After a brisk and energetic pitching session, the winner of the very first Step Change program has been selected by the jury on Thursday, June 29.
The Step Change program is one of the novelties introduced by GPD 2017 aiming to move the glass industry forward by bringing in startup companies, new technologies and innovative ideas.
On the second day of the conference, 22 companies coming from different parts of the world shared the stage to give a 3-minute pitching presentation and convince the jury of the viability of their business idea.
The diversity of the lineup was impressive. From integrated electronic solutions, to AR and VR, to advanced coatings and cutting technologies – the unfolded spectrum proved that there are a lot of undiscovered opportunities for glass.
Brite Solar Glass was selected to be the winner of the pitching competition. Founded in 2009 in Thermi, Greece, the company develops transparent solar cells for usage as power-producing glass for greenhouses, homes and office buildings. The solution promises to reduce the energy footprint and at the same time produce electrical energy from light – all at very competitive cost.
Rick Orlando, VP Business Development of Brite Solar Glass, shared his impressions from the competition: “Wining the competition means exposure to us. The Step Change program gives visibility to companies, which they otherwise wouldn’t have. And that’s the best thing – trying to get the message out to as many people as possible and find partners.”
“I think the main reason why we won the competition is because we are addressing the issue critical to people. The technology existed for years, but it has been too pricey and never realized. But now we can do that,” Rick adds.
Watch the video interview:
