Imprint Energy

High-Level Overview

Imprint Energy is a technology company specializing in ultrathin, flexible, printed rechargeable zinc-based batteries under its proprietary ZincPoly™ technology.[1][2][3] It builds batteries that are non-toxic, high energy density, safe, and environmentally friendly compared to lithium alternatives, targeting applications like IoT devices, sensors, wearables, smart labels, medical patches, and logistics tags.[1][2][3][5] These solve key limitations in existing batteries—such as rechargeability issues, safety risks, design constraints, and high costs—by enabling low-cost printing on standard equipment, co-manufacturing with sensors and circuitry, and sustainable production.[1][2][3] The company has shipped commercial products, produced over half a million batteries with partners, raised over $17M from investors like Phoenix Venture Partners and Dow Venture Capital, secured 26+ patents, and earned awards like Global Cleantech 100.[2] Acquired by CCL Industries Inc. in 2023 (IP via IPIRA), it now scales via CCL's manufacturing in Ohio and a new California R&D facility.[1][5]

Origin Story

Imprint Energy was founded in 2010 in Alameda, California, by inventors Paul Wright, Christine Ho, and James Evans, emerging from UC Berkeley's IPIRA program to address rechargeability limits in zinc batteries for portable electronics.[1][3] Christine Ho, founder and Head of Technology, led development of ZincPoly™, a printable chemistry with zinc/metal oxide electrodes and non-flammable solid-state gel electrolyte.[3][5] Early traction came from printing ultrathin batteries (thinner than two sheets of paper) for IoT and sensors, with sampling to partners and production of over 500,000 units on commercial print lines.[2][3] Pivotal moments include 2013-2018 IDTechEx recognition for printed high-capacity zinc batteries, MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35, and 2023 acquisition by CCL Industries, relocating manufacturing to Ohio and opening a new R&D hub to accelerate scaling.[1][3][5]

Core Differentiators

Imprint Energy stands out through these key advantages:

• Printable and Flexible Form Factor: Batteries produced via standard screen printing, enabling ultrathin (<2 sheets of paper), bendable designs co-manufactured with sensors, antennas, and circuitry for integrated, low-cost devices.[1][2][3][6]
• Superior ZincPoly™ Chemistry: Rechargeable, non-toxic, non-flammable with high energy density, outperforming thin lithium in safety, power for communications, and environmental impact—no cobalt or rare metals.[1][2][3][4]
• Cost and Scalability: Lower production costs via print processes; partners have scaled to 500k+ units; post-acquisition access to CCL's advanced manufacturing.[2][5]
• Proven Traction and IP: 26+ patents, $17M+ funding, commercial shipments for smart tags, data loggers, medical patches (e.g., Saga Card for medication tracking), and awards like 50 Smartest Companies.[2][5]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Imprint Energy rides the IoT explosion and sustainability push in electronics, powering billions of always-connected devices like sensors, wearables, and smart packaging amid rising demand for green alternatives to lithium batteries.[2][3] Timing aligns with regulatory pressures on toxic materials, supply chain vulnerabilities in critical minerals, and growth in flexible/printed electronics markets (e.g., healthcare, logistics).[1][3][5] Market forces favoring it include cost-sensitive scaling for edge IoT, where high-density, safe power is essential, and cleantech trends like decarbonization.[2] It influences the ecosystem by enabling "defacto green chemistry" for designers, reducing e-waste via disposable-yet-safe batteries, and advancing printed energy storage in sectors like energy harvesting and wearables.[2][3]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Imprint Energy is poised for accelerated growth under CCL, leveraging its new R&D facility for next-gen prototypes and Ohio scaling for mass production in IoT/health applications.[5] Trends like expanding cellular IoT (e.g., Saga Card), climate-tech mandates, and printed electronics maturation will propel adoption, potentially disrupting lithium in niche high-volume markets.[2][5] Its influence may evolve from innovator to standard-setter in sustainable thin batteries, as partners integrate ZincPoly™ amid global sustainability demands—reshaping device design from the power source up, as pioneered since 2010.[1][2]