About us

2012 to 2020

Research

Between 2012 and 2020, Dr. Ruben Hünig conducted research at KIT and ZSW Stuttgart on bionically inspired anti-reflection structures. Natural models such as flower petals served as the basis to specifically couple light into solar cells and thus minimize reflections. This research laid the foundation for today's anti-glare technology from Phytonics.

2020 to 2021

Company formation

From 2020 to 2021, research became reality: the founding team prepared the spin-off from KIT and founded Phytonics GmbH in 2021.

Supported by funding programs such as EXIST, a young high-tech company was created with the goal of making the developed technology market-ready and making photovoltaics glare-free.

2022

Development

In 2022, Phytonics focused on the further development and optimization of the technology for use on full-size solar modules. Initial pilot projects were successfully implemented, and the technological properties – especially glare reduction and light yield – were validated in the field. At the same time, the foundation for the later market entry was laid.

2022 and 2023

Prices

In the years 2022 and 2023, Phytonics was recognized for its technological developments. In 2022, the team won 1st place at the KIT Founder Pitch at the NEULAND Innovation Day, followed by the KIT Innovation Award in 2023. The awards honor the successful transfer of bionic research into marketable solar technology.

2023

Pilot project

In 2023, Phytonics completed the first successful pilot project: the roof of a hillside residential building in Saarland was glare-free. Thanks to the special surface structure of the coating, disturbing reflections could be significantly reduced and neighborhood peace restored – a crucial step for the social acceptance of PV systems in sensitive locations and an important milestone on the path to market maturity.

2024

Market launch

In 2024, Phytonics officially launched the distribution of the Anti-glare film. After intensive development work and successful pilot projects, the technology was released to the market. Since then, private customers, installers, and operators of larger systems have been able to rely on an innovative solution that effectively reduces disturbing glare while largely preserving the performance of solar modules.