Solar Impulse Foundation
The Solar Impulse Foundation is a Swiss non-profit that certifies and promotes 1,640+ clean and profitable climate solutions through the Solutions Explorer platform, connecting 5,170+ innovators, investors, adopters, and policymakers globally via its Efficient Solution Label audited by Ernst & Young.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersLausanne, Switzerland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Solar Impulse Foundation does
Solar Impulse Foundation is a Swiss non-profit organization headquartered in Montricher, Switzerland, founded by Bertrand Piccard following the 2015-2016 solar-powered circumnavigation of the globe. The Foundation operates a global ecosystem for identifying, certifying, and scaling clean technologies that are both environmentally beneficial and economically profitable, organized around three core pillars: the Efficient Solution Label, the Solutions Explorer database, and the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions. Its central platform, the Solutions Explorer, is a curated, free-access search engine showcasing 1,640+ labeled climate solutions assessed by independent experts and audited by Ernst & Young across 20 focus topics ranging from Clean Aviation to Circular Economy. The Foundation connects four primary stakeholder groups — 5,170+ innovators, investors, adopters, and promoters, supported by 335 expert evaluators — through events, matchmaking, advocacy, and accelerator programs, with 100M+ euros of investments facilitated and 150+ B2B events hosted since 2020.
The Foundation operates on a donation and grant-based revenue model, with no fees charged for membership, labeling, or platform access. Core products include the Efficient Solution Label (valid for three years with re-certification), the AI Explorer for AI-powered solution discovery, the Investment Hub for connecting innovators with investors, the Pioneer Awards annual recognition program, the Global Impulse Program for startup acceleration, and the Prêt à Voter legislative advocacy initiative. Strategic partners include Schneider Electric Foundation, BNP Paribas, Airbus Foundation, Bouygues, AXA, Adeo, and the UN Environment Programme, alongside regional government partners in Switzerland, France, Scotland, Belgium, and Portugal. The Foundation extends its reach through flagship initiatives such as Climate Impulse, a green hydrogen-powered circumnavigation project announced for 2026, and educational programs targeting schools, universities, and cities. Advocacy engagement spans UNFCCC Climate Negotiations (COP26 through COP30 and scheduled COP32), the European Commission, the European Investment Bank, and UN Environment Programme, positioning the Foundation as both a solutions catalog and a policy thought leader in the cleantech ecosystem.
Solar Impulse Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Solar Impulse Foundation
- Legal name
- Solar Impulse Foundation
- Website
- https://solarimpulse.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Solar Impulse Foundation is a Swiss non-profit that certifies and promotes 1,640+ clean and profitable climate solutions through the Solutions Explorer platform, connecting 5,170+ innovators, investors, adopters, and policymakers globally via its Efficient Solution Label audited by Ernst & Young.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Solar Impulse Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Climate Solutions Certification & Ecosystem Services
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Climate Target-Setting, Transition Planning & Performance Management Platforms (EUABAEAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Regulatory & Disclosure Strategy (CSRD/ESRS, ISSB/IFRS S2, SEC, TCFD) (EUABAKAH), Environmental, Climate & Sustainability Standards & Reporting Cooperation (BPADANAI)
Keywords
Where Solar Impulse Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lausanne
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Solar Impulse Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Donations and Grants: The foundation operates as a Swiss non-profit organization receiving donations from partners, public entities, and individuals to support solutions that create jobs and generate profit while reducing pollution and preserving natural resources.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Solar Impulse Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Solar Impulse Foundation identifies, assesses, labels, and promotes clean and profitable climate solutions through its Solutions Explorer database (1,640+ labeled solutions) and the Efficient Solution Label certification audited by Ernst & Young. It connects innovators with investors, adopters, and policymakers via the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions (5,170+ members), the Investment Hub, advocacy programs, and flagship events such as the Pioneer Awards and Pioneers Forum.
Product overview
The Solar Impulse Foundation operates a unified ecosystem of interconnected products and programs centered on its Efficient Solution Labeling system. The core platform is the Solutions Explorer—a searchable database of 1000+ certified clean and profitable climate solutions, complemented by the AI Explorer for AI-powered discovery. The World Alliance (5170+ members) serves as the community backbone, while the Investment Hub facilitates funding connections. Key programs include the Global Impulse Program for startup acceleration, Pioneer Awards for recognition, and Pioneers Forum as the flagship event. The Foundation also runs advocacy initiatives including Prêt à Voter (legislative proposals) and partners with UNEP and cities/regions globally. Climate Impulse demonstrates hydrogen aviation technology, while the Educational Corner and City of Tomorrow exposition spread awareness. The Efficient Solution Label (audited by EY, recognized by EC/UN/WEF) certifies solutions' environmental and economic viability.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Solutions Explorer A free-access search engine and database showcasing 1,000+ clean and profitable climate solutions assessed by independent experts. Enables businesses, public authorities, and individuals to filter solutions by sector, client, application, environmental benefit, and technology.
- Efficient Solution Label Certification label that validates solutions as both environmentally beneficial and economically viable. Rigorous 5-step process (initial application, full application, expert evaluation, final review, re-certification); label valid for three years.
- World Alliance for Efficient Solutions Global network of 5,170 members (innovators, investors, adopters, promoters) supported by 335 independent experts, promoting efficient solutions among decision-makers, media, and the public to accelerate cleantech adoption.
- AI Explorer
Quantifiable outcome
- 1,640+ solutions labeled and 100M+ euros of investments facilitated
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Solar Impulse Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Solar Impulse Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Feature3 records
Solar Impulse Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- UN Environment Programme (UNEP)coreStrategic partnership to develop the Catalogue of Climate Solutions for Buildings, selecting Optiml's Real Estate Decision Intelligence (REDI) platform for inclusion. The collaboration aims to accelerate adoption of proven climate solutions globally.
- Schneider Electric FoundationcoreLong-standing partner supporting the Foundation's mission. Schneider Electric collaborated on reports including Energy Efficiency for SMEs with the EIB Group, demonstrating practical applications of clean technologies in buildings and industrial processes.
- Airbus FoundationcorePartner supporting the Foundation's aviation and mobility initiatives, leveraging expertise in aerospace and sustainable aviation technologies.
- BouyguesmajorConstruction and real estate partner contributing to green building solutions and sustainable construction practices in the Foundation's ecosystem.
- Région Île de FrancemajorRegional government partner in France supporting the Foundation's advocacy work and bringing solutions to the attention of regional decision-makers.
- Région Grand EstmajorRegional government partner providing direct support and collaboration on bringing sustainable solutions to cities and businesses in the Grand Est region of France.
- Scottish GovernmentmajorDirect support provided by the Scottish Government for the Foundation's advocacy work and clean technology adoption initiatives.
- Wallonia RegionmajorRegional government partner in Belgium providing direct support for the Foundation's initiatives to promote efficient solutions.
- Service for the Promotion of the Economy and Innovation (SPEI)majorPartnership with Vaud region's SPEI to select ten startups for the Global Impulse Program, accelerating international expansion of cleantech companies including Droople, Voltiris, Enerdrape, Perovskia Solar, TeraSol, Ecorobotix, WasteFlow, Neology Hydrogen, CompPair Technologies, and Verretex.
- AdeomajorHome improvement retailer partner working with the Foundation to promote clean technologies and sustainable solutions in the retail/home improvement sector.
- AXAmajorInsurance partner collaborating on sustainable solutions and risk management approaches for clean technology implementations.
- H55minorCompany founded in 2017 by Solar Impulse alumni André Borschberg, Gregory Blatt, and Sébastien Demont, working to certify electric propulsion systems for aviation.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Solar Impulse Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Project Drawdown: Project Drawdown reviews and ranks climate solutions based on their potential to reduce greenhouse gases, providing a curated public resource of effective solutions. Directly comparable to the Solutions Explorer as a curated, expert-assessed database of climate solutions.
