Through this success story, learn how French start-up Dracula Techologies became a leading European player in the production of organic photovoltaic energy.

1. About KIC InnoEnergy
KIC InnoEnergy is a European company
dedicated to promoting innovation,
entrepreneurship and education in the
sustainable energy field by bringing together
academics, businesses and research institutes.
Our goal is to make a positive impact on
sustainable energy in Europe. We do this by
creating future game changers with a different
mind-set, and bringing innovative products,
services and successful companies to life.
KIC InnoEnergy is one of the first Knowledge
and Innovation Communities (KICs) fostered
by the EIT. We are a commercial company
with 28 shareholders that include top ranking
industries, research centres and universities,
all of which are key players in the energy field.
More than 150 additional partners contribute
to our activities to form a first class and
dynamic network that is always open to new
entrants and furthers our pursuit of excellence.
Although we are profit-oriented, we have a
“not for dividend”financial strategy, reinvesting
any profits we generate back into our activities.
Making an impact
If we take 100 as the cost of any goods produced
or consumed in Europe, 27% accounts for
energy costs. That means that a mere 1%
reduction of this cost will save €20 billion,
which contributes to the sustainability and
competitiveness of the European energy market.
info@kic-innoenergy.com
www.kic-innoenergy.com
DRACULATechnologies
See the light
with organic
photovoltaic energy
DRACULA Technologies, a leading European player in the
production of organic photovoltaic energy, was born of
a collaborative project between companies and research
centres in Valence, France. KIC InnoEnergy France has been
incubating the start-up since it began its activities in 2012.
DRACULA Technologies has brought an innovative digital
printing process of photovoltaic cells to the market that
allows for energy self-sufficiency. These extremely light
printed cells can capture solar energy and transform it into
power. What’s more, they can be created on demand to any
specific customer requested design. The low cost of printing
(approximately 1 Euro/watt) and the five-year efficiency
lifespan make this solution perfectly suitable for integration
with accessories, such as backpacks and luggage, as well as
toys and design items.
www.kic-innoenergy.com

2. Please tell us about DRACULA Technologies and its products.
I started working in the innovation sector in 2006, initially with the fluid
jetting company Ardeje. This company is also based in Valence, as is the
parent company of DRACULA Technologies, and it was their expertise
in ink printing technologies that helped us to create our own start-up,
in late 2011. DRACULA Technologies’core activity is the production of
specifically designed organic photovoltaic devices that can be produced
on demand. Our goal is to become the European leader in this sector.
How did you choose the name for the company?
Actually, we racked our brains to find a name that enabled us to stand
out from the crowd. All photovoltaic company names seem to refer
to the sun, so we wanted to avoid that. We also wanted the company
name to act as a branding and marketing tool for us – we think we have
done that!
How do you digitally print with this product?
Once we have digitalised the design selected by our customers, we
can print on it the various layers that will compose the solar panel. Our
ink-printing technology is compatible with a wide range of materials
for both indoor and outdoor use. For instance, DRACULA Technologies
provided equipment for the sand marathon runner, Benoît Laval, who is
also CEO of the outdoor clothing and equipment manufacturer,
Outdoor Raidlight. Our technology allowed him to charge his GPS while
he was running rather than having to stop to do so, or needing to carry
a solar panel, weighing about a half a kilo, on his back while he ran.
What is the competitive advantage of digitally printing
organic photovoltaic solar cells?
This is a real breakthrough in photovoltaic technologies! Our positioning
is unique: we not only create solar panels but also the energy storage
device, and so integrate the whole solution into the end product.
The challenge lies in the fact that we can’t modify the initial production
of a product, (be it a backpack, strollers, packaging, etc. often
manufactured in Asia), and so need to integrate our technology into the
end product. Our solution is so innovative that we have even received
a regional award for it; we are proud to have won the“Technology and
High Technology”category of the Artinov Prize.
What are your target markets?
To date, our target markets are the sports, outdoors, mobility (loading
a GPS or a smartphone on the go) and packaging industries.
We collaborate with market leaders for packaging solutions that
include both lighting and power. They will sell the final, customised
product to a niche on the luxury market. For instance, our solution will
allow you to have a drink with your friends while your smartphone
charges via a USB plug connected to a mini solar panel that is
positioned on your champagne bottle.
How did you benefit from KIC InnoEnergy’s support?
KIC InnoEnergy has incubated our company right from the beginning
of our activities. First of all, KIC InnoEnergy encouraged me to follow
coaching classes designed for young CEOs such as myself. As a CEO it
transformed me entirely as I went from managing people to managing
a whole business. Thanks to KIC InnoEnergy’s business coaching, I learnt
all the tools and work methods that I still use today. Last but not least,
KIC InnoEnergy connected us to important decision-makers and design
and communication advisors who helped us think innovatively about
how to integrate our technology into their products.
What are your plans for the coming months?
We are currently hiring a business developer to strengthen our sales
force, accelerate our development and reach a larger number of
customers. We also plan to hire and train production technicians to
accommodate rapid business growth. In terms of product development
for 2014, we are working on developing a range for both lighting and
power, as well as standardising the prices for basic printing.
Do you have any recent successes that you would
like to share with us?
DRACULA Technologies proudly presented its expertise and innovation
to Ms. Fleur Pellerin, former-minister delegate for SMEs Innovation and
Digital Economy of France, on her visit to Valence. She was particularly
interested in our technology and the unique solutions we have to offer.
Success story. DRACULATechnologies
We interviewed Brice Cruchon, CEO of DRACULA Technologies, to learn more about
the company, its products and his entrepreneurial experience.
Brice Cruchon, CEO of DRACULA Technologies, showing the
printed cells to the French minister, Fleur Pellerin.
DRACULA Technologies provided equipment for the sand marathon runner, Benoît Laval,
who is also CEO of the outdoor clothing and equipment manufacturer, Outdoor Raidlight.
KIC InnoEnergy receives funding
from the European Institute
of Innovation and Technology
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