Switzerland-based Voltiris has announced the completion of a CHF 4.8M (€5.07M) seed funding round aimed at accelerating its solar energy solutions for greenhouses. The company, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), focuses on enabling energy-intensive greenhouses to integrate solar technology while maintaining optimal growing conditions for light-sensitive plants. This funding round highlights the growing interest in technologies that combine agricultural efficiency with renewable energy.
In past developments, Voltiris has been steadily building its reputation. The company has conducted 12 commercial pilot projects across Switzerland and neighboring countries, showcasing its spectral filter technology. Strategic collaborations with energy providers like Elektra Baselland and Romande Energie further laid the groundwork for its green-energy ambitions. While earlier progress focused primarily on technical validation, the latest funding indicates a shift towards market expansion and scaling production.
What makes Voltiris’ technology unique?
Voltiris has developed an innovative solar module featuring a large reflector that redirects non-essential wavelengths to solar energy production while allowing necessary light for photosynthesis to pass through. This approach ensures greenhouse operations remain energy-independent, cost-effective, and sustainable. By integrating solar energy into agricultural settings, these modules aim to reduce greenhouse reliance on external power grids and lower carbon emissions.
The company has identified over 10,000 hectares of high-tech greenhouse infrastructure in the Netherlands alone, highlighting its significant market potential. Its pilot projects have demonstrated the viability of the technology across Europe, including Belgium and France, reinforcing the scalability of its modular solar solutions in diverse agricultural settings.
How will the funding be utilized?
The latest funding round, co-led by EquityPitcher Ventures and 3M Ventures, alongside climate-tech fund Satgana and several family offices, is aimed at scaling Voltiris’ operations. The company plans to expand into key agricultural markets while implementing large-scale projects. A partnership with 3M for production optimization is also expected to lower manufacturing costs, aiding in commercial scalability.
“This funding allows us to accelerate commercialization, optimize our solution, and execute our pipeline of projects in markets like Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium,” said Nicolas Weber, CEO and co-founder of Voltiris.
Weber added that the company’s focus extends beyond technology development, with plans to recruit experts in agronomy, solar project development, and sales to support its growing project portfolio.
Voltiris co-founder Nicolas Weber emphasized the dual benefits the technology offers to growers, stating,
“Over the past two years, we’ve validated the unique value Voltiris brings to greenhouse growers: improved profitability, sustainability, and energy independence.”
By targeting energy-intensive greenhouses, the company seeks to address both economic and environmental challenges, contributing to the broader decarbonization goals of the agriculture sector.
As the demand for renewable energy solutions in agriculture rises, Voltiris is well-positioned to scale its spectral filtering technology. Future challenges will include navigating market competition and regulatory frameworks. However, the company’s partnerships and technical foundations offer a strong base for growth. As greenhouses continue to adopt renewable strategies, Voltiris could play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable agricultural practices across Europe.
