Green startups are emerging as key players in this ecological transition, offering innovative solutions to preserve the planet while meeting market demands.
Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Environment, the GreenTech initiative supports and accompanies young innovative companies whose products or services contribute to green and blue growth. 121 companies benefit from the GreenTech label, covering various fields of ecological transition including climate, energy, sustainable construction, mobility, circular economy, and biodiversity. By obtaining a GreenTech label, companies gain visibility conducive to the promotion of their projects.
Lighting without electricity through bioluminescence
“Glowee, it’s the sea that illuminates us.” Co-founded in 2014 by Sandra Rey, Geoffroy de Bérail, and Samuel Juillot, this startup produces light without using electricity thanks to the phenomenon of bioluminescence. This chemical reaction is possible with certain marine organisms such as fish, algae, jellyfish, squid, or shrimp. After manipulating bacteria which are then mixed with nutrients, the resulting mixture, in liquid or gel form, is then enclosed in an organic resin shell, the size of which varies according to the desired light intensity and duration. As one of the ambassador startups of French Tech at COP21, Glowee aims to revolutionize urban lighting by limiting its environmental impact.
“At the beginning, this light only lasted a few seconds. Last year, we managed to extend it to 48 hours, and in recent weeks, we have reached 72 hours. That’s three days of continuous light,” says Sandra Rey enthusiastically. A promising concept indeed.
ILEK, the “first provider of green and local electricity”
Continuing in a logic of sustainable development, ILEK positions itself as the first platform for the sale and purchase of 100% renewable electricity. The Toulouse-based startup, launched at the end of 2016, offers consumers the choice of the origin of the electricity they use, namely hydraulic, wind, or solar.
It all started with a simple observation: 32 million households use electricity in France, but 87% are served by the provider EDF. However, 20% of the total energy production comes from renewable sources, and consumption patterns advocate for the valorization of the territory and therefore proximity. Hence the choice, for ILEK, to turn to green and local energy.
“It is about improving access to local energy for thousands of French people and, tomorrow, millions of Europeans,” explains its founder, Julien Chardon. This tool for connecting producers and consumers is also equipped with software capable of analyzing and optimizing the amount of electricity consumed in real-time. And the concept already seems convincing: “I chose to support a renewable energy producer located 5 km from my home without even knowing that there was a producer so close to me. So, I am contributing to their development,” proudly testifies one of the platform’s users.
OptiMiam, the anti-food waste application
“Purchasing ‘just in time’: a good way to reduce food waste.” The startup behind the concept already has over 150,000 users and 700 partner merchants. Launched in 2014 by Raodath Aminou, Alexandre Bellage, and Meddy Menzikoff, OptiMiam geolocates consumers to offer them offers near them, with discounts of up to 70%. “We offer an average of 40% discount, but it can range from 25 to 80%. There are good deals all day long, but especially after lunch and in the evening,” says Raodath Aminou. How does it work? Merchants update their inventory online daily, indicating their surplus food on promotion.
For the consumer, this is an opportunity to enjoy fresh products at reduced prices. “At OptiMiam, we are convinced that food is meant to be eaten, not thrown away! That’s why we decided to create an innovative solution in the digital age to give more flexibility to local food businesses so they can sell their fresh products in time,” explains Alexandre Bellage. Free for individuals, the application is monetized through subscriptions by professionals. While it already includes Subway, Le Fournil de Paris, and Carrefour City, OptiMiam aims to expand its list of merchants.
