iWin wins CHF 150,000 to turn skyscrapers into sustainable power plants
29.09.2020
Ticino-based iWin develops a patent-pending solution, based on photovoltaic venetian blinds, that transforms building facades—from passive elements that ensure insulation and waterproofing into active surfaces that produce renewable energy. iWin will use the Venture Kick funding to finalize a minimum viable product.
 From left to right: iWin co-founders Paolo Corti, Diego Porzio, Dr. Francesco Frontini, and Dr. Ruben Roldan Molinero
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Buildings are one of the largest energy consumers in Europe, responsible for approximately 40% of energy consumption and 36% of the CO2 emissions. Traditional rooftop photovoltaic solutions do not meet the energy requirements of multi-story buildings. The use of transparent facades in highly glazed buildings usually comes with a higher operational cost, as the incoming solar radiation is not properly managed and causes overheating. The typical internal blinds improve the visual comfort but keep the solar heat in the indoor space and require additional cooling.
iWin co-founders Dr. Ruben Roldan Molinero (CEO), Dr. Francesco Frontini (COO), Paolo Corti (CPO), and Diego Porzio (CSO) are tackling a CHF 9 billion opportunity to make the global real estate market more sustainable. The team develops the only product in the market for turning multi-story and highly glazed buildings into power plants and preserve their aesthetic standard. With its patent-pending solution—consisting of a smart photovoltaic venetian blind sealed inside an insulating glass unit—iWin combines renewable energy production, light and solar control, and a high-quality window in one single component. The device is maintenance-free and ensures total protection against dirt, dust, or weather conditions.
iWin final customers are real estate developers, building owners, and public authorities. The proptech startup filed its first international patent in 2018, and the first working prototype has been measured and validated at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland. iWin will use the CHF 150,000 Venture Kick funding to finalize a minimum viable product that allows the startup to enter the market. “The boost received by Venture Kick was incredible. It is not just about the excellent network or the financial support but also the personal and professional growth during the acceleration program,” said Paolo Corti, co-founder and CPO.
iWin co-founders Dr. Ruben Roldan Molinero (CEO), Dr. Francesco Frontini (COO), Paolo Corti (CPO), and Diego Porzio (CSO) are tackling a CHF 9 billion opportunity to make the global real estate market more sustainable. The team develops the only product in the market for turning multi-story and highly glazed buildings into power plants and preserve their aesthetic standard. With its patent-pending solution—consisting of a smart photovoltaic venetian blind sealed inside an insulating glass unit—iWin combines renewable energy production, light and solar control, and a high-quality window in one single component. The device is maintenance-free and ensures total protection against dirt, dust, or weather conditions. iWin final customers are real estate developers, building owners, and public authorities. The proptech startup filed its first international patent in 2018, and the first working prototype has been measured and validated at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland. iWin will use the CHF 150,000 Venture Kick funding to finalize a minimum viable product that allows the startup to enter the market. “The boost received by Venture Kick was incredible. It is not just about the excellent network or the financial support but also the personal and professional growth during the acceleration program,” said Paolo Corti, co-founder and CPO.