LDA backed project wins gold at top design awards

A London based energy company, supported by the London Development Agency (LDA), has received a top design award for its revolutionary AA batteries.

Moixa Energy, whose USBCELL battery recharges itself whilst plugged into a personal computer's USB port, has been rewarded Gold status at the iF Product Design Award's (sometimes referred to as a 'Design Oscar').

Recognized for their sustainable design that reduces battery landfill waste and C02 emissions, the USBCELL battery is more energy efficient to use and re-use compared to alkaline and other rechargeable batteries.

The ongoing success of USBCELL follows the provision of an LDA research and development grant to Moixa Energy in November 2005.

Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength, winning a 2007 National Energy Efficiency Award, the European Office Products Award, the National Energy Entrepreneur of the Year Award and commended by Design Week as a finalist for best product design of 2006.

LDA Chief Executive Manny Lewis said:

"USBCELL is a great example of investment in research and development projects can resulting in products that are not only at the cutting edge of design, but beneficial to the environment and consumers alike. I congratulate Moixa Energy on their latest award and would encourage other companies to follow their example as a template for success."

CEO of Moixa Energy, Simon Daniel said:

"The fact that our USBCELL battery can beat the world's best electronics and consumer brands demonstrates the importance of sustainable design. Today's portable and wireless devices eat batteries - over 15 billion batteries are now made / thrown away each year - equivalent to a column of batteries to the moon and back, wasting resources, C02 and landfill. The world needs better battery technology like our USBCELL rechargeable batteries that can be recharged anywhere from a USB port on a desktop, laptop or games station - making it easier to re-use anywhere, saving hassle, money and waste."

The USBCELL is already in stock across the UK high-street in stores such as Currys, Comet, Staples, John Lewis and Dyas. Moixa Energy now plans USBCELL battery conversions for mobile phones and internet access devices that save consumers from carrying cables or adaptors.

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For media enquiries, please contact Luke Robinson at the LDA Media Team on 020 7593 8069 or lukerobinson@lda.gov.uk for public enquiries, please call 020 7593 8000;for out of hours media enquiries, please call 07977 439 371.

Notes for editors

1. The London Development Agency works to improve quality of life for all Londoners and drive sustainable economic growth.
2. The USBCELL (www.usbcell.com), designed by British design duo - Simon Daniel and Chris Wright, took one of 50 prestigious iF Gold Product Design Awards against a competition from 2771 entries from 35 countries.
3. See the International Forum Design website to view the awards.
4. The UK alone throws away 22,000 toxic tonnes of batteries each year. Moixa Energy believes that sustainable product and better power design can help reduce global energy and resource waste.
5. The iF Design Awards, supervised by the International Forum Design based in Germany and run since 1954 is regarded as one of the most important global design competitions.
6. Moixa Energy can be contacted via Simon Daniel CEO, or Filipe Vieira (Press Liaison) 020 7734 1511 or press@usbcell.com.