Dublin-based SolarPrint has raised €1 million in funding as it prepares to take its indoor energy-harvesting technology to market early next year.

The funding round was led by Kernel Capital through the Bank of Ireland Seed and Early Stage Equity Fund, providing €500,000 to the company.

The remainder of the funding was provided by private investors.SolarPrint was founded in 2008 by Dr Mazhar Bari, Andre Fernon and Roy Horgan.

It is developing a technology that converts light from any source into energy that can be used to power small intelligent wireless sensors. It is designed to work indoors and in low light conditions.

Applications

"Kernel Capital is delighted to support innovative Irish companies like SolarPrint whose technology is at the forefront of energy harvesting," said Dr Daniel McCaughan, chief technology adviser at Kernel Capital.

The technology has a range of applications from building energy management and industrial sensors to electronic shelf tags and the medical industry. Initially, the company will focus on powering wireless products in buildings, a sector that accounts for 40 per cent of global energy use.

"We have a very interesting and innovative technology that has multiple applications," said Rory Timlin, SolarPrints general manager.

The first product will be a power source to replace disposable batteries in wireless sensors, creating power from low levels of artificial or natural light.

A number of customers have already been lined up to take samples, he said, and it will be launched next year.

"The second thing is to continue partnership projects with semiconductor companies with whom we are engaged, to develop applications and to develop application demonstration platforms," he said.

It is looking ahead to its next phase of development, and expects to seek more funding in the new year. SolarPrint was shortlisted in the green tech category in the Irish Times InterTradeIre