Ambient Photonics Featured in Bloomberg News
Bates Marshall standing in Ambient Photonics manufacturing facility. Photographer: Rachel Bujalski/Bloomberg
Scotts Valley's Ambient Photonics was recently featured in a Bloomberg News article emphasizing their potential to replace batteries with high-powered solar cells. The comprehensive article highlights Ambient's innovative low-light photovoltaic (PV) cells, which efficiently convert indoor light into electricity, drawing inspiration from photosynthesis. These cells offer higher power density than conventional indoor solar cells, enabling continuous operation without disposable batteries or frequent recharging.
The Bloomberg feature stressed the environmental advantages of Ambient's technology in reducing electronic waste and carbon footprint. “In a world that produced a record 62 million tons of e-waste in 2022…finding a way to reduce the use of carbon- and resource-intensive batteries produced has never been greater.” Collaborations with companies like Lenovo and integration into a wide variety of devices like mice, keyboards, and IoT sensors showcase the technology's versatility.
The article shared that Ambient Photonics secured $61 million in Series A funding and $17.5 million in debt financing, which enabled them to establish their first factory in Scotts Valley, California. This factory now produces dye-sensitized solar cells. Unlike traditional rooftop silicon photovoltaics, Ambient's cells utilize a unique dye and molecular mix between two glass sheets to convert photons into energy. CEO of Ambient Photonics, Bates Marshall, also discussed the current state of the company and their plans after the announcement of the high tariffs set by President Donald Trump and the current administration.
See additional photos and read more about how Ambient Photonics is a key innovator driving battery-free technology with their unique low-light solar cells, strategic partnerships, and sustainable manufacturing practices in the article below.