BeFC was recently invited to attend the private alumni gathering for the winning startups of last years’ United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Global Startup Competition. BeFC was recognized as a winning startup in this international competition for its positive impact on the UN’s SDG 7(sustainable goal 7) –Affordable & Clean Energy. We had the honor of being congratulated by Natalia Bayona, UNWTO's Director of Innovation.
As the winner of the SDG Global Startup Competition for its impact on SDG 7 for energy, BeFC was invited to participate in a panel themed “Reshaping Tomorrow”. Dr. Marie BERTHUEL, Co-founder and Product/Communication Manager represented BeFC at this discussion moderated by UNWTO and co-organized with the Digital Tourism Think Tank. The session focused on the role of the Sustainable Development Goals needed to Leverage Sustainable Innovation in Tourism. At the alumni gathering, Dr Marie Berthuel spoke about the importance of putting a focus on sustainability at corporate level, and explained that BeFC is currently working on several fronts to help industry meet the goals of SDG7, as well as making progress on all 17 goals linked to energy and the environment!
The primary objective of this competition was to raise awareness of the importance of technological innovation in the fight against climate change and sustainability issues.
The desire to develop a sustainable alternative to primary batteries for industry was the genesis for BeFC’s enzymatic biofuel cell, a paper-based energy source that creates electricity through natural materials: oxygen, enzymes, and sugar.
BeFC’s co-founders brought together different scientific specialties covering scientific expertise as wide ranging as paper-printing, electrochemistry, biochemistry and nano sensor technology, to design a sustainable, paper fuel cell, capable of competing with low-voltage batteries. BeFC’s patented ink, which is made of enzymes that generate electricity from its reactions with carbon paper can power several connected objects, as well as a large number of other industrial products. We have combined this technology “stack” with a digital sensing platform, able to detect and trace a number of variables including pH, temperature as well as vital signs etc. The BeFC energy/active sensor solution has the potential to greatly reduce the environmental impact of industry, as well as helping reduce bottom-line costs, and helps organizations comply with environmental regulations.
BeFC hopes to inspire companies to consider adopting technology that can not only meet the needs of the end user and manufacturers’ commercial objectives, but that reach sustainability goals and mitigate any negative impact on the environment. BeFC’s disruptive technology is based on decades of research and the company’s engineers and technicians are constantly working to optimize both biofuel cells and active sensors drawing on the expertise of a number of startup accelerators. For example, with CITEO, the circular economy expert, we have conducted tests to demonstrate that our fuel cell can be recycled, and that the digital platform will not impact negatively on the recyclability of our customers' products either.
BeFC utilizes a multidimensional approach to contribute to these sustainable development goals. At product level, our innovative biofuel cell was sustainably designed to reduce its environmental impact. However, BeFC’s involvement in sustainability goes beyond just the development and manufacture of its own products, and Agenda 2030 is a cornerstone of the BeFC culture.
Our Sustainability Coordinator, Alexandre Bloch, is responsible for incorporating sustainability best practices and specific and measurable goals for each SDG at all project levels and at every level with our eco-system. As a Start-Up, it was important to BeFC to ensure that the company is complying with as many of the directives of Agenda 2030. In other words, to ensure that “we are doing our bit ”to help the environment (and not just through our commercial objectives).
Furthermore, BeFC’s HR policy has placed a keen focus on diversity, inclusiveness and equality in the workplace. Indeed, our adherence to these SDG’s earned us selection for NextUp Asia.
If you would like to know more about how BeFC’s sustainable paper biofuel cells can be an alternative to battery-powered low-power electronic applications contact us by clicking HERE.
Together, power the future with nature. ®
Contact us to find out how BeFC paper biofuel cells are a sustainable alternative to batteries, for a wide range of low-power electronic applications.
Contact us to find out how BeFC paper biofuel cells are a sustainable alternative to batteries, for a wide range of low-power electronic applications.
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