Energy Ink, Australia Achieves Key Step Toward Global Collaboration
06 October 2025: Strategic Elements Ltd. has announced that Energy Ink – a printable ink that generates electricity from moisture in the air – has, for the first time, been used to manufacture thousands of prototype cells in a commercial facility using printing equipment commonly deployed across consumer, defence and healthcare sectors.
This achievement establishes the foundations for collaboration with international printed electronics centres and potential end-users. Through these partnerships, Energy Ink may be evaluated and co-developed into prototype cells and product demonstrators within industrial-style facilities. Building this capability broadens the opportunity base and creates a clear pathway from research conducted in Australia to active engagement with global industry.
Transfer Program Outcomes
Over 2000 prototype Energy Ink cells were successfully fabricated in a single production run and validated, confirming reproducibility in a commercial facility. In addition, 30 multi-cell arrays were connected and operated continuously for seven days at the target baseline power.
Fabrication in a commercial facility
Energy Ink cells demonstrating reproducibility under industrial processes.
High Yield Achieved
2,051 of 2,052 cells (99.95%) passed compliance testing for open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current.
Connected arrays manufactured
Successfully validated that interconnected cells can operate as functional arrays.
Multiple A5 sheets produced
Marking progress toward sheet-level fabrication, essential for scaling into demonstrators and eventual commercial deployment.
Energy Ink is being developed in collaboration with a world-class materials science team at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). UNSW is globally recognised for its expertise in functional materials and electronic printing with state-of-the-art nanofabrication, printing and characterisation facilities. The technology has been supported with more than $5 million in competitive Australian Research Council (ARC) grants, including prestigious ARC Industry Fellowships.
Development Pathway & Challenges
With reproducible fabrication of prototype Energy Ink cells outside the laboratory now achieved, detailed characterisation will be undertaken to establish a robust dataset. The next objectives are to:
– Engage international printed electronics centres – to test and develop Energy Ink alongside new materials, packaging, and electrodes. Focus on those with existing commercial relationships.
– Initiate discussions with end-user innovation hubs – global companies often run programs for innovative technologies such as battery-free power sources.
– Progress toward pilot programs – integrating Energy Ink into demonstrator products to generate data for potential commercial adoption.
Energy Ink remains at an early stage, with challenges ahead:
– Performance and durability – maintaining stable output over longer periods.
– Scalability – moving from prototype cells and sheets to larger or stacked formats.
– Integration – combining effectively with circuits, sensors, and packaging.
– Timelines – pilot programs may face delays and may not guarantee commercial adoption.
www.strategicelements.com.au
