Goodbye to the power outlet: A journey of innovation and adaptation

“It would be nice if my grandchildren see a power outlet in a picture later and don’t know what it is. That I have to explain to them that in the past, electricity came out of the wall to charge things. That this is a very unfamiliar concept to them because they grew up with devices that are charged with power from artificial light.” This vision belongs to Tijmen Bakker, a 33-year-old entrepreneur and a fellow at the Faculty of Impact class of 2022.

The early days: A dream in the making

When Bakker first joined the Faculty of Impact, his ambition was to revolutionize energy generation by using artificial light in greenhouses—not just to grow plants but also to generate electricity. However, he soon discovered that this idea was not financially viable. Despite the initial setback, the program’s coaches, Frans Nauta and Hans Westerhof, encouraged Bakker to explore alternative applications for his solar cell technology.

Bakker and his team quickly shifted focus. They realized that their solar cells, which convert artificial light into electricity, were not ideal for large-scale projects like greenhouses but had tremendous potential for smaller devices such as smoke detectors and remote controls. The idea was simple yet powerful: these devices are often surrounded by excess artificial light, so why not harness this to power them? Bakker imagined a future where everyday gadgets could be charged by the ambient light in our homes, eventually reducing the need for batteries and electrical cords, thus contributing to a more sustainable world.

The evolution: A new direction

Fast forward to today, and the story has taken a new turn. Reflecting on his journey, Bakker acknowledges that the technology was too early-stage to bring to market. “We completely made an overhaul,” he explains. “First, some fundamental questions need to be answered, and we want to do this in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam (UvA).” As a result, the focus of his company, Lightcore, has shifted. They are now dedicating their expertise to integrating solar cells into various products, responding to a growing market demand.

While the original dream of launching a DSSC (Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell) business did not materialize as planned, Bakker remains optimistic. “When the DSSC becomes more developed, together with the UvA, we hope to have the technical and market knowledge to bring it to a successful launch.”

Growth and transformation

Bakker’s journey through the Faculty of Impact has also led to personal growth. “I am definitely developing towards being an entrepreneur,” he shares. The most significant change in him has been a shift in mindset. “Not trying to expect that everything I want to know is on the internet, but rather talking to people.” This insight underscores the importance of human interaction and mentorship—valuable lessons that have come from the program’s support and coaching, which, as Bakker confirms, exceeded his expectations.

Since completing the Faculty of Impact program, Bakker has discovered a newfound drive to succeed even without the initial funding that the program provided. This determination is fueling his current efforts to make a lasting impact in the world of sustainable technology.

Words of wisdom

To those who will follow in his footsteps at the Faculty of Impact, Bakker offers this advice: “Start talking to people (investors, coaches, customers) from day one.” His experience illustrates that while the journey may not always go as planned, the key to success often lies in adaptability, persistence, and the willingness to seek out and engage with others.