Munich, June 2021
BeFC – Bioenzymatic Fuel Cells – an innovative start-up from France – won not only the 4th EBV IOT Hero powered by EBV Elektronik and the Smart City and Transport category of the 12th IOT/WT Innovation World Cup® but also the 12th Healthcare Innovation World Cup® and the 2nd place in the 9th MEDICA Start-up Competition with their unique solution! BeFC makes electricity with papers and enzymes. In addition, BeFC provides dedicated digital platforms combining sensors, microprocessors and low energy wireless communication modules.
1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF! – HOW DID IT ALL START?
BeFC originated from a group of scientific co-founders originally working on implantable biofuel cell technology. Their goal was to convert glucose and oxygen in the bloodstream into electricity. What makes BeFC so disruptive was to pivot towards a paper-based device used outside of the body. Providing a thin and flexible battery replacement with minimal environmental impact.
2. WHAT ARE THE KEY MILESTONES YOU HAVE REACHED SO FAR?
BeFC was created in May 2020 and raised VC seed funding within a month. We have rapidly recruited talented individuals and are now a team of more than 15. We are now working with partners and our clients through joint development agreements to provide the next generation of smart and sustainable products.
3. WHAT WHERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED?
It can be tempting to continue waiting for further information to improve decisions. However, time is precious, and delaying decisions can be more costly than failing fast, learning, and moving on.
4. WHAT IS COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
In 2021, BeFC is focused on the industrial testing of our paper-based biofuel cells and transitioning from a robotic sheet-to-sheet production to a roll-to-roll process in order to reach mass production in 2022.
5. DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY IN THE INNOVATION WORLD CUP® AND STANDING AMONGST THE TOP16 INTERNET OF THINGS INNOVATORS 2021?
My experience amongst the TOP16 INTERNET OF THINGS INNOVATORS 2021 was rewarding on both professional and personal levels. The virtual format was incredibly interactive and easily accessible for the public. The entire team is grateful to the organisers and jury for the award, and for supporting women entrepreneurs.
6. CAN YOU SHARE WITH US YOUR THREE TIPS FOR UP-COMING START-UPS?
Work on a pitch that delivers an impactful story. Don’t stop asking the hard questions. And most importantly, share your passion for what you love to do.
THANKS FOR THE INSIGHTS AND WE SHALL KEEP WATCHING YOUR NEXT BIG STEPS!
Visit BeFC and learn more about the sustainable and eco-friendly energy solution for low-power electronics.
Behind the scenes – EBV Innovation Hero Award
The EBV Innovation Hero special prize of the 13th Innovation World Cup® and 13th Healthcare Innovation World Cup® is EBV Elektronik‘s initiative to support techpreneurs all over Europe!
All participants of the 13th Innovation World Cup® and 13th Healthcare Innovation World Cup® coming from the EMEA region are automatically included in the EBV Innovation HERO Award. Join the EBV Innovation Hero Award. Select the competition that fits your solution the best, enter your submission free of charge. And benefit from prizes as: Collaboration with EBV’s StartmeUp team, including engineering, sourcing, and logistics support, a cash prize of 10,000 Euro, Maxim MAX7800FTHR development kit for free and prizes worth over +500,000 USD.
