Nativenergy: Rooftop wind energy solutions
First up for reflecting on their time in the Startup Booster batch #6 is Nativenergy: an innovative startup on a mission to revolutionize urban energy landscapes with its rooftop wind energy solutions.
Cities are at the forefront of energy consumption challenges, with buildings accounting for 35-40% of energy use and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. With increasing urbanization and electrification, the demand for clean, renewable - and secure - energy solutions is critical. Nativenergy addresses this challenge with hybrid rooftop wind turbines that integrate with solar panels, maximizing on-site energy generation for buildings.
Rooftop wind turbines that integrate with solar panels
How did the AMS Startup Booster shape the startup’s journey?
Nativenergy notes that it was motivated to join the AMS Startup Booster program due to its focus on urban-tech startups and the reputable institutions that back it: TU Delft, Wageningen University & Research, and MIT, namely.
“Access to mentorship and ongoing support from mentors is probably one of the biggest benefits of the program, and it's still leading to connections post-program too.”
Kartik Kamath, founder
According to the founder Kartik Kamath, the program equipped Nativenergy with tools to continuously refine its business model and product. Mentoring and coaching sessions helped sharpen its value proposition, ensuring it addresses the right customer needs. The program also helped the founder overcome his fear of pitching, allowing him to craft a compelling pitch!
So, what’s next for the startup?
Looking ahead, Nativenergy aims to have a pilot running by Q3 next year with a potential customer or municipality. The focus for this year is on building a proof of concept and iteratively prototyping the turbine to refine its performance and meet customer requirements. Kartik plans to expand the team, bringing on a technical expert with a background in wind turbine development and aerodynamics to accelerate product development.
To achieve its goals, it requires €100,000 for the iterative prototyping phase. This funding will be used to develop and test multiple versions of its turbine, ensuring a pilot-ready product. For the pilot setup, it estimates a need of €500,000, which will cover the fabrication of turbines, procurement of necessary components, and installation of a fully functional pilot setup.
Noord See Lights: Recycle and biobased lighting designs
In a world where “originality often takes a backseat to designer impositions”, Noord See Lights offers a refreshing alternative. Its online tool enables users to design their own lamps sustainably using recycled and biobased materials and local 3D printing.
Its journey began with a clear mission: to make sustainable, personalized lighting accessible to all, and according to the founders, participating in the AMS Startup Booster program was a pivotal step in achieving this goal.
Lamps that can be 3D-printed using sustainable and biobased materials
How did the AMS Startup Booster shape the startup’s journey?
The founders emphasize that the program equipped them with essential entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, transforming initial challenges into ‘manageable tasks’. Key elements like prototyping and mock-ups could be seamlessly integrated with market research efforts, thereby bridging the gap between technical expertise and business acumen.
“The program equipped us with essential entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, transforming our initial challenges into manageable tasks.”
Mick Simmering & Juliëtte Mohamed, co-founders
The AMS Startup Booster also provided the team invaluable opportunities to engage with potential clients: "The exposure and market interaction was crucial, significantly enhancing the product's fit and appeal," say the founders. Furthermore, networking was instrumental, leading to connections with sustainable suppliers and enabling the use of biobased materials.
“Our first customer, with whom we could test the tool and design some lamps, was via the biobased pavilion at the Marineterrein for the Municipality of Amsterdam.”
Mick Simmering & Juliëtte Mohamed, co-founders
They cite a crucial lesson learned: the importance of direct customer interaction. "Assuming that people want what you build is a risk; it’s essential to ask them what they truly want."
So, what’s next for the startup?
Looking ahead, Noord See Lights aims to launch a fully functional, user-friendly tool and further develop its product line. A Kickstarter campaign is planned for next year, alongside collaborations with new designers. The team is also keen to continue building their network.
Batch #7 is now open!
Have the stories of these two batch #6 graduates inspired you? Apply now for batch #7 here.
