Innovation

Ekiona is a Spanish company founded about 15 years ago by Borja, who identified a gap in the market for solar-powered street lighting. Drawing on experience in renewable energy projects such as photovoltaic and geothermal systems, Ekiona developed a comprehensive solution to provide sustainable, off-grid lighting systems for cities and communities.

The company’s innovation revolves around three main pillars. First, they create custom solar lighting designs for each client, assessing local solar energy availability, consumption needs, and compliance with lighting regulations. Second, Ekiona developed an intelligent control algorithm that adjusts light intensity according to seasonal variations — for instance, dimming slightly during winter to conserve battery life and maintain illumination throughout the night. Third, their remote management system allows clients to monitor lighting networks online, modify settings, and track environmental impacts such as CO₂ emissions prevented.

Recently, Ekiona also integrated weather forecasting technology, enabling the system to predict low sunlight days and automatically conserve energy in advance. Through this innovation, the company directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by providing renewable lighting, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through smart urban systems, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by improving urban safety and efficiency, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing carbon emissions.

Together, these innovations make Ekiona a model for sustainable infrastructure that combines engineering, smart technology, and environmental responsibility.

Inspiration

The inspiration behind Ekiona came from Borja’s personal experience in the renewable energy industry. During earlier projects involving solar and geothermal systems, his team recognized a clear gap in solar lighting solutions. As Borja explained, “we realized there was a lack of proposals for solar lighting solutions. Since we already had some knowledge of the renewable energy field, we decided to develop a specific solution for problems related to solar lighting, and that’s how Ekiona was founded.”

The motivation was not purely economic. Borja emphasized that while profitability is important, social and environmental impact were central goals from the beginning. “We started because we noticed a clear gap in solar lighting solutions… our focus was on creating solutions that not only met client needs but also contributed positively to society.” This mindset reflects a balance between business viability and purpose-driven innovation.

Moreover, Ekiona’s growth was inspired by the desire to make renewable technologies accessible and reliable, particularly for public spaces. Borja and his small founding team were determined to prove that sustainable lighting could compete with — and outperform — conventional systems. This vision motivated them to design smart, self-sustaining products that adapt to environmental conditions and client requirements. Over time, that same innovative spirit has driven their expansion into global markets, including Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, showing how a small idea rooted in sustainability can evolve into a global contribution to cleaner, smarter cities.

Overall impact

Ekiona’s solar lighting innovation has produced measurable environmental, social, and economic impacts. In the short term, it has enabled municipalities and organizations to reduce electricity consumption and CO₂ emissions, while extending lighting access to areas without reliable grid infrastructure. Borja noted that the company’s remote monitoring system allows clients to view “data related to the amount of CO₂ emissions prevented,” providing tangible evidence of environmental benefit.

Over time, Ekiona’s technology has improved urban sustainability and public safety by ensuring that lighting remains functional even in remote or energy-poor areas. The company’s intelligent control systems and weather algorithms ensure year-round reliability — reducing maintenance costs and improving the lifespan of streetlight batteries, which only need replacement every 5–6 years.

Ekiona has also contributed to the global diffusion of clean technology, completing projects in Spain, Egypt, Senegal, Oman, Moldova, Romania, France, and Peru. These installations demonstrate how the innovation transcends borders, adapting to diverse climates and urban contexts.

In the long term, the company’s work supports SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 11, and SDG 13 by advancing clean energy access, building resilient infrastructure, and combating climate change. Each project represents both a reduction in environmental footprint and a step toward more inclusive and sustainable cities. The positive feedback from municipalities and ongoing client trust confirm Ekiona’s growing role in shaping the renewable energy transition.

Business benefit

Ekiona’s innovation has not only advanced sustainability but also strengthened its business performance. By offering an integrated solution — combining engineering design, smart control systems, and data analytics — the company has built a distinct competitive advantage in the renewable lighting market. Borja highlighted that this comprehensive value proposition “gives us a clear competitive advantage and growth potential, not only nationally but internationally as well.”

The company’s focus on reliability and client trust has translated into long-term customer relationships. Many municipalities that began with pilot projects have since expanded their use of Ekiona systems after seeing consistent results. This trust-driven approach has led to repeat contracts and word-of-mouth growth, particularly in the public sector.

Ekiona’s innovation has also opened new international markets. The firm has completed projects in multiple continents without maintaining permanent offices abroad — a sign of strong global demand for its technology. Additionally, its success in obtaining R&D grants and startup funding allowed the company to develop advanced algorithms and product diversification, such as air-quality monitoring systems and solar-powered surveillance prototypes.

Through innovation, Ekiona has achieved both social purpose and profitability: it reduces emissions and energy costs for clients while creating jobs and growth opportunities within Spain’s clean-tech industry. The company’s continued expansion demonstrates that sustainability and business success can indeed go hand in hand.

Social and environmental benefit

 This system brings reliable, energy independent lighting to public areas, including those where extending the electrical grid would be costly or slow. This helps create safer spaces for residents while minimising wasted energy and unnecessary light pollution.

Environmentally, EKIONA’s approach reduces dependence on fossil fuel electricity and lowers carbon emissions. The predictive control technology ensures that stored solar power lasts through changing weather conditions and seasonal fluctuations. By tracking real climate impact data, communities can confidently show how their lighting choices support global sustainability efforts.

Interview

Borja Inarrairaegui, Founder & CEO