Optogenetics is a scientific field and set of tools that shines light on genetically modified cells to activate channels within the cells to make them more or less active. The light is often introduced with surgically implanted optical fibers through which laser light is passed into highly targeted regions containing the genetically modified cells. [...]

  Unsure about launching a new product or service or debating about entering a new vertical? There are so many questions to ask and answer. What are the necessary certifications? Input voltages? Sales channels? Market size and growth rate (CAGR)? What are the various categories of applications or product types for the new market sector? [...]

iLamp is a self-powered, feature-packed, smart streetlight and pole, manufactured by Conflow Power Group. Functions include: Solar self-powered, off-grid or on-grid. Lights stay on when the grid goes down. Wi-Fi hotspot built in, and 4 & 5G towers optional. iLamp can become a communications hub for the community. 360 degree camera produces a live feed [...]

  The US General Services Administration (GSA) announced on July 18th that its Green Proving Ground (GPG) program collaborated with the US Department of Energy (DOE) to select 17 emerging sustainable technologies for installation and evaluation. 2 of the 17 technologies are lighting related: A wearable light exposure measurement system from Blue Iris Labs, and [...]

The Global Lighting Association (GLA) has published a white paper, Implementing Internationally Harmonised Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) & Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) For Lighting Products. The international drive for product sustainability has created LCAs and EPDs as tools for quantifying and communicating the environmental impacts of many types of products. LCAs and EPDs are now [...]

  LumiAdd is a UK-based manufacturer of 3D-printed luminaires. The company has recently pioneered the use of discarded coffee grounds as a raw material for making spotlights and downlights. The waste coffee grounds are combined with polylactic acid (PLA). The company uses plant-based polymers, primarily PLA, to print all of its luminaires. 3D printing on [...]

  A former SpaceX executive plans to keep solar farms running at night, using sunlight from space, reflected off an array of orbiting satellites. The startup is aptly named Reflect Orbital, and the company would provide short periods of “Sunlight-as-a-service from space.” Ben Nowack is the CEO of Reflect Orbital, a former propulsion engineering intern [...]

  Sustainability in lighting requires more than just LED light sources. It requires that luminaires be durable, repairable, and upgradable. Zhaga standards have been developed to standardize interface specifications for components of serviceable luminaires. Zhaga calls this framework “Circularity Lighting.” While quality luminaires are designed for lifetimes of 50,000 to 100,000 hours, many connectivity platforms [...]

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) experienced some high-profile bankruptcies and closures and a deep decline in VC funding in 2022 and 2023. However, there are now signs that the CEA market is improving. Investment Trends VC investments in indoor farms declined 90% year-over-year. Several high-profile vertical farm companies went bankrupt and ceased operations. By contrast, 2024 [...]