US – Passionate about bringing space-based deployable solar array technology to Earth, Sego Innovations has crowdfunded over £193,000 ($245,200, €224,600) on Kickstarter for its latest invention: Sego Charger. An innovative solution for power on the go, the device is a foldable origami solar panel designed for portability – it can easily slide into backpacks and pockets.
A convenient choice for travellers, the origami-inspired design features durable and visible hinges for sturdiness and is laminated with weather-resistant plastic, making it virtually dust- and dirt-free. It also comes with a tripod, enabling easy set-up on various terrains, and is built to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Users can effortlessly charge their personal devices by plugging them directly into the panel that boasts a 25-watt power rating. After the first batch, expected to ship in Q2 2024, Sego Innovations plans to offer the foldable origami solar panel in various wattages, including 50-watt, 100-watt and over 400+-watt options, to meet different power needs.
The Sego Charger team drew inspiration from their collaboration with NASA engineers. Their research on the origami technique used for space-based solar arrays led to the development of this Earth-based solution tailored for travellers and backpacking enthusiasts.
In our coverage of Milan Design Week 2023, we highlighted similar brands and creatives tackling the global energy crisis head on with tangible solutions through the lenses of urban – and now nomadic – living.
Strategic opportunity
Consider how your existing hardware and systems could adapt to new forms of energy generated by devices such as the Sego Charger. Could you set more ambitious ESG targets to reduce your carbon footprint while preparing for a future when a lack of fossil fuel could generate global electricity cuts on a daily basis?