Powercast named finalist in Defence Innovation Challenge

The Defence Innovation Challenge connects cutting-edge technologies with the Department of Defence (DOD), focusing on dual-use innovations that serve both civilian and government needs. All finalists are invited to present their technologies to the nation's top military, industry, and investment leaders at Defence Tech Connect Innovation Summit and Expo, being held in Austin, TX, 3–5 December.

Powercast's RF and Smart Inductive wireless charging technologies enable sustainable, environmentally-friendly devices that are either battery free or use rechargeable batteries, both of which keep single-use disposable batteries out of landfills and eliminate the expense and hassles of battery maintenance.

Additionally, Powercast's technology can enable perpetually powered, remote sensor devices. An example is Powercast's Wireless Building Automation Sensor and Controller System which enables advanced HVAC environmental monitoring and wirelessly-controllable lighting for commercial buildings. Featuring Powercast's Lifetime Power sensors that last 25 years, this solution costs 40% less to install than wired systems, and significantly cuts energy costs, battery maintenance, and e-waste.

"We are excited to be chosen to present our technologies which eliminate wires, battery e-waste and the hassle and expense of battery maintenance," said Charles Greene, PhD, COO, and CTO of Powercast. "Our solutions are powering a cleaner, more sustainable world and solve problems across many industries, including government and defence applications."

Greene continued: "Our long-range, one-to-many RF charging technology is transforming wireless sensor networks (WSNs), converting previously-limited sensors and tags into lifetime devices that work in locations where battery replacement is impossible. RF power sources – including RF transmitters or the standard RFID readers already widely used in many industries – can provide efficient and reliable wireless power over the air, powering many devices up to 120 feet away, ensuring a continuous stream of real-time data to all connected devices."

For more powerful charging, Powercast's SmartInductive transfers up to a kilowatt of power to charge one product at a time at close range. "A hybrid inductive/resonance technology, SmartInductive is more forgiving than traditional inductive because the transmitter and receiver can tolerate misalignment and offset," explained Greene. "More flexibility in alignment easily enables completely autonomous charging of robots, drones, micro-mobility, medical and other high-power devices, reducing downtime and operational costs."

Denise Lee, Defence Innovation Challenge, said: "Our mission is to accelerate innovation for the nation. Powercast is a Finalist in our 2024 Defence TechConnect Innovation Challenge and we are delighted they can join us in Austin."