As global dependence on batteries reaches a critical threshold, a new generation of discreet yet transformative technologies is emerging to power the electronics of tomorrow. Energy harvesting—the recovery of ambient energy—captures light, heat, or vibrations to produce localized and continuous electricity. It represents an approach aimed at eliminating the battery, the most polluting and costly link in the electronic lifecycle.
The French company Dracula Technologies stands out as one of the pioneers of battery-free power. Based in Valence, it has spent more than a decade developing printed organic photovoltaic modules capable of converting indoor ambient light into electrical energy. Its proprietary process, called LAYER (Light As Your Energetic Response), uses a conductive ink printed on a flexible film through digital printing. These modules directly power ultra-low-consumption connected devices such as industrial sensors, electronic labels, or asset-tracking systems.
“This support will allow us to strengthen our industrial base in France, prepare future facilities closer to key markets, and accelerate the global rollout of our technology,” explained Brice Cruchon, founder and CEO of Dracula Technologies. The company recently completed an extension of its Series A round, bringing the total to €30 million, led by Banque des Territoires on behalf of the French State under the France 2030 program, with participation from MGI Digital Technology Group and the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund.
The funding will support the transition from a sheet-to-sheet to a roll-to-roll manufacturing process, quadrupling annual production capacity to reach 600 million cm². Manufacturing is centered at the company’s Green MicroPower Factory in Valence, currently the world’s largest dedicated production facility for printed organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules. With yields approaching 95%, Dracula Technologies claims one of the highest industrial performance levels in the sector.
François Wohrer, Chief Investment Officer at Banque des Territoires, stated: “The renewal of our trust reflects our commitment to supporting companies rooted in local regions while pursuing international ambitions. As an early partner, we are proud to see Dracula Technologies expand its industrial base in France, thereby contributing to the energy and digital transition at both the national and European levels.”
The target market is substantial. According to several estimates, the global battery replacement market is valued at around €10 billion, with projected fivefold growth by 2030. In a world saturated with sensors, tags, and connected objects, eliminating the battery represents not only an environmental gain but also a breakthrough in maintenance and reliability. Ambient energy thus becomes the cornerstone of continuous, sustainable, and nearly invisible electronics.
Founded in 2012 by Brice Cruchon, Dracula Technologies is headquartered in Valence, France. The company specializes in organic photovoltaic modules for connected devices, with its LAYER technology and its LAYER Vault variant combining energy harvesting and storage on a single film. Its investors include Banque des Territoires (lead), MGI Digital Technology Group, and the EIC Fund. This €30 million round supports the company’s industrial scale-up and global expansion of its battery-free power solutions.
