Pollen, a Portuguese technology company that develops a universal battery and a network of automated stations for two-wheeled electric vehicles, was distinguished by TIME as one of the best inventions of 2026, according to a press release.
According to the same source, the TIME Best Inventions list, announced today, has for 25 years distinguished the year’s most innovative ideas and products, evaluated by its editors and correspondents around the world. The selection spans different areas, from health to artificial intelligence, with energy and transportation included, highlighting solutions with the potential to transform the way we live and work.
This distinction highlights the potential of the technology developed by the Portuguese startup to address one of the main barriers to the electrification of mobility in cities: the low electrification of motorcycles. Motorcycles remain essentially powered by gasoline, because electric motorcycles cost more and take hours to charge, and Pollen’s technology provides a response to these limitations. Instead of charging, the rider stops at a station, swaps the empty battery for a charged one in seconds, and continues the journey. The same battery serves multiple brands and models, which allows a single network of stations shared by the whole city.
“Cars are becoming electric, but motorcycles are not, and Pollen exists to change that. Seven months ago we put our first station on the street and we are working to reach more and more people. Seeing this work recognized by TIME is a recognition for the entire team and an incentive to go further,” says Rui Bento, CEO of Pollen.
In operation in Lisbon since March, Pollen has already carried out more than 25 thousand battery swaps in the first months of activity. The company, founded by Rui Bento and Miguel Morgado, has raised to date €3.2 million, in a pre-seed round led by Pale Blue Dot and Mustard Seed Maze.
