Konarka Technologies develops and provides organic thin-film photovoltaic solar plastic films that convert light into energy. The company’s core product is flexible photovoltaic film aimed at next-generation solar panels. It has entered a comprehensive R&D agreement and full-scale collaboration with Konica Minolta to jointly develop and distribute organic thin-film photovoltaics. Planned development goals include higher conversion efficiency, longer operational life, and lower manufacturing costs to enable mass production. Konarka received a $20M strategic investment from Konica Minolta to support this collaboration and potential commercialization. The company operates worldwide with a full-scale production facility in New Bedford, Massachusetts, European headquarters in Nurnberg, Germany, business development offices in Asia, and an R&D facility in Austria. Konarka’s core product is a patented flexible polymer called Power Plastic that converts sunlight to energy. The company has partnered with German apparel retailer Neuber to integrate Power Plastic into “Sun Bags” that weigh 500 grams including a continuously rechargeable battery, come in 37 colors, and can have printed designs. Konarka has explored multiple applications beyond portable charging, including smart cards, personal-care device chargers (toothbrushes), emergency generators for police, military and medical use, solar carport/garage covers for electric cars, and integration into window panels for buildings. Its Power Plastic is described as lightweight and sleek compared with some heavier-looking photovoltaic backpacks and cases on the market. Konarka has attracted significant financing to commercialize its product and bring it to market. The company was founded in 2001 and is based in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Total raised

$65M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Mar 2010