Perovskia Solar Powers Up IoT Sector with New Funding and Innovative Solar Technology

Perovskia Solar Powers Up IoT Sector with New Funding and Innovative Solar Technology

(IN BRIEF) Perovskia Solar, an Empa spin-off, has secured over two million Swiss francs in seed funding and signed contracts with more than ten major IoT companies. Specializing in custom-printed perovskite solar cells, the company aims to provide sustainable energy solutions for various electronic devices, including smartwatches and keyboards. These solar cells can function indoors and significantly extend battery life or eliminate the need for batteries altogether. With a new production facility in Aubonne, Perovskia plans to print one million solar elements annually, positioning itself for rapid growth in the energy harvesting market for IoT applications.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜBENDORF, 25-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Perovskia Solar, the innovative spin-off from Empa, has made significant strides in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector, landing over ten prominent clients and securing more than two million Swiss francs in seed funding. Specializing in custom-printed solar cells, the company’s technology is designed to power a wide array of electronic devices efficiently—even in indoor settings.

With the average individual owning around seven electronic devices, the demand for sustainable charging solutions is on the rise. Perovskia Solar is at the forefront of this market, offering bespoke solar cells that can either eliminate battery reliance or significantly prolong battery life. “The energy harvesting market for IoT is poised for explosive growth, potentially reaching several billion dollars,” noted Anand Verma, the company’s CEO. “Our designer solar cells facilitate solar power integration into nearly any device.”

Perovskia Solar has pioneered the first perovskite solar cells suitable for gadgets like smartwatches and keyboards, addressing the limitations of traditional silicon cells, which are often costly and inefficient in low light. “Our ability to print custom-sized solar cells at low costs, combined with their high efficiency, enables them to power numerous indoor devices effectively,” Verma explained.

The company’s advanced energy harvesting technology, developed over several years at Empa, has led to a ready-to-market solution aimed at enhancing both industrial and residential devices. Perovskite materials are renowned for their exceptional light absorption and electrical conductivity, though previous stability issues hindered large-scale adoption. Verma dedicated five years to refining the printing processes before launching Perovskia in 2020.

With the recent establishment of a production facility in Aubonne, Vaud, Perovskia Solar aims to print one million perovskite elements annually. The company now collaborates with various international partners in the IoT and consumer electronics fields, bolstered by support from Kickfund, Venture Kick, and a coalition of business angels led by investors Nils Hagander and Beda Rohner. “Perovskia is well-positioned to lead the charge in developing next-gen IoT devices,” Hagander remarked.

Media Contacts:

Prof. Dr. Frank Nüesch
Functional Polymers
Phone +41 58 765 4740
frank.nueesch@empa.ch

Anand Verma
CEO Perovskia Solar
anand.verma@perovskia.solar

Manuel Martin
Communications
Phone +41 58 765 4454
redaktion@empa.ch

SOURCE: EMPA