BeFC technology
Our core technology involves the conversion of abundant biofuels, e.g. glucose and oxygen, through enzymatic reactions. BeFC biocatalysis generates an electron flow capable of providing sufficient power for sensors, microcontrollers and wireless comminication modules on the same digital device.
First proof of concept
The story of BeFC started when our 4 co-founders (Dr. Jules HAMMOND, Prof. Jean-Francis BLOCH, Dr. Michael HOLZINGER & Dr. Andrew GROSS), joined forces to pivot from implantable technologies, towards portable low-power devices. Similar to the human body, energy was created from the sugars and oxygen naturally present in the blood.
BeFC sustainable biofuel cell
To ensure this transition, they needed to implement and replace the pump mechanism (used to transport fluid through the implanted device) with a wearable material comprising inherent microfluidic transport properties : PAPER. In one sentence, they wanted to create electricity from papers and enzymes!
This was achieved by transferring our core techology, protected by 6 world-wide patents, to paper substrates composed of cellulose and carbon.
The first trials were performed on digital pregnancy and ovulation tests. Our team used the urine from the lateral flow assay to activate our BeFC device. Other fluids can be used : blood, sweat, saliva, tap water, but we also patented a liquid reservoir to be able to deliver the power on demand. As our biofuel cells are made from paper, it is also easy to adjust their shape and size. Therefore, their insertion within the digital medical product only required simple modifications in the design. BeFC were then able to replace two batteries with one single biofuel cell in order to process the assay and to show the result on a digital display.
Leyton Sustainable Challenge propulsed BeFC to Las Vegas
As the team started to grow during our incubation period at Linksium, we had the opportunity to participate in the Leyton Sustainable Startup Challenge 2019. We were awarded 1st place and were flown to Las Vegas for the biggest tech event on the planet : the Consumer Electronic Show (CES 2020). However, this was just the start of our journey…
BeFC at CES 2020
Once at CES 2020, BeFC were instantly noticed by investors, strategic partners and journalists. We had the opportunity to pitch in front of amazing experts at Trend Forward Capital, such as Dr. Rana EL KALIOUBY, pioneer in emotion AI, as well as a huge supportive crowd at “Le Village Francophone”.
After months of preparatory work, BeFC was officially created in May 2020.
Find the BeFC team on the French Pavillon in the Eureka Park of CES 2022 – Booth n° 61229-17.
BeFC raise 3M€ of VC seed funding
Following CES 2020, our sustainable breakthrough energy solution drew the attention of leading venture investors : Demeter, BNP Paribas Development and Supernova Invest. We closed the round in June 2020, one month later, allowing us to start building the team. BeFC have experienced an amazing growth with an average of 2 employees per month and are now expanding to 800 m2 of facilities in the Grenoble area to provide pilot production capabilities.
BeFC are CES 2021 Innovation Awards Honoree
In 2021 our company explored various market opportunities with our early clients, under joint development agreements (JDAs). We have deployed several proof of concepts (POCs) in order to showcase our technology in real world applications.
After refining our core technology, we have since proven the biodegradability, compostability and non phytotoxicity of our organic energy solution, leading to our first ever CES Innovation Award. We demonstrated that our disruptive technology had a great product-market fit in relation to the circular economy, and both the consumer and industry desire to move towards a sustainable future.
BeFC are back, in person, at CES 2022
BeFC are pleased to announce that this year we are back at CES 2022 with a new Innovation Award. This time, we showcase our ultra-low-power and ecofriendly “active sensor tag” powered by BeFC technology.
Our vision
As leaders in sustainable paper biofuel cells, we aim to connect the world with affordable electronic platforms that represent the lowest impact to the environment. We know the future will be smart, but at BeFC we believe the future can be SMART and SUSTAINABLE.
Website : www.BeFC.global
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
