The Money Is In Batteries

Seriously, the expansion of batteries, whether in hybrids, military, laptops, etc. makes this an area where the rewards, and the potential for investors is nearly unlimited.

DOD officials offer $1 million prize for wearable power innovations
by Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

7/5/2007 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- A typical dismounted troop going out for a four-day mission carries as much as 40 pounds of batteries and rechargers in his pack. Defense Department officials want to reduce that load significantly, and they're dangling a $1 million carrot to entice people to help them do it.

They launched their "wearable power" prize competition July 5 to come up with new innovations to lighten warfighters' loads.

The goal, explained William Rees, deputy undersecretary of laboratories and basic sciences, is to reduce the weight for the power system that drives radios, night-vision devices, global positioning systems and other combat gear, including a recharging system, to about 2 pounds per day.

"The mantra is four days, 4 kilograms," he said.

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