Future Tech Ventures investeert in start-up Fused Button Battery
Th 30 January 2025
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.
A step forward towards child-proof button cell batteries: Future Tech Ventures invests in start-up Fused Button Battery
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.
Op zondag 31 mei 2026 staat Groningen in het teken van sport, doorzettingsvermogen en betrokkenheid. Tussen alle lopers is ook het herkenbare roze van Vrienden Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis zichtbaar.
The LIFE Cooperative, part of the Northern Netherlands life sciences ecosystem at Campus Groningen, is organizing the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon together with FIGON on Thursday, 26 February. This fully booked event brings together leading scientists and industry experts to explore the latest developments in innovative medicines and advanced drug delivery. Read the full article as published by the LIFE Cooperative.National Attention for Sold-Out Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon: Innovative Medicines and Advanced Drug Delivery Take Center Stage in Groningen Innovation in medicines takes center stage on Thursday, 26 February during the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon, an inspiring event organized by FIGON (Federation for Innovative Drug Research Netherlands) in collaboration with the LIFE Cooperative. “We are extremely proud of the strong line-up at this event, bringing together leading experts from science and industry to explore the frontiers of drug development. The fact that registrations are already fully booked underlines the great importance of this event for the life sciences ecosystem, and in particular for the Northern Netherlands,” says Ronald Hesse, Director of the LIFE Cooperative. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon brings together scientists, innovators, and professionals from across the Netherlands for an afternoon of insights, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities. The speaker line-up features experts from both academia and industry. This event is already fully booked. Interested in joining the waiting list? Please email: amber@lifecooperative.nlConnecting force The afternoon will be opened by Prof. Klaas Poelstra of the University of Groningen (RUG), Chair of FIGON, who will outline the importance of innovative drug development in the Netherlands. This will be followed by an introduction by Robert Hof on behalf of the LIFE Cooperative, highlighting the cooperative’s role as a connecting force within the regional ecosystem. The first session block before the break focuses on innovation in drug delivery systems. Rob Steendam (CTO, InnoCore) will discuss the development of long-acting SynBiosys® microspheres for controlled and sustained drug release. Jaap Wieling (CEO, PureIMS) will present the potential of dry-powder inhalation via the Cyclops® technology for both pulmonary and systemic indications. From an academic perspective, Prof. Marleen Kamperman (University of Groningen) will explore the potential of polyelectrolyte coacervates as innovative drug delivery platforms.Deep dive After the break, the focus shifts to advanced nanomedicines and clinical development strategies. Dr. Flávia Sousa (RUG) will present her work on polymer-based nanomedicines for the delivery of biotherapeutics to the brain. Dr. Ad Roffel (ICON plc, Groningen) will address mass balance and absolute bioavailability studies with ¹⁴C-labeled drugs in humans, an essential component of clinical drug development. Prof. Erik Frijlink (RUG) will reflect on the value of innovation within both established and advanced drug delivery systems, placing technological progress in a broader pharmaceutical context. Finally, Prof. Helder Santos (RUG) will demonstrate how nanomedicines are being used for RNA delivery in myocardial infarction repair, a promising development in cardiovascular therapy. “We are extremely proud of the strong line-up at this event, bringing together leading experts from science and industry to explore the frontiers of drug development. The fact that registrations are already fully booked underlines the great importance of this event for the life sciences ecosystem, and in particular for the Northern Netherlands." - Ronald Hesse, director LIFE CooperativeClosing and networking The afternoon will conclude with a contribution by Peter Ketelaar (LIFE Cooperative), followed by closing remarks from Prof. Klaas Poelstra. Participants will then have the opportunity to connect and continue discussions during the networking reception. Hesse looks forward to the event: “With this event, FIGON and the LIFE Cooperative underline the strength of collaboration between academia, industry, and clinical practice. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon promises not only to be an inspiring afternoon, but also to provide momentum for further innovation and collaboration within the Northern Netherlands life sciences ecosystem.” Text: lifecooperative.nlPhotographer: Casper Maas
The master plan for the Healthy Ageing Campus has officially been approved! This marks an important step in developing the campus as a hub for knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. With a focus on greenery, health, and connection to the city, the campus will become a vibrant environment where research, education, healthcare, and business come together. The vision provides space for new laboratories, building renovations, meeting places, and closer collaboration between UMCG, RUG, and the business community. Read the whole article by the UMCG below.Green light for the Healthy Ageing Campus Master Plan On Wednesday, 18 February 2026, the Groningen City Council formally approved the master plan for the Healthy Ageing Campus. This is a major milestone, as the plan provides the framework for the campus’s further development and its integration with the surrounding area. At the end of last year, the University of Groningen (RUG), the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), and the City of Groningen presented an ambitious, future-proof plan for the campus. Shared ambitions have been translated into coherent spatial and programmatic guidelines for current and future developments. In other words: how much space is available for which functions on the campus, and where is the most suitable location for them? The renewed campus will: Provide space for knowledge, innovation, and collaboration, encouraging interaction between disciplines and people; Connect with the city, making the campus a natural part of Groningen life; Be a healthy and sustainable environment, with attention to greenery, physical activity, wellbeing, and a living environment that supports health; Be lively and accessible, bringing together living, working, research, studying, and healthcare.Next steps The master plan is not only a blueprint for the future, but also a concrete step toward further developing the current campus. Construction and renovation on the UMCG and RUG grounds are ongoing, and each project must now be assessed to determine what is possible. With the approval of this master plan, the way is cleared for follow-up decisions, including applying for demolition and building permits and further project development within the area. Upcoming projects include: The construction of the Central Laboratory for Diagnostics and Research (CLDR): a new laboratory building on the site of the former UCP building. This building will bring together various laboratories in one location to improve collaboration. Relocating laboratories from the Central Medical Complex is also necessary for the renovation and expansion of several hospital departments; Renovation and future-proofing of existing UMCG and RUG buildings, with attention to sustainability, flexibility, and integration with the heating/cooling system; Making the campus greener and more accessible, creating new meeting places and better connections to surrounding public spaces; Creating space for campus-related business activities, strengthening collaboration between UMCG, RUG, and the private sector.Municipality explores the future of DOT Initially, the master plan covered the area between Petrus Campersingel and Oostersingel, from Hanzeplein to the Oosterhamrikkanaal. In the newly approved plan, the Bodenterrein site has been separated, as the municipality is investigating the costs of possibly preserving DOT. More information on this will be available later this year. Read more about the Master Plan.Source text and pictures: umcg.nl
