Norwegian batteryless microcontroller specialist Onio is integrating solar cell technology from Swedish company Exeger to power IoT and consumer electronics.

Exeger is the company behind Powerfoyle solar cell technology. The collaboration will focus on developing devices that can draw power from any light source, whether natural outdoor or ambient indoor. Through the integration of Powerfoyle, devices can operate with complete autonomy, while remaining 100% batteryless to help eliminate the impact disposable battery waste has on the environment.

“Selecting Powerfoyle as the preferred solar cell technology for Onio was based on clear advantages,” said Onio CEO Kjetil Meisal. “Powerfoyle has world leading efficiency when integrated into products. Combined with best-in-class integration possibilities makes it the clear choice for product integration. World-leading companies have chosen Exeger as an exclusive solar cell supplier, giving Onio a unique commercial opportunity through this partnership. This partnership is about pioneering technology and championing a green revolution where devices are powered endlessly by clean energy, completely bypassing the need for traditional batteries.”

In recent evaluations alongside Exeger, Onio has demonstrated an advantage over current technologies. Onio.Zero microcontrollers power up in a few seconds, outpacing the tens of minutes required by some technologies. This rapid activation, particularly in low light, complements Exeger’s Powerfoyle technology, known for its seamless transition between indoor and outdoor lighting environments. The company says this signals a frontier in IoT devices, and ushers in batteryless devices that are not just ready for immediate operation but also redefine the benchmarks for cold-start capabilities.

“Joining forces with Onio marks a significant step forward in our joint mission to develop more sustainable products for the IoT market,” said Oscar Hemberg, chief product integration officer at Exeger. “Collaborating with industry pioneer Onio illustrates the widespread demand and possibilities for integrating Powerfoyle solar cell technology. In addition, this partnership recognises a natural fit, with Exeger complementing Onio as it continues to reduce waste in the development of advanced batteryless microcontrollers.”

The partnership combines Onio’s microcontrollers with Exeger’s Powerfoyle technology, driving forward the development of sustainable, low-maintenance electronics. This collaboration is geared towards ushering in an era where sustainable energy is seamlessly integrated into daily lives.

Exeger (www.exeger.com) is a Swedish company with solar cell technology that converts all forms of light into electrical energy. This material, Powerfoyle (www.powerfoyle.com), is a fully customisable solar cell that can be integrated seamlessly into any electronic device.

Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Onio (www.onio.com) is a fabless IoT company focused on developing batteryless microcontrollers powered by ambient energy. Its mission is to revolutionise the IoT landscape by delivering clean energy that liberate devices from the constraints of traditional batteries. Onio.Zero, its line of batteryless general-purpose microcontrollers, can harness power from a wide range of sources, including RF, thermal, light and piezo.