In Croatia, a small team with a bold vision is tackling one of the most pressing challenges in clean energy: reducing reliance on energy-intensive silicon solar panels. Luxyon (ex. Total Energy), founded by materials scientist Stjepan Dolić, is developing semi-transparent, flexible photovoltaic materials based on perovskite thin-film technology.
The goal? A more sustainable, adaptable way to harvest solar energy—one that opens new possibilities for architecture, mobility, and beyond.
Born from academic research and a strong drive to “leave a cleaner world for future generations,” Luxyon combines environmental ambition with deep technical expertise.
Luxyon joined the EIT Jumpstarter programme in 2024, competing in the Raw Materials category. For the team, the impact was immediate.
“It helped us bring our technology one step closer to commercialisation,” explains Stjepan. “We had to rethink our entire product and business model, which turned out to be a breakthrough moment.”
Through intensive mentoring, market validation exercises, and business model development, the team sharpened their strategy and took the first concrete steps towards launching a real start-up. The experience culminated in winning the 1st prize in their category—€10,000 that’s already fuelling their next moves.
At the heart of Luxyon’s work is a new type of solar cell made from perovskite thin films. These next-generation materials are five times less energy-intensive to produce than traditional silicon, and they allow for flexibility and partial transparency.
The technology holds promise for integration into building facades, wearable devices, and lightweight applications where rigid silicon panels fall short. The team’s prototype has reached TRL 5, with a clear path ahead to scale and refine it.
EIT Jumpstarter accelerated Luxyon’s transformation from research idea to market-ready concept. Beyond the prize and recognition, the programme helped them build a realistic business plan, refine their messaging, and define use cases with the strongest commercial potential.
They also gained visibility by winning first place at Croatia’s “Big Bang Science Fair,” further validating their approach and attracting early interest from stakeholders.
Most importantly, the programme gave them confidence. “This award has given us the required boost to keep pushing forward,” says Stjepan. Today, the team is focused on finalising their business set-up and preparing for the next stages of development.
With the prize funding and a clearer roadmap, Luxyon is moving quickly. The team is now establishing a legal entity, refining their prototype, and preparing to enter pilot testing and strategic partnerships.
Their vision extends far beyond rooftops. By replacing conventional silicon with flexible, eco-friendly materials, Luxyon aims to redefine how and where solar energy can be used—from skyscrapers to smart textiles.
Luxyon is just one of many start-ups proving that with the right guidance and support, Europe’s brightest innovations can become market-ready solutions.
Learn more about the EIT Jumpstarter programme.
Connect with Stjepan Dolić on LinkedIn to know more about Luxyon.
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