The LightCatcher is a skylight equipped with sensors and photovoltaic cells, which continuously direct built-in mirrors to orient themselves in order to catch the optimal amount of available light and spread it in the most effective way possible into the space below. The panel is also fitted with filters to keep out UV light and to control the amount of heat allowed through.

The idea came to founder Maarten Michielssens when he was watching a football match on TV and noticed touchline photographers using light meters to capture the best light conditions. The graduate of Vlerick Business School then worked on a prototype with engineers from the University of Ghent. Since the company was founded in 2009, it has fitted the LightCatcher in community centres and sports halls, as well as Schiphol airport.

“Light accounts for about 20% of the energy costs of companies and public buildings, and for schools it can be as high as 70%,” Michielssens said, pointing out that the LightCatcher costs less than half of the cost of lighting interiors with fluorescent lamps. “In fact, we’re selling free daylight.”

First prize was won by d.light, based in San Francisco, which designs and distributes solar light and power products. The prize jury, which included actor and activist Leonardo Di Caprio, was chaired by Iceland’s president, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson.