Dracula Technologies, winner of France 2030’s “First Factory” project, unveils its new “Green MicroPower Factory”
2023/10/20
Dracula Technologies, a leading player in energy harvesting from indoor light as well as an exhibitor at SIDO Lyon 2023, has unveiled its groundbreaking “Green MicroPower Factory” in Valence, France. This state-of-the-art, fully automated facility, spanning 2500 square meters, is Europe’s largest and will produce a staggering 150 million cm² of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices annually using inkjet printing technology. The factory is set to cater to high-volume IoT customers starting in early 2024 and will also offer licensing for its innovative technology.
In response to the growing demand for sustainable power sources in the expanding IoT market, Dracula Technologies is poised to revolutionize the industry. Traditional batteries, harmful to the environment and with limited lifespans, are becoming obsolete for industrial-grade IoT applications. The launch of the Green MicroPower Factory coincides with European regulations aiming to phase out non-rechargeable batteries in IoT devices, heralding the end of conventional batteries.
By leveraging inkjet printing, this factory will not only facilitate high-volume production of customizable modules but also reduce unit production costs by a remarkable factor of three. Dracula Technologies is taking a significant step toward environmental stewardship and innovation, reaffirming its commitment to positive change within the industry.
As part of this ambitious venture, Dracula Technologies is hiring over 60 skilled professionals, contributing to job creation and economic growth. Their goal is to have 250 employees by 2030.
In line with its mission to bolster France and Europe’s sovereignty, Dracula Technologies aims to eliminate the need for battery imports from outside of Europe and work exclusively with European suppliers. They have received €5 million in total funding from the French State and were named the laureate of the “First Factory” project call, aligned with France’s reindustrialization strategy (France 2030).
Dracula Technologies’ innovative product, LAYER®, is designed for IoT devices and is the world’s first free-shaped organic photovoltaic (OPV) module produced using inkjet printing. It efficiently generates energy from ambient light, allowing smart home devices to be charged by indoor lighting, even in low light conditions. This eliminates the need for batteries and cables, and LAYER® is eco-friendly due to its unique manufacturing process using a standard inkjet printer and organic photoactive inks. These OPV modules can be customized to any shape and adapt to various materials, catering to a wide range of applications, including indoor IoT devices, wearables, and ultra-low-power components.
Dracula Technologies, based in Valence, France, has pioneered energy harvesting through light in our living spaces, addressing the challenges posed by the Internet of Things, including limited battery life, excessive power consumption, and e-waste. Their more than 10 years of research and development have led to the creation of LAYER® technology, offering flexible and customizable modules at a low cost, supporting IoT devices with diverse shapes and requirements.
We take this opportunity to share their Pitch’minute with you:
