosystems.ONiO is leading the charge toward a smarter future with solutions that reduce battery reliance, extend their life, or eliminate them entirely. Together, we can power the Internet of Things sustainably. RISC-V 16/32-bit architecture (RV32IMC). High code density with compressed instructions. 4.1 Coremark/MHz. 22uW/MHz. Self starts from  2kV; latchup > 100mA. 64KB ULP Flash, 64KB ROM, 8KB SRAM.  Demand for Cobalt will outstrip supply by the year 2030 - Cobalt is an essential component in the batteries that power our modern-day consumer electronics. A move to energy harvesting will reduce our dependence on non-renewable minerals such as LIthium, Cobalt, Manganese etc. There’s a massive humanitarian cost to every single battery that we use and throw - Lithium and Cobalt mining leave thousands of children sick for life and devastates entire communities in South America and Africa. Progress simply can’t be this loopsided and cruel. 

ONiO.zero is a versatile, battery-free microcontroller with unprecedented ultra-low power efficiency, enabling energy harvesting and dramatically extended battery life across diverse applications.

ONiO.zero: Nano-Watt MCU - Redefining Power Efficiency

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ONiO secures major Eurostars grant to revolutionize sustainable electronics with energy harvesting.

Green fields ahead: ONiO Awarded Research Council Grant for developing batteryless sensor systems for Precision Agriculture

Uniting Wireless Batteryless Microcontrollers with Eco-Friendly Supercapacitors for a Sustainable IoT Future.

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ONiO.zero: Nano-Watt MCU - Redefining Power Efficiency

Products

Reference Designs

Watch: The Power of Zero

A greener future:

91 results for 'environmental'

Popular Searches

Top Hits

Articles /

Lighting up electronics redesign

Batteries or Energy Harvesting - Can’t It Be Both?

Sustainable electronics disentangled

Beyond Batteries: The Future of Forever Devices

News /

A New Era of Green Electronics: BeFC and ONiO Launch Strategic Partnership

ONiO secures major Eurostars grant to revolutionize sustainable electronics with energy harvesting.

Green fields ahead: ONiO Awarded Research Council Grant for developing batteryless sensor systems for Precision Agriculture

Uniting Wireless Batteryless Microcontrollers with Eco-Friendly Supercapacitors for a Sustainable IoT Future.

General /

Products /

ONiO.zero: Nano-Watt MCU - Redefining Power Efficiency

Watch:
The Power of Zero