Fuelium

Fuelium, founded in 2015 by Juan Pablo Esquivel, develops and commercializes paper-based batteries as an eco-friendly power source for disposable portable devices. The company originated from Esquivel's work with small-scale fuel cells, leading to a patented technology for paper-based batteries. These batteries are crafted from non-toxic, abundant materials like paper, carbon, and small amounts of non-toxic metals, minimizing environmental impact.

The firm's initial market focus is on in-vitro diagnostics (IVD), where the batteries can be integrated into rapid diagnostic tests and activated by the same biological sample (like urine or saliva) being analyzed. This approach provides a sustainable alternative to conventional button cells often used in devices for glucose monitoring or pregnancy tests. Beyond diagnostics, Fuelium targets sectors such as IoT and smart sensors for environmental monitoring, smart packaging, and electronic skin patches for wearables and cosmetics.

Fuelium's business model involves providing custom-made power solutions, adapting battery materials and dimensions to fit specific device requirements. The energy output is tailored to the particular application, avoiding energy waste typical of standard batteries in single-use products. The company operates a pilot manufacturing plant with a capacity of one million units per year and is developing non-liquid activated versions using a self-contained hydrogel electrolyte.

Fuelium has received support and funding from notable organizations, including the Repsol Foundation's Entrepreneurs Fund in 2015 and a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2019. These funds have helped standardize the technology and explore new applications, such as providing power for low-cost molecular testing.

Keywords: paper batteries, eco-friendly power, disposable electronics, in-vitro diagnostics, point-of-care testing, smart packaging, sustainable energy, cleantech, custom batteries, IoT sensors