As wearabes and other small devices are growing in popularity, the problem of power has taken center stage. As it stands right now, battery life is the number one factor limiting wearables. Batteries are the single largest and bulkiest component of every single wearable on the market right now. Thus, companies are forced to decide between bulky and heavy devices, or slim and sleek device with a short battery life. This compromise, however, is only based on the current method of manufacturing batteries. We spoke with one company at the 2015 International CES that is looking to upend the whole manufacturing process.

Imprint Energy has created an ingenious battery manufacturing method. To state it simply, they have developed a way to print batteries:

Imprint Energy aims to reshape the battery landscape. Currently available battery technologies limit the pace of improvement in design and functionality of portable electronic devices. Imprint Energy will address these shortcomings with its breakthrough zinc-based rechargeable battery technology, ZincPoly™. ZincPoly™ battery technology removes longstanding limitations on the rechargeability of zinc-based batteries and enables the production of ultrathin, flexible, high energy density rechargeable batteries for significantly lower cost and without the design limitations or safety concerns of other battery technologies.¹

The company told us that, although they are still in their early form, they have formed partnerships with several high-profile wearable companies to produce the next wave of inexpensive, high-quality wearable batteries. What’s more, in June of 2014, Imprint Energy secured a $6 million A round led by Phoenix Venture Partners. So, it stands to reason that they are on to something.