National Initiative Honors Heliatek and Its Solar Films as a Selected Landmark 2012 in the Land of Ideas

The Land of Ideas initiative designated Heliatek GmbH a “Selected Landmark 2012″ on Oct. 26, 2012 for its organic solar films. As part of its nationwide competition, “365 Landmarks in the Land of Ideas,” the organization presents every day an outstanding example of creativity and innovative drive that is focused on preparing Germany for the future.

The ultra-thin, lightweight and optionally transparent solar films of Heliatek are suitable for a very wide range of applications thanks to their unique properties. Thus, the films can be applied in places where traditional solar modules cannot offer the required performance or design properties. The Heliatek solar films are particularly suitable for integration into construction materials or vehicles as well as for mobile applications and light construction projects.

Since 2006, the “365 Selected Landmarks in the Land of Ideas” competition has been supported by the nation-branding “Germany – Land of Ideas” initiative in cooperation with Deutsche Bank. Andreas Fichte of Deutsche Bank presented Heliatek CEO Thibaud Le Séguillon with the “Selected Landmark 2012″ award, while emphasizing, “As a spin-off from two universities, Heliatek is a vivid example for the creativity of Germany as a knowledge center. This innovative capacity is one of our driving forces for wealth and growth.”

Heliatek wanted to dedicate its day in the Land of Ideas to young researchers and scientists in the field of new energies, inviting them to an open house day. Besides expert lectures on organic photovoltaics and an exclusive tour of the company, the guests had the opportunity to exchange ideas directly with company directors. Dr. Martin Pfeiffer, co-founder and CTO of Heliatek GmbH, gave the students tips on how to approach research in new fields while Le Séguillon explained what type of measures are necessary to successfully transition new technology from lab to market.

“We are very proud to be a ‘Selected Landmark’ in the Land of Ideas,” Dr. Pfeiffer said. “Heliatek has successfully established itself as the global leader in organic photovoltaic technology. Just few months ago, we launched the world’s first roll-to-roll manufacturing facility for our innovative solar films and are now developing the first commercial applications in collaboration with industry-leading partners in the construction materials and automotive fields. As a university spin-off, it was especially important to us to celebrate this award on this day with students. We hope to provide a motivating example of how technology that was once a researcher’s dream now has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate renewable energy in the near future.”

A jury of scientists, business executives, journalists, and politicians chose to honor Heliatek GmbH and its flexible solar films from a field of more than 2,000 applicants.