Local University is World's First to Wirelessly Power Students

Powermat Technologies announced the installation of its wireless charging platform at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), allowing students to charge their mobile phones so they can stay connected to the information and learning resources they need while on the go. Becoming the first university globally to offer wireless power on campus, CSUSB will soon integrate Powermat technology into high-traffic common spaces, student union areas, study areas, and on campus cafes and restaurants. The second wave will then see broader implementation in the university’s library and classrooms. “E-learning has become part of every student’s lifestyle with course materials, assignments and videos hosted online and accessible via mobile,” explains Gerard Au, associate vice president, Information Technology Services, CSUSB. “As mobile device usage increases, we need to extend our capability to keep up, and the Powermat platform is an important part of that infrastructure as it will allow our students to stay connected and learning all day long,” He adds that the university has experienced a 16 percent year-over-year increase in the number of mobile devices connected to the campus wireless network, which the university recently upgraded. However, many students were being hindered by a lack of electrical outlets. “The Powermat platform allows us to monitor the charging spots and take full advantage of usage trends. We can then engage students with university-sponsored information via the Powermat application when they charge. Having the ability to manage the technology and engage students beyond a simple charging solution is what made us decide to partner with Powermat,” explains Au. Staying powered is more important for students than ever before, and remains a top concern and source of anxiety for mobile consumers. In a recent consumer survey, those who use wireless charging in venues have agreed it would positively influence their decision to visit a venue (79 percent). In fact, 87 percent of those surveyed said they would stay in a venue (up to an additional 30 minutes -- 39 percent) if it offered wireless charging. “Taking Powermat to the world of education is the logical next step. Today’s students are from a mobile generation who are used to learning and consuming a great deal of information on their smartphones, and therefore need access to the power that helps them live their lives,” said Thorsten Heins, CEO of Powermat Technologies. “The Powermat platform also has the unique ability to allow universities the opportunity to send targeted and contextual information and updates to students as they charge or when they are on the go.” There are additional benefits to introducing Powermat in educational institutions. As students charge, they will have one less distraction as they learn or study. Having extra power can help minimize down time and improve student success by staying connected, focused, and efficient. Moving forward, the university plans to work with the school’s psychology and education departments to build the first case study on whether the side effects of wireless charging could lead to improved learning.