Dracula Technologies has announced the completion of the qualification process for its new Green Micropower Factory. This state-of-the-art facility is set to mass-produce LAYER Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) devices, significantly increasing production capacity to over 150 million cm² annually per shift.
The LAYER OPV modules are designed for ultra-low power applications such as self-powered sensors, which utilise energy harvesting instead of traditional batteries. This achievement supports the company’s goal of distributing its technology through licences or partnerships to expedite international business development.
The qualification audit was conducted by Semtech, a semiconductor, IoT systems, and Cloud connectivity service provider, as well as a strategic partner and investor in Dracula Technologies.
“We are excited about the potential of this facility to advance energy-efficient IoT applications,” said Olivier Seller, Technical Fellow, Wireless IP at Semtech. “This qualification affirms not only the robustness of Dracula Technologies’ manufacturing processes but also their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Through production of OPV modules at scale, we can jointly accelerate deployment of self-powered devices. Reduced reliance on traditional batteries paves the way for a more sustainable future.”
“Semtech has among the highest quality, safety, and environmental standards in its industry. Its confirmation is of great significance for Dracula Technologies’ new manufacturing site and will enable us to meaningfully ramp up production to meet our customers’ needs over the coming years,” added Brice Cruchon, CEO of Dracula Technologies. “This achievement marks a crucial advancement in scaling up production capacity to address the increasing need for our OPV modules. I am proud of the teamwork and dedication of our entire Dracula Technologies team and our partners, making this accomplishment possible. We are now well positioned to push our technology to new levels of performance required by emerging applications and to engage the marketplace with confidence and enthusiasm.”
Green Micropower Factory
The Green Micropower Factory, a fully automated and optimised facility for best-practice manufacturing techniques, spans 2500m² and is the largest factory dedicated to OPV module production. Dracula Technologies’ patented sustainable OPV low-light energy-harvesting solution, crafted with organic inkjet printing precision, significantly scales up LAYER production, supporting the deployment of battery-free devices for its clients. To support this ambitious venture, the company is recruiting over 60 skilled professionals, fostering economic growth and aiming to have a total of 250 employees by 2030.
The new factory aligns with European regulations aimed at phasing out non-rechargeable batteries in IoT devices, enabling large-scale production of sustainable modules. This marks the beginning of the end for conventional batteries. Dracula Technologies aims to enhance France and Europe’s sovereignty by reducing reliance on battery imports and collaborating exclusively with European suppliers. In recognition of its commitment, Dracula Technologies was named laureate of the “First Factory” project call, an initiative aligned with France’s reindustrialisation strategy (France 2030), receiving €5 million in funding from the French State.
Compatibility with STMicroelectronics’ MCUs
In April 2024, Dracula Technologies announced that its LAYER OPV technology is fully compatible with STMicroelectronics’ latest ultra-low power microcontrollers. This compatibility enhances energy efficiency and autonomy in microcontroller units (MCUs).
The new STM32U0 microcontrollers, designed for industrial, medical, smart metering, and consumer applications, reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to previous generations. LAYER technology empowers manufacturers and end users to create a battery-free future by using ambient indoor light to generate sustainable micro-power devices.
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