The start up Fused Button Battery has developed groundbreaking technology to make button cell batteries safer and prevent serious accidents in children. If swallowed, these batteries can trigger dangerous chemical reactions. With a €295,000 investment from Future Tech Ventures, the technology can now be further developed and scaled up. Read the whole press release of Future Tech Ventures here.
Fused Bu(on Ba(ery has developed groundbreaking technology to make bu(on ba(eries safer and
prevent serious accidents involving children. The issue they are tackling is alarming: when a child
accidentally swallows a bu(on ba(ery, it can trigger a chemical reac<on in the esophagus. This
reac<on releases harmful substances, primarily highly alkaline ions, which can cause severe <ssue
damage. In the most serious cases, this can lead to life-threatening situa<ons, such as the
dissolu<on of the esophagus and aorta. With an investment of €295,000 from Future Tech Ventures
(FTV), the technology now can be developed and implemented on a larger scale.
The innova)on by Fused Bu/on Ba/ery revolves around an integrated safety mechanism. The
creators of this innova)on have designed an ingenious system that induces an internal short circuit as
soon as the ba/ery encounters bodily fluids. This short circuit safely discharges the ba/ery before any
chemical damage can occur. The safety system is ac)vated only when the ba/ery has been
sufficiently exposed to moisture for a prolonged period.
Since 2020, Fused Bu/on Ba/ery has applied for mul)ple patents and con)nues to refine its design.
The company has also a/racted a/en)on from major interna)onal manufacturers such as Duracell,
Energizer, Gold Peak, Panasonic, Swatch, and Varta, increasing the poten)al for worldwide
implementa)on. "Profit is not our primary goal," says co-founder Tjark Ebels. "Our company is
commi/ed to broad adop)on so that ba/ery-related accidents become a thing of the past."
Tjark Ebels, a cardiothoracic surgeon at UMCG, and ENT specialist Frederik Dikkers are the ini)al
founders of Fused Bu/on Ba/ery. They have seen numerous children who had swallowed bu/on cell
ba/eries. “Our goal is to ensure this never happens again with our innova)on.” To make a global
impact, the company also expanded its team last year by bringing in Dirk van Slooten (Execu)ve
Board Sempra Energy NL, former CEO of Vopak LNG). "Having Dirk involved has been a great
experience. He adds the entrepreneurial perspec)ve to the company and helps us with business
planning and other corporate aspects," says Tjark Ebels.
A crucial role
Deepak Veeregowda, Investment Manager at FTV, explains the investment: "In the US, Reese’s Law
offers some protec)on against bu/on ba/ery dangers, but warnings alone are not enough. FBB is
leading the way with ba/eries that safely diffuse in physiological condi)ons—because no child’s
safety should depend on a label. Our investment will drive innova)on and push for EU policies that
encourage collabora)on with manufacturers to priori)ze safer ba/ery designs."
With this technology, Fused Bu/on Ba/ery plays a crucial role in preven)ng accidents and increasing
safety, especially for young children. This innova)on demonstrates how groundbreaking ideas can
have a direct and life-saving impact.
Source text and photo: Future Tech Ventures
Who is developing the most impactful innovation in Life Sciences & Health in the Northern Netherlands? Five companies are in the running for the LIFE Science Innovation Award 2026: Flux Robotics, Limosa Immunodiagnostics, SPCTR, MimeCure and GlycanScan International. The nominees will present their innovations on Tuesday 22 September during the fifth edition of the LIFE Science Conference in Groningen. An independent jury will select the winner, who will receive a €10,000 cash prize.
A much-loved tradition The Campus Trail has become a much-loved tradition on campus. Students, employees and professionals from companies and organisations across the campus ecosystem lace up their running shoes for a sporty 6.4-kilometre route through buildings and past some of the campus’s unique labs. The rapid growth in registrations shows just how much the Campus Trail has become part of the campus community. The combination of sport, meeting others and the unique campus setting makes the run a great opportunity to connect with people outside the usual work and study environment. And there’s no need to head home as soon as you cross the finish line. During the after-party, hosted by Contini Catering, participants can relax together, enjoy a drink and celebrate the afternoon. There’s still time to join: those who want to take part can register online until 3 September, or sign up on the day itself using the PIN Campus Trail 2026 | Campus Groningen.
ZonMw is expected to open the final call for proposals within the PharmaNL Shared Development Infrastructure (SDI) program line. This program line focuses on strengthening the infrastructure for the development, upscaling, and production of innovative medicines in the Netherlands.
