10173971Powered by Life: Bio-Engineered Coin Cell Alternatives for WearablesClosedFast Start ResponseInnovate UKOur project pioneers a **sustainable alternative to coin cell batteries** by developing a **bio-engineered, printable power source** tailored for wearable electronic devices. This next-generation battery leverages biological materials and green chemistry to create a lightweight, flexible, and environmentally responsible energy solution. Conventional coin cell batteries rely heavily on finite resources, hazardous materials, and manufacturing processes with high environmental impact. They also pose serious end-of-life challenges, particularly for single-use wearables, as they are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfill. Our innovation integrates principles from **synthetic biology, bio-materials engineering, and printed electronics** to reimagine how power can be generated, stored, and used in small-format devices. The battery is designed to be **non-toxic, biodegradable, and printable**, using safe, naturally derived materials that can be produced and disposed of with minimal environmental impact. The printed battery will offer low-voltage, short-duration energy storage suited to many common wearable applications such as **health monitoring patches, disposable environmental sensors, and smart packaging**. It enables device manufacturers to transition away from polluting power sources and towards **circular, sustainable product lifecycles**. As part of this project, we will develop and test a working prototype of the battery, validating key performance indicators such as voltage, flexibility, shelf life, and environmental safety. We will also explore pathways for scalable, cost-effective production using existing printing infrastructure. This work supports the UK's strategic ambitions for a **diverse, secure and sustainable connectivity and electronics supply chain**. By combining biology with engineering, we are not only advancing a novel type of energy storage we are also demonstrating the broader potential of **engineering biology** to transform materials, reduce waste, and support clean innovation across industries. We believe this innovation can catalyse a new category of **eco-conscious, biologically inspired electronics**, supporting the UK's leadership in green technology and synthetic biology. This project could pave the way for safer, greener alternatives to disposable batteries used in wearables.