Harnessing the power of innovation, SunCubes, located in Milan, has secured a significant €1.1 million in seed funding to develop its unique laser-based wireless charging technology. As drones become increasingly integral to numerous sectors, the challenge of limited flight duration due to battery constraints continues to impede their potential. By converting electrical energy into laser beams, SunCubes aims to extend the flight autonomy of drones, enabling longer operations without interruptions.
In earlier developments, SunCubes has gained recognition through industry accolades like the T-TeC and Test-It Awards. This early validation has positioned SunCubes against competitors who focus on more traditional drone charging solutions, such as Germany’s Skycharge, which uses contact-based stations. Similarly, alternatives like solar-powered infrastructures are being explored but have not yet achieved significant market domination. SunCubes stands out with its wireless, non-contact system, which it intends to develop further with the newly acquired funding.
How Will SunCubes Utilize the Funding?
The recent funding round was led by RoboIT and CrossConnect, both under CDP Venture Capital’s National Accelerator Network. This financial backing will facilitate the development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for SunCubes’ innovative power system. The investment supports the company’s strategic focus on robotics and industrial automation technologies.
Which Industries Stand to Benefit Most?
Industries that will benefit from SunCubes’ technology include urban logistics and industrial monitoring, where continuity of operations is crucial. By eliminating the need for docking stations or frequent physical battery changes, drones could perform tasks with increased efficiency. SunCubes’ approach also holds promise for space-based applications, potentially expanding its market reach.
Founded by a team of aerospace engineering graduates from Politecnico di Milano, SunCubes has also been part of the European Space Agency’s business incubation network. This has provided the startup access to valuable resources and a European platform for growth. CEO Alberto Chiozzi articulates the company’s vision by stating, “With this funding, SunCubes takes a decisive step toward creating technology that will radically change the way we think about drone autonomy and their future applications.”
The startup’s presence at PoliHub and acceleration through ESA BIC Milan allows it to leverage both academic support and space industry expertise. This collaboration is expected to facilitate the successful development and commercialization of SunCubes’ technologies, such as the SunCubes Light and SunCubes Lucy, and to establish itself as a leader in wireless energy transmission.
Having solidified its standing within the competitive landscape through early achievements and strategic funding, SunCubes aims to distinguish itself with its laser-based approach. “The integration of our technology into existing systems offers a unique solution by providing uninterrupted power supply without physical interference,” says CTO Tommaso Aresi.
SunCubes faces a challenging yet promising road ahead as it pursues this innovative approach to drone autonomy. The wireless power transfer market shows a growing demand for solutions that allow uninterrupted operations, making SunCubes’ laser-based technology particularly relevant. As it progresses from MVP to market deployment, the startup will likely face competition from both established players and emerging innovators in the wireless technology sector.
