Innovative yoga mat-inspired thin-film solar technology is a This revolutionary technology that can be conveniently transported as a roll, effortlessly unfurled atop a building, and seamlessly extended across the rooftop within minutes
Indian American student Shiv Bhakta emerges victorious in MIT’s renowned $100K Entrepreneurship Competition with his startup Active Surfaces, showcasing an innovative yoga mat-inspired thin-film solar technology.
This revolutionary technology can be conveniently transported as a roll, effortlessly unfurled atop a building, and seamlessly extended across the rooftop within minutes.
This approach substantially reduces installation costs, paving the way for broader utilization of rooftop solar across various locations.
Shiv Bhakta, an Indian American graduate student enrolled in MIT’s Leaders for Global Operations dual-degree program, co-founded Active Surfaces along with Richard Swartwout. Their vision is to harness materials science and manufacturing advancements from MIT’s labs to realize the creation of ultra-thin, lightweight, and resilient solar panels. The startup’s recent triumph at the May 15 competition, which is among MIT’s most prominent entrepreneurship contests, signifies a major milestone for the company.
The primary goal of Active Surfaces is to introduce flexible solar panels that possess the remarkable characteristics of being as thin as paper while maintaining the efficiency levels of conventional panels. This technological innovation comes with an unprecedented affordability, making it possible to integrate solar energy into various surfaces. Shiv Bhakta articulated this goal, stating, “Our motto is to create flexible solar panels that are as thin as paper, just as efficient as traditional panels, and at unprecedented cost floors, all while being applied to any surface.”
Shiv Bhakta’s journey toward sustainable innovation began with his arrival at MIT, where he aspired to contribute to a greener world. Through the establishment of Active Surfaces, he has witnessed his dream taking tangible shape. The startup’s mission of transforming any surface into a potential energy source holds immense promise in reducing global CO2 emissions on a significant scale.
Shiv Bhakta’s role now encompasses securing customers for pilot projects, entering into long-term contracts to secure early revenue, and garnering support to demonstrate the scalability of their innovative solution
The $100K victory has brought about remarkable attention and opportunities for Active Surfaces. Engagements with MIT alumni, as well as participation in esteemed accelerators like Cleantech Open, Venture For Climatetech, and ACCEL at Greentown Labs, showcase the substantial interest this innovation has garnered. The startup has also enlisted the expertise of MIT Sloan interns for the upcoming summer.
The next phase for Active Surfaces entails advancing their product development, establishing partnerships with pilot partners, and scaling up their technology’s applicability. Their focus lies in increasing the width of the technology from 100 millimeters to 300 millimeters, incorporating a roll-to-roll manufacturing process. Overcoming engineering challenges and refining performance are central to achieving this expansion.
Shiv Bhakta’s role now encompasses securing customers for pilot projects, entering into long-term contracts to secure early revenue, and garnering support to demonstrate the scalability of their innovative solution. The aspiration is clear: to usher in a new era of solar energy accessibility and sustainability. The victory at MIT’s $100K Entrepreneurship Competition serves as a testament to the potential impact of Active Surfaces in shaping a greener future.
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