As global dependence on batteries reaches a critical threshold, a generation of discreet but structuring technologies is emerging to power the electronics of tomorrow. THE energy harvestingor ambient energy harvesting, consists of capturing light, heat or vibrations to produce local and continuous electricity. An approach which aims to eliminate the battery, the most polluting and costly link in the electronic cycle.
French society Dracula Technologies established itself as one of the pioneers of battery-free power, based in Valencia, it has been developing printed organic photovoltaic modules for more than a decade, capable of converting indoor ambient light into electrical energy. His process, called LAYER (Light As Your Energetic Response)is based on a conductive ink deposited on a flexible film by digital printing. These modules directly power connected objects with very low consumption, such as industrial sensors, electronic labels or logistics tracking devices.
“This support will allow us to strengthen our industrial base in France, prepare future locations close to our key markets and accelerate the global deployment of our technology,” explains Brice Cruchonfounder and CEO of Dracula Technologies. The company recently completed a series A extension bringing the total fundraising to 30 million eurosled by the Bank of the Territories on behalf of the State within the framework of France 2030with the participation of MGI Digital Technology Group and of European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund).
This funding aims to support the transition from the “sheet-to-sheet” production process to a single line roll-to-rollmultiplying by four the annual production capacity of the company, which will reach 600 million cm². Manufacturing is concentrated in Green MicroPower Factory of Valencia, today considered the largest global installation dedicated to printed organic photovoltaic modules. With a yield close to 95%the company boasts some of the highest industrial performance in the sector.
François Wohrerdirector of investments at Bank of the Territoriesdeclared: “The renewal of our trust reflects our commitment to supporting companies anchored in the territories while pursuing international ambitions. As an early partner, we are proud to see Dracula Technologies strengthening its industrial base in France, thus contributing to the energy and digital transition at national and European levels. »
The target market is considerable. According to several estimates, the global value of the battery replacement market is approximately 10 billion euroswith projected growth fivefold by 2030. In a world saturated with sensors, beacons and communicating objects, eliminating the battery represents not only an ecological gain, but also a maintenance and reliability issue. Ambient energy thus becomes the keystone of continuous, durable and almost invisible electronics.
Founded in 2012 by Brice Cruchon, Dracula Technologies is based in Valencia, France. The company specializes in organic photovoltaic modules for connected objects, with technology LAYER and its variation LAYER Vaultcombining energy harvesting and storage on the same film. The company counts among its investors Bank of the Territories (lead), MGI Digital Technology Group and the EIC Fund. This raised 30 million euros supports the increase in industrial capacity and the global deployment of its battery-free power solutions.
