Arkenlight Limited is a UK-based energy technology company founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the University of Bristol’s ASPIRE diamond group. The company specializes in developing innovative radiovoltaic technologies, particularly diamond-based batteries that harness energy from radioactive decay. Led by Professors Neil Fox and Tom Scott, Arkenlight’s mission is to transform the energy sector by creating sustainable, long-lasting power solutions. Its flagship product, the Diamond Battery, is designed to provide continuous power for thousands of years, making it ideal for applications in extreme environments and industries requiring reliable, low-energy sources.
Arkenlight’s technology is rooted in decades of academic research and collaboration with institutions like the UK Atomic Energy Authority. The company focuses on recycling nuclear waste, such as carbon-14, into energy-generating diamonds, offering a unique approach to sustainability. With a strong emphasis on innovation and practical applications, Arkenlight is positioned to address the growing demand for durable, low-maintenance power sources in sectors like industrial IoT, medical devices, and space technologies.
Battery Technology
Arkenlight’s core innovation lies in its diamond-based betavoltaic battery technology, which converts energy from radioactive isotopes into electricity. The company utilizes isotopes like carbon-14 and tritium, embedding them within diamond structures to create voltaic devices. These batteries are capable of delivering a continuous power supply for decades or even millennia, depending on the half-life of the isotopes used.
The Diamond Battery operates by capturing beta particles emitted during radioactive decay and converting them into electrical energy. This process is highly efficient and produces no harmful emissions, making it an environmentally friendly solution. Arkenlight’s tritium-based betalight batteries are already commercially available, offering higher efficiency than competing products. Meanwhile, its carbon-14 diamond batteries are in advanced development, with the potential to revolutionize energy storage by repurposing nuclear waste into a sustainable power source.
These batteries are particularly suited for low-power applications in extreme environments, such as industrial sensors, medical implants, and satellites. Their long lifespan and reliability make them an attractive alternative to traditional batteries, especially in scenarios where frequent maintenance or replacement is impractical.
Recent Projects
In recent years, Arkenlight has made significant progress in advancing its diamond battery technology. The company has successfully grown diamonds using carbon-14, a key milestone in its development process. This achievement has brought its carbon-14 diamond batteries closer to commercialization, with the technology currently at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4.
Arkenlight has also collaborated with Axorus to develop artificial neurons powered by its diamond batteries, targeting medical applications such as retinal implants for patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Additionally, the company continues to work with the UK Atomic Energy Authority and other partners to refine its technology and explore new applications in industrial IoT, space exploration, and luxury watches.
Investors
Arkenlight Limited has attracted support from notable investors and stakeholders. The University of Bristol, where the company originated, holds approximately 18.73% of its shares. Other key shareholders include Morgan Jay Boardman, who previously held a significant stake but resigned as a director in early 2024. The company’s founding team, led by Professors Neil Fox and Tom Scott, remains actively involved in its development and innovation efforts.
Business Details
Location: London, United Kingdom
Website: https://arkenlight.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkenlight-limited
