Second SunRISE TechBridge Challenge solar start-up’s selected

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
 SunSniffer monitors a complete PV power plant, including each individual module. Image: Sunsniffer

Organised by Fraunhofer CSE in partnership with Royal DSM and Greentown Labs, the SunRISE TechBridge Challenge II had selected four early-stage companies from 56 applications to be given support in bringing their technology to market faster. 

As with the inaugural SunRISE TechBridge Challenge in 2016, the winning companies will receive support under Greentown Labs Start-up Acceleration program, technical validation services from the Fraunhofer R&D network, and eligibility for investment by DSM Venturing and/or partnership with DSM Advanced Solar.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Last year, two winners received funding out of the five selected companies (QD Solar and WattGlass) received DSM Venturing investments.

The winners of the SunRISE TechBridge Challenge II include Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Leading Edge Crystal Technologies, which is said to developing a novel manufacturing process to make silicon wafers with higher efficiency and lower cost. However, the technology is being developed to enable production to fit into existing module manufacturing processes without any changes, according to Fraunhofer CSE.

Boston, Massachusetts-based SunDensity was also selected as it is developing a proprietary photonic technology to produce nano-coated solar glass that maximizes conversion of solar radiation into electric power.

Nürnberg, Germany-based SunSniffer, which already has commercialised products, will receive support for its low-cost module-integrated sensor for monitoring PV systems in real-time, enabling increase of energy output and lower maintenance costs.

Finally, Saudi Arabia based NOMADD Desert Solar Solutions will be given support to further develop its low-cost waterless automated solar panel cleaning mechanism, which is designed to significantly reduces yield losses due to dust.
 

Read Next

October 8, 2025
US solar module prices jumped in Q3 2025 as developers scrambled to meet the 2 September 2025 safe harbour deadline for Investment Tax Credit (ITC) qualification, according to supply chain platform Anza.
October 8, 2025
Officials from Norway and Egypt have agreed provisional terms for the financing of the Dandara solar park in Egypt, which is being built and operated by Norwegian IPP Scatec.
October 8, 2025
University of Sydney scientists have created the largest and most efficient triple-junction perovskite-perovskite-silicon solar cell on record.
October 8, 2025
Saatvik Green Energy has secured new solar PV module orders worth more than INR7 billion (US$84 million), to be delivered in this financial year.
October 8, 2025
Frontier Energy plans to expand its Waroona Renewable Energy Project into a renewable energy precinct by 2031, targeting up to 1GW solar.
October 7, 2025
Econergy will acquire 100% stake in the 155MW Ratesti solar project in Romania, further expanding its European renewable energy portfolio.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK