In the race to build smarter and more sustainable cities, Polish startup SEEDiA is charging ahead with a suite of solar-powered urban furniture that's turning heads from Warsaw to Taipei.
Co-founder Artur Racicki outlined the company's evolution from a single product to a comprehensive urban solution provider. "We started with benches," Racicki said, "but quickly expanded to info kiosks, e-bike charging stations, and bus shelters. Our goal? To power it all with nothing but sunlight."
Credit: SEEDiA
SEEDiA's flagship product, the smart bench, is a marvel of modern urban design. Equipped with E Ink e-paper screens sourced from Taiwan, these solar-powered seats offer more than just a place to rest. "Imagine charging your phone, accessing Wi-Fi, and listening to Chopin, all while sitting in the park," Racicki explained. The company's bus shelters follow suit, featuring phone charging stations and smart LED lighting that activates after dark.
Central to SEEDiA's success is its partnership with E-ink, the Taiwanese e-paper giant. "The quality of color e-paper is just amazing at the moment," Racicki enthused, hinting at future applications ranging from city lighting to digital art frames. The startup is strengthening ties with E-ink and its partners like Netronix to bring these innovations to a wider market.
Credit: SEEDiA
The company's financials paint a picture of a startup on the cusp of significant growth. "We're bootstrapping until now," Racicki revealed, "doing EUR 1 million revenue for the last year. And at the moment, we are thinking about investment." This conservative approach has served SEEDiA well, allowing it to refine its product lineup and prove market viability before seeking external funding.
Industry watchers are taking note. The recent NXP Award at InnoVEX not only validates SEEDiA's technology but also positions the company as a frontrunner in the smart city space.
The Polish startup is eyeing expansion, with a major European project in the pipeline. The company's growth trajectory aligns with global trends towards greener, more connected urban environments. As cities worldwide seek to reduce their carbon footprints and enhance public services, SEEDiA's off-grid, solar-powered furniture could become as ubiquitous as streetlights.
The startup's rise parallels the growing demand for sustainable urban infrastructure. With installations in 259 cities across 24 countries, SEEDiA is tapping into a market that's only set to expand as cities worldwide grapple with climate change and energy efficiency.
For investors and city planners alike, SEEDiA represents a compelling proposition: urban infrastructure that's not just smart, but self-sustaining. As urban centers increasingly prioritize sustainability and digital integration, SEEDiA's solar-powered solutions offer a glimpse into the future of city living.
