FlexSol Solutions, a Delft-based solar energy startup, has won Z-Wave Labs IoT startup competition.
FlexSol Solutions won the competition with its NxT solar powered outdoor lamp. The lamp powers itself with integrated cylindrical solar panels and stores the energy in an integrated battery that runs the RGBW light emitting diode (LED) lights. NxT is controlled through a smartphone app. Its adapts automatically to sunrise and sunset. For homeowners it offers the possibility to customise the light based on activity or mood.
As a part of the prize FlexSol Solutions will receive Z-Wave Alliance membership and access to the new Z-Wave IoT ready 500 series development kits.
“Z-Wave makes the NxT interact with other home automation systems, resulting in increased functionality, comfort and security”, says Lennert van den Berg, CEO of FlexSol Solutions to StartupJuncture. Adding: “The NxT is the next generation in solar outdoor lighting. Combining Z-Wave wireless control with our advanced solar technology, we can create a unique outdoor lighting solution that is truly wireless and ready for the future.”
Started in May 2015, Z-Wave Labs, sponsored by the Z-Wave Alliance is a global competition designed to encourage IoT innovation on the Z-Wave platform. The Z-Wave protocol was developed in 2001 by Zensys, a Danish company from Copenhagen. The technology ensures that devices can share information and allows all Z-Wave hardware and software to work together. The protocol is primarily used for home automation. The companies that develop product on top the Z-Wave protocol have come together in the Z-Wave alliance. The alliance claims to have 600 companies and 2100 products that work on the Z-Wave platform.
“There are a lot of untapped potential synergies between sustainable energy solutions and the smart home, and the NxT solar lighting solution meets a unique need,” says Mitchell Klein, Executive Director of the Z-Wave Alliance in the press release about the winner. “We are excited to welcome FlexSol Solutions and their innovation around renewable energy and IoT to the Z-Wave ecosystem.”
FlexSol Solutions states that it plans to integrate Z-Wave technology this year and get NxT ready for production, starting with a first small series at the end of this year. Van den Berg: “Our aim is to eventually develop a family of lighting products, with different looks and features. We are looking into the possibilities for starting a crowdfunding campaign as well.”
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash