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Energy harvesting chip startup Casimir has launched out of stealth with a $12 million seed round, says founder and CEO Harold "Sonny" White.

Why it matters: If commercialized, the unique tech could offer one more way to trickle-charge devices, or it could extend an EV's range.  

Zoom in: Scout Ventures led the round, which included Lavrock Ventures, Cottonwood Technology, Capital Factory, American Deep Tech, and Tim Draper of Draper Associates.

How it works: The company's chips take advantage of the Casimir effect: metal plates in empty space get pushed together because quantum fluctuations outside them are stronger than the ones trapped between them.  

Casimir uses nanotechnology to make chips about the size of a pinky nail that harvest energy from the quantum field. 

The company says its first chip will be designed to produce 1.5 volts at 25 microamps and will target ultra-low-power electronics, like tire pressure monitoring systems and wearables.

If the chips are scaled up and the performance improves, multiple chips could theoretically provide power for gadgets, EVs, or grid infrastructure.  

Reality check: Casimir's chips would be the first in the world to use the quantum field to trickle charge devices. 

In terms of how investors look at technology risk, this is high up there.  

Catch up quick: Founded in 2023, Casimir was incubated at the Limitless Space Institute (LSI), a space-focused nonprofit founded by X-energy founder Kam Ghaffarian. Ghaffarian is also an investor and board member.

White worked at NASA for 20 years as an advanced propulsion researcher, and earned a Ph.D. in physics from Rice University.

White says he's been singularly driven by the idea of getting human beings past Mars in their exploration of the solar system, which would require physics breakthroughs and persistent power. Casimir is a crack in the latter.

White says he's been working on the science for 20 years, publishing papers, and received funding from DARPA Defense Science office to figure out how to make the chips.

What we're watching: The company hopes to make its first-generation chip for customers to test by 2028.

Exclusive: Casimir raises $12M to harvest quantum energy

If commercialized, the chips could trickle charge lower-power devices

White smartphone with a blue, textured back panel and a triple-camera module rests on a light ribbed fabric surface; white case with blue accents adds a glossy finish.

A rendering of Casimir's energy harvesting chips paired with an iPhone. Image: Courtesy of Casimir

Energy harvesting chip startup Casimir has launched out of stealth with a $12 million seed round, says founder and CEO Harold &quot;Sonny&quot; White.Why it matters: If commercialized, the unique tech could offer one more way to trickle-charge devices, or it could extend an EV&#x27;s range.

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Exclusive: Casimir raises $12M to harvest quantum energy

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