- Carbon Trust: Carbon Trust is a global climate consultancy that certifies low-carbon products, technologies, and businesses through independent verification. Closely analogous to the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label model of third-party-assessed certification of clean solutions.
- We Mean Business Coalition: We Mean Business Coalition convenes businesses and investors to accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy, mirroring the Foundation's adopter-and-investor matchmaking and policy advocacy model.
- Climate KIC: Climate KIC is the EU's climate innovation initiative, running accelerators, labeling innovation, and convening cleantech communities. Closely aligned with the Foundation's Global Impulse Program, World Alliance model, and policy advocacy at EU level.
- Climate Action Tracker (CAT): CAT is an independent scientific assessment that tracks government climate action against Paris Agreement commitments. Comparable to the Foundation's independent expert assessment and policy-credibility role, though focused on government targets rather than solutions.
Broad incumbents
- B Lab / B Corp: B Lab certifies companies meeting verified standards of social and environmental performance. Comparable as a third-party-assessed certification label for sustainable businesses, though broader than the Solar Impulse Label's product/solution focus.
- CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project): CDP runs the world's largest environmental disclosure platform used by investors, companies, and policymakers to measure and act on climate impact. Comparable to the Foundation's role as an environmental data and disclosure intermediary between corporates, investors, and regulators.
- RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute): RMI is a global clean-energy think tank that curates and promotes actionable climate solutions to policymakers and businesses. Directly comparable to the Solar Impulse Foundation's mission of bridging solution providers with adopters and governments through research, convening, and advocacy.
- World Economic Forum (WEF) Climate Initiatives: WEF's UpLink platform and climate initiatives crowdsource and scale innovative solutions globally while convening governments and businesses at Davos. Comparable as a global multi-stakeholder convening and solution-curation platform with high-level policy access.
Emerging players
- EIT InnoEnergy: EIT InnoEnergy invests in and accelerates sustainable energy startups across Europe, combining capital, expertise, and ecosystem access. Comparable to the Foundation's Global Impulse Program and Investment Hub for cleantech startups, with deeper venture capital capabilities.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks1 record
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Solar Impulse Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceSolar Impulse Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Solar Impulse Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Solar Impulse Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Solar Impulse Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments9 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Solar Impulse Foundation
What does Solar Impulse Foundation do?
The Solar Impulse Foundation identifies, assesses, labels, and promotes clean and profitable climate solutions through its Solutions Explorer database (1,640+ labeled solutions) and the Efficient Solution Label certification audited by Ernst & Young. It connects innovators with investors, adopters, and policymakers via the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions (5,170+ members), the Investment Hub, advocacy programs, and flagship events such as the Pioneer Awards and Pioneers Forum.
Is Solar Impulse Foundation a public or private company?
Solar Impulse Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Solar Impulse Foundation founded?
Solar Impulse Foundation was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Solar Impulse Foundation based?
Solar Impulse Foundation is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Solar Impulse Foundation make money?
One revenue line is on record: donations and Grants.
Who are Solar Impulse Foundation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Project Drawdown, Carbon Trust, We Mean Business Coalition, Climate KIC and Climate Action Tracker (CAT). Broad incumbents are B Lab / B Corp, CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute) and World Economic Forum (WEF) Climate Initiatives. EIT InnoEnergy is listed as an emerging player.
Does Solar Impulse Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Solar Impulse Foundation.
What industry is Solar Impulse Foundation in?
Solar Impulse Foundation's product category is Climate Solutions Certification & Ecosystem Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUABAEAF, Climate Target-Setting, Transition Planning & Performance Management Platforms, with a secondary code of EUABAKAH, Regulatory & Disclosure Strategy (CSRD/ESRS, ISSB/IFRS S2, SEC, TCFD). Its NAICS code is 813312 and its SIC code is 8731.