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Heliatek develops and manufactures flexible, ultra-light organic solar films designed for seamless integration into diverse architectural surfaces. Its core product, HeliaSol, utilizes organic photovoltaics (OPV) technology, allowing for bendable, adhesive solar solutions that are independent of high temperatures and IEC-certified. The company's production process employs a roll-to-roll series manufacturing approach, ensuring scalability and a sustainable supply chain free of scarce materials or rare earths.
The company was founded in 2006 as a spin-off from collaborative research between TU Dresden and Ulm University. Co-founders, including Karl Leo, Martin Pfeiffer, and Bert Männig, leveraged their academic expertise to develop the foundational insights for organic photovoltaic technology. Their vision centered on overcoming the limitations of conventional solar panels to enable broader application of solar energy.
Heliatek’s products are adopted by construction companies and building owners seeking to generate clean energy without compromising aesthetic or structural requirements. The flexible solar films can be applied to various building envelopes, such as roofs and facades, transforming previously unusable surfaces into power generators. The company's vision is to unlock the comprehensive potential of solar energy, facilitating rapid carbon footprint reduction and supporting businesses in achieving their environmental sustainability objectives.
Heliatek has raised $184.2M across 5 funding rounds.
Heliatek has raised $184.2M in total across 5 funding rounds.
Heliatek is a technology company specializing in organic photovoltaics (OPV), developing and producing ultra-light, flexible solar films like HeliaFilm® and HeliaSol® that enable buildings and various surfaces to generate clean electricity.[1][3][5][6] These products serve the building, construction, and automotive industries by solving the problem of limited solar installation options on non-traditional surfaces such as vertical facades, curved roofs, or low-load-bearing structures, where conventional rigid panels fail.[2][4][5] With a focus on sustainability, Heliatek's films boast an ultra-low carbon footprint of less than 10 g CO₂e/kWh—far below crystalline silicon modules—and use non-toxic materials for easy disposal.[3][4][6] The company, employing around 160 people in Germany, is ramping up industrial-scale roll-to-roll (R2R) production, transitioning from R&D to volume manufacturing of up to 1 million m² annually, with products certified to international standards like IEC 61215 and UL 61730.[2][3][5][6]
Heliatek was spun off in 2006 from the Technical University of Dresden and the University of Ulm, uniting experts like founding members Karl Leo, Martin Pfeiffer, Bert Männig, Peter Bäuerle, Jens Drechsel, and Harald Eggers in organic optoelectronics and oligomer synthesis.[1][2][6][8] The idea emerged from pioneering research in organic photovoltaics, aiming to create flexible, sustainable energy solutions beyond rigid silicon panels.[1][6] Early milestones included proof-of-concept development from 2007-2011, winning the German Future Prize in 2011 and World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer recognition in 2015, followed by series production inauguration in 2019 and the 2021 market launch of HeliaSol®—the first certified organic solar film.[2][6]
Heliatek rides the net-zero building trend, unlocking untapped solar potential on global building envelopes—facades, roofs, and structures—to make every building a power generator amid rising demand for decentralized, green energy.[1][5][6] Timing aligns with EU and German funding for sustainable tech, post-Paris Agreement pushes for low-carbon PV, and urban decarbonization needs, where OPV's adaptability outperforms silicon in non-optimal orientations.[3][6] Market forces like material shortages for silicon and mandates for energy-positive buildings favor OPV's efficiency in diffuse light and low weight; Heliatek influences the ecosystem via partnerships (e.g., LafargeHolcim for energy-generating concrete) and pilots proving doubled energy yields over roof PV.[4]
Heliatek is poised to scale OPV into mainstream adoption, with its Dresden R2R line ramping to gigawatt potential and expansions into automotive and beyond-building applications.[2][3] Trends like AI-driven manufacturing, deeper decarbonization targets, and flexible electronics will accelerate growth, potentially making OPV the go-to for urban solar. Its influence may evolve from pioneer to supplier ecosystem leader, enabling a world of independent, green energy as envisioned—transforming static structures into dynamic power sources.[1][6]
Heliatek has raised $184.2M in total across 5 funding rounds.
Heliatek's investors include btov Partners, Converge Venture Partners, Metaplanet, Project A Ventures, Reiner Mauch, innogy, Aqton Partners, BASF, BNP Paribas, CEE Group, ENGIE, European Investment Bank.
Heliatek has raised $184.2M across 5 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $18.0M Series D in October 2017.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2017 | $18.0M Series D | btov Partners, Converge Venture Partners, Metaplanet, Project A Ventures, Reiner Mauch | |
| Sep 21, 2016 | $69.2M Debt / Series D | innogy | Aqton Partners, BASF, BNP Paribas, CEE Group, ENGIE, European Investment Bank, High-Tech Grunderfonds, TUDAG TU Dresden, Wellington Partners |
| Sep 1, 2016 | $47.0M Series D | btov Partners, Converge Venture Partners, Metaplanet, Project A Ventures, Reiner Mauch | |
| Sep 1, 2014 | $23.0M Series C | Aqton Partners | btov Partners, Converge Venture Partners, Metaplanet, Project A Ventures, Reiner Mauch, BASF, Bosch, eCAPITAL, High-Tech Grunderfonds, innogy, Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen, Wellington Partners |
| Nov 1, 2009 | $27.0M Series B | Bart Markus | btov Partners, Converge Venture Partners, Metaplanet, Project A Ventures, Reiner Mauch, BASF Venture Capital, Alexander Flaig, eCAPITAL, GP Bullhound, High-Tech Grunderfonds, innogy, Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen |