SolarFoil B.V., an Amsterdam Science Park-based startup, has secured a convertible loan of €300,000 from the Innovation Fund North Holland. SolarFoil is a pioneer in spectral conversion technology designed to optimize sunlight for improved plant growth and production. A spin-off from the University of Amsterdam, SolarFoil was founded by Arnon Lesage, Jasmin Fisher Balil, Yingying Tang, and Peter Schall.
The increasing pressure to transition to more sustainable agriculture due to the climate crisis poses challenges for meeting efficiency needs through traditional methods alone. SolarFoil addresses this issue by harnessing untapped natural sunlight, recognizing the crucial role light plays in plant growth. Current methods of providing light, such as artificial lighting and shading, come with significant energy costs and inefficiencies, especially in sectors like microalgae cultivation.
Wouter Keij, Fund manager at Innovation Fund North Holland “I am delighted that we can support the SolarFoil team and their technology through financing. Further validation in advanced and relevant environments is crucial for the ongoing success of the enterprise ”
The spectral conversion technology tailors the sunlight spectrum to plant needs, increasing crop yields and reducing operational costs. This technology promises a significant impact, aligning with the trajectory of the future green economy.
The Innovation Fund North Holland’s investment will boost SolarFoil’s R&D efforts, particularly for the sustainable large-scale production development. Additionally, the technology’s effectiveness will be further validated in advanced agricultural facilities, specifically greenhouses, for both microalgae cultivation and horticulture. The vision is to revolutionize horticulture and agriculture, fostering a more productive and sustainable food system while supporting the crucial role of microalgae in the future green economy.
Arnon Lesage, Co-Founder of SolarFoil, expresses gratitude for the trust of the Innovation Fund North Holland in SolarFoil’s vision. The funding enables them to bring their technology into greenhouses and take the initial steps to enhance sunlight for horticulture.
Wouter Keij, fund manager at Innovation Fund North Holland, states, “I am delighted that we can support the SolarFoil team and their technology through financing. Further validation in advanced and relevant environments is crucial for the ongoing success of the enterprise.”
Companies interested in SolarFoil's technology can collaborate by reaching out to our Science & Business team at the Amsterdam Science Park. We facilitate connections between businesses and SolarFoil, assisting in establishing contacts with researchers, students, and entrepreneurs involved in this groundbreaking project. Feel free to contact us to discuss possibilities and explore a fitting collaboration.
SolarFoil, founded in 2022, is a spin-off from the University of Amsterdam by Arnon Lesage, Jasmin Fisher Balil, Yingying Tang, and Peter Schall. The company develops spectral conversion technology designed to optimize sunlight for better plant growth and production. The technology will be further validated in advanced agricultural facilities, namely greenhouses, for both microalgae cultivation and horticulture.
The Innovation Fund North Holland is an initiative of the Province of North Holland, University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Hogeschool van Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, and Sanquin. The Fund supports entrepreneurs in the province of North Holland by financing innovation in the Proof-of-Concept phase through convertible loans. The Innovation Fund North Holland manages two funds: one for innovative starters, supported by the RVO, and one for academic starters, supported by EFRO.
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