The technology developed by Solaxess won over the four members of the jury as well as internet users who were also able to vote. The latter awarded 451 votes to Solaxess, 282 to Oculight Dynamics and 101 to Enuu.
Some thirty start-ups entered the race for the first Prix SUD. Launched this spring, it seeks to give visibility to companies that develop an innovative, responsible and marketable product or service.
The winning Neuchâtel start-up markets nanotechnology films that are placed over photovoltaic panels. These can be coloured to suit the tastes of the architect or the client. They can be used not only on roofs but also the façades of buildings.
Solaxess, which was also awarded the Zurich Climate Prize in 2016, now works with a dozen solar panel manufacturers. The five-person start-up is beginning to receive its first real orders. A project involving 20,000 squares is in the pipeline for Lausanne. It also plans to equip an apartment block in Basel, a building in Paris and another in Vernier.
Prix SUD - an award launched by "Le Temps" and supported by Romande Energie