Oslo-based startup ONiO has successfully raised €5 million to expand production of its ONiO.zero microcontroller unit (MCU), which is recognized as the first general-purpose MCU capable of cold-starting from under 1µW and operating entirely on ambient energy. This funding round was led by node.vc from Stockholm, with Maki.vc from Helsinki joining as co-lead. Additionally, existing investors EIC Fund and MP Pension matched the investment, demonstrating strong confidence in ONiO’s innovative technology.
Mårten Skogö, a partner at node.vc, highlighted ONiO as a prime example of breakthrough technology. He emphasized that the ability to power an MCU solely from ambient energy is not only impressive but also reshapes the approach to sustainable Internet of Things (IoT) applications. ONiO has successfully demonstrated its technology in practical scenarios, setting the stage for scaling production.
Founded in 2016, ONiO specializes in ultra-low-power microcontrollers, claiming to offer the world’s most energy-efficient MCU. The ONiO.zero device operates with a power consumption as low as 22µW/MHz. The new funding will accelerate the volume production of this versatile wireless microcontroller, which can derive energy from various sources, including solar, radio frequency (RF), thermal, and piezoelectric systems. Notably, the ONiO.zero does not require batteries but can work alongside them when necessary.
The company’s mission focuses on reducing the environmental impact of battery waste by providing minimalistic, user-friendly, and cost-effective power solutions. By freeing IoT devices from conventional power limitations, ONiO aims to foster a new wave of innovation and sustainability in the IoT sector.
All essential components of the ONiO.zero, including a RISC-V CPU, radios, power management systems, security features, and memory, are integrated into a single chip. This integration reduces what previously required numerous components into one compact unit. The ONiO.zero MCU has been tested in diverse applications, such as solar-powered keyboards, electronic shelf labels, air quality sensors, asset trackers, and agricultural soil sensors.
As ONiO prepares to scale production, it will also release development kits and reference designs to assist engineers in creating customized applications. The company asserts, “All that’s left to do is to make a lot more of these super chips,” indicating a strong commitment to increasing their output.
With this funding and technological advancement, ONiO is positioned to lead the way in ultra-low-power microcontroller solutions that leverage ambient energy, addressing both environmental concerns and the growing demand for sustainable IoT technology.
