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

<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

Senior Project and Innovation Manager

Pedro Guimarães

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

Senior Content Manager

Abishek Swaminathen

And that’s why we’re paying attention to the Internet of Military Things (IoMT).<h2>A Quiet Shift in the Field</h2>IoMT isn’t about flashy drones or sci-fi weaponry. It’s about infrastructure. Layers of small, silent devices — sensors, wearables, nodes — gathering data at the edges of operational environments and quietly pushing it back to decision-makers.The goal isn’t novelty. It’s awareness — real-time information that makes missions safer, faster, and more precise.But that awareness comes at a cost: power.<h2>The Battery Tax</h2>Every device you deploy is a device you have to account for. Charge. Replace. Recharge. Keep track of. And in high-risk, high-complexity environments, battery logistics become their own shadow mission.That’s not news to anyone in defense. Entire ops structures exist just to support power.So when we talk about batteryless sensing, we’re not pitching magic. We’re asking: What happens if the smallest, least critical devices didn’t need batteries at all?<h2>What We Bring to the Table</h2>ONiO.zero isn’t a mil-spec platform. It’s not hardened for frontline combat. But it’s been designed, from silicon upward, to operate with almost no power.It cold-starts from &lt;1μW. It runs without firmware. It harvests energy from RF, light, heat, or motion. And it’s already being used in consumer and industrial applications where battery swaps simply aren’t an option.We’re not here to replace your radios. We’re here to ask: Could your most disposable, hard-to-access, or risk-sensitive sensing nodes run on their own — quietly and indefinitely?<h2>Think in Terms of Roles</h2>A drone may need batteries.A soldier’s HUD may need batteries.But a vibration sensor zip-tied under a convoy axle? That could be energy-autonomous.A node buried in snow, checking environmental drift? That could run on harvested energy.A passive contact sensor embedded in a box that might never open? Same.<h2>It’s Not About Going Batteryless Everywhere</h2>It’s about going batteryless where it makes sense.In defense, where deployment costs are high and maintenance can be risky, even small reductions in battery dependency can mean real strategic gain.Fewer site visits. Fewer logistical dependencies. Lower thermal signatures. Less risk.<h2>We're Not Pretending to Know It All</h2>We’re not writing this as experts in military doctrine. We’re writing as engineers who think in constraints. And when we look at the way military sensing is scaling, we see an obvious constraint that’s still being accepted as default: the battery.It won’t go away. But we’re building hardware that makes it less necessary.If you’re thinking about the future of sensing in defense — particularly the quiet, cheap, critical-but-not-complex parts — we’d love to show you what ONiO.zero can do.Because sometimes, the smartest thing a device can do… is need nothing at all.

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We’re not defense contractors. We don’t build missiles or radar systems. But we know what it means to design for the edge — where there’s no power socket, no second chance, and failure means a whole lot more than just inconvenience.

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The Industry of Military Things — Rethinking Power at the Edge

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!

ONiO articles

Stockholm/Helsinki/Oslo — June 18th 2025ONiO has raised €5 million to ramp production of ONiO.zero — the first general-purpose microcontroller that cold-starts from under 1µW and runs entirely on ambient energy. The round was led by Stockholm-based <a href="https://www.node.vc/">node.vc</a>, with Helsinki’s <a href="https://maki.vc/">Maki.vc </a>as co-lead. Existing investors EIC Fund and MP Pension matched the investment and doubled down."ONiO represents the kind of breakthrough technology we look for at node.vc," said Mårten Skogö, Partner at node.vc. "Their ability to power a microcontroller entirely from ambient energy is not only technically impressive — it's fundamentally changing how we think about sustainable IoT. The team has proven that the technology works in real-world applications, and now it's time to scale. We're excited to support ONiO as they bring this game-changing chip to market."The funding accelerates volume production of ONiO.zero — our one-of-its-kind, power-agnostic wireless microcontroller that cold-starts from less than 1µW and runs on ambient energy. Solar, RF, thermal, piezo — it harvests whatever you throw at it. Zero batteries required, though it's happy to collaborate nicely with them when needed. In short, a game-changer as far as green IoT is concerned! Enabling highly practicable and super sustainable IoT solutions across industries and verticals. The core mission with ONiO was to stem the massive flow of millions of batteries into oceans and landfills. And we’re happy to say, ONiO.zero has lived up to that promise.&nbsp;Everything lives on a single die: A RISC-V CPU, radios, power management, security, memory and much more. We've integrated what used to take dozens of components into one chip. It's already been tested in solar keyboards, electronic shelf labels, air quality sensors, asset trackers, and soil sensors monitoring crops. Most run purely on harvested energy, and in some applications, we just make batteries last forever!<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/onio/image/upload/v1749727627/onio_zero_chip_tray_b3d302287c.jpg" alt="onio_zero_chip_tray.jpg"></figure>We've spent years finessing this tech. Pouring incredible amounts of expertise and tens of thousands of man-hours into making sure it’s just right - nothing more, nothing less. And now - customers have working prototypes and pilot products; The benchmarks speak for themselves — 22µW/MHz and 181 Coremark/mJ (<a href="https://www.eembc.org/ulpmark/ulp-cm/scores.php">https://www.eembc.org/ulpmark/ulp-cm/scores.php</a>) with cold-start capability below 1µW.&nbsp;Now we're scaling production alongside the dev kits and reference designs that let engineers build the designs that make sense for their applications.The chip is magic. The demos deliver. The benchmarks are fire. The customers are ready.All that’s left to do is to make a lot more of these super chips.<h2>About node.vc</h2>Node.vc is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Stockholm, investing in groundbreaking tech startups across the Nordics and Baltics. Founded in 2023 by experienced entrepreneurs and operators, the firm manages a €80 million fund backed by over 70 prominent tech founders. With a track record of building, scaling and investing in more than 40 successful ventures, node.vc brings deep operational insight to every investment. Node’s sector agnostic investment approach focuses on various areas such as platform technologies, new experiences and smarter workplaces. (<a href="http://node.vc">node.vc</a>)<h2>About Maki.vc</h2>Maki.vc is a Helsinki-based venture capital firm investing in early-stage startups, particularly those in deep tech and brand-driven sectors. Founded in 2018, Maki.vc partners with visionary tech founders determined to rewrite the rules of their categories. They focus on companies that challenge category norms through scientific advances and distinctive branding, supporting them from inception to Series A and beyond. (<a href="http://maki.vc">Maki.vc</a>)

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ONiO closes €5M Series A. World’s Lowest Power MCU To Hit Full-Tilt Production

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.

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!

ONiO - Smart Remote

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 closes €5M Series A. World’s Lowest Power MCU To Hit Full-Tilt Production

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

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132 results for 'onio'

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Batteryless was never the point

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Beyond Batteries: The Future of Forever Devices

The Industry of Military Things — Rethinking Power at the Edge

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ONiO closes €5M Series A. World’s Lowest Power MCU To Hit Full-Tilt Production

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

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