新たな社会の実現を目指した発電インクの開発と社会実装に向けたスタートアップの未来

抄録

This review article discusses the development of power-generating ink and the future of startups aimed at its social implementation toward building a new society. Driven by the vision of delivering access to electricity for all people worldwide, the author has pursued research on materials that enable electricity generation simply by coating various substrates such as glass, plastics, and paper. Unlike conventional siliconbased solar cells that require large-scale, energy-intensive manufacturing processes, power-generating ink can be produced under ambient conditions, offering advantages in recyclability and suitability for decentralized energy systems. The author’s career transition from an industrial researcher to an academic was strongly influenced by the Great East Japan Earthquake, which highlighted the limitations of existing energy technologies during emergencies. Encounters with Nobel laureate of Prof. Hideki Shirakawa further reinforced the importance of conveying the joy of scientific research to younger generations, leading the author to engage deeply in education at a technical college. To address disparities in science education and concerns over declining interest in science, the author established an NPO focused on energy and science education. Furthermore, recognizing structural challenges in transferring academic research to society, the author founded a startup company to promote long-term and value-driven social implementation of powergenerating ink. This technology holds particular promise for off-grid regions, disaster preparedness, and carbon-neutral societies, while also serving as a practical educational platform that integrates research, entrepreneurship, and societal contribution.