STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – December 19, 2024 – Exeger, the Swedish deep-tech company behind the revolutionary solar cell technology Powerfoyle™, transfers its boost converter business to EM Microelectronic (EM), a global player in design and manufacturing of integrated circuits (ICs) and connected electronic modules, and a fully-owned subsidiary of the Swatch Group, one of the world’s largest watchmakers.
Exeger is a solar cell manufacturer that invented and develops a new solar cell technology called Powerfoyle. To initiate the adoption of the world’s first and only fully customizable solar cell, Exeger acquired a boost converter company prior to the commercialization of Powerfoyle. The proprietary solar cell technology converts all forms of light, both indoor artificial light, and outdoor natural light.
The boost integrated circuit (IC) is a crucial component in the overall system efficiency. For the hybrid version of Powerfoyle, optimized for a mix of outdoor and indoor light environments typical of headphones and helmet use cases, the company developed a unique boost converter based on EM chip hardware. It has for many years been the only working IC for this type of applications. It is also a key component to enable Powerfoyle for higher voltage applications.
The first product with Powerfoyle was launched in 2021, with eight consecutive new self-powered products enabled by Powerfoyle reaching the market in the following three years. The demand for Powerfoyle has grown substantially during 2024 with the inauguration of their second factory in 2023, making this the optimal time to sell its boost converter business. This will enable the company to focus on its core business, the development and manufacturing of Powerfoyle and accelerating its mass adoption of Powerfoyle, while EM will now take over directly selling the two components previously sold through Exeger, as well as supporting their integration into the devices. As the developer and manufacturer of these components, engaging the market directly will help unlock the full potential behind solar-powered applications.
Founded 50 years ago, EM Microelectronic, a Swiss company belonging to the Swatch Group, specializes in ultra low-power and low-voltage integrated circuits, catering to various industries such as consumer electronics, medical, automotive, industrial, and wearable technologies. EM is widely recognized for its innovative approach to microelectronics, prioritizing energy efficiency, compactness, and performance, which makes its solutions highly sought after in some of the most demanding applications, where size and power consumption are critical.
Georgios Foufas, Chief Commercial Officer at Exeger, explains, “EM are perfectly suited to take over our boost converter business. They have the resources and capacity to fully develop and optimize the boost integrated circuits, leading to better overall system efficiency in products powered by Powerfoyle. This will ultimately benefit customers and users, which is what matters most.”
Stefan Barbu, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at EM, adds, “Exeger have developed an excellent boost IC with us, and we look forward to developing it further with our world-class expertise and resources. The very impressive customer pipeline for both the Powerfoyle Indoor and Hybrid platforms is at the core of this decision to take over Exeger’s business and further develop it directly. We are excited about the business perspectives for both our companies in this field, and we are confident this cooperation will lead to new, highly-competitive and innovative products and applications, in line with our vision for environmentally-friendlier, ambient light-powered devices.”
Exeger is a Swedish company with a unique solar cell technology that converts all forms of light into electrical energy. This material, Powerfoyle, is the world’s only fully customizable solar cell. With its superior design properties, it can be integrated seamlessly into any electronic device.
Powerfoyle enhances every product it is integrated into with extended or even unlimited battery life, putting the power of cutting-edge solar cell technology directly in the hands of people. Exeger is leading the way to energy independence through more sustainable and user-friendly products – with the vision to touch the lives of a billion people by 2030.
