Fraunhofer has invested in Enerthing, which is launching IoT products powered by solar foils invented in partnership with Fraunhofer ISE.
Enerthing, a Germany-based photovoltaic foil manufacturer linked to Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), has attracted an undisclosed sum from investors including Fraunhofer ISE’s parent organisation, Fraunhofer Society.
The round also included NRW.Bank, the state development bank of North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as energy products supplier Energie 360°’s Smart Energy Innovation Fund and undisclosed existing investors.
Founded in 2016, Enerthing produces photovoltaic foil materials which can be installed within devices to produce electricity from artificial light emitted from within buildings.
The technology could be particularly useful in powering internet-of-things (IoT) devices situated in areas with poor access to sunlight, in factories for instance, where frequent maintenance and battery replacement may be difficult.
Enerthing was founded by its managing director, Michael Niggemann, who leads a solar materials research group at Fraunhofer ISE.
Proceeds from the round will enable continued development of the technology, as Enerthing aims to launch IoT products powered by its foils in alliance with industry partners.
Fraunhofer Society previously joined unnamed angel investors to supply Enerthing with an undisclosed sum in 2017, according to VentureCapital Magazin.
