The Luxyon startup focuses on innovations in perovskite solar technology, aiming to launch flexible and lightweight solar cells that can be installed on nearly any surface, transforming it into a source of renewable energy. Potential applications range from drones, where the technology could extend flight time, to agriculture, where greenhouses could be turned into energy sources in areas where power is hard to access.

The core idea of the innovation being developed by Luxyon is a thin, almost transparent film that can be attached to a backpack, wall, or greenhouse and silently converts sunlight into electricity while walking, studying, or harvesting tomatoes. In contrast to traditional heavy, rigid silicon panels, which require billions of liters of water and emit high levels of CO₂ during production, perovskite belongs to a mineral family named after Russian geologist Lev Perovski. Its key advantage is that it can be coated onto nearly any surface from a solution, using minimal material. For example, less than a milliliter of solution is needed for one square meter of perovskite film, resulting in less waste, a smaller environmental footprint, and more accessible technology.

Behind the Startup: A Fusion of Science and Business

Stjepan Dolić earned his degree in physical and organic chemistry at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, in September 2024, where he also enrolled in a PhD program in physical chemistry. He stood out during high school in the Chemistry Olympiad and began developing the first prototypes of perovskite solar cells during his graduate studies. He now works as an assistant in the Laboratory for Energy Conversion Materials and Sensors at the Department of Materials Physics at IRB, where he continues to develop perovskite solar technology.

Jakov Kukin holds a master’s degree in international business from the Zagreb branch of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Before founding Luxyon, he gained experience in renowned creative and technology agencies, including Bruketa & Žinić Grey and Infobip. In December 2024, he and Stjepan co-founded the company Carpe Helios d.o.o., using Luxyon as the brand name. Jakov is the company’s director, responsible for business development, partnerships, and strategic market positioning.

How Does the Nuqleus Startup Builder Work?

Nuqleus is a unique platform within the Nikola Tesla Innovation Center that connects three key segments of the innovation ecosystem, industry, scientific research, and startups. The concept originated at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing at the University of Zagreb (FER), and has grown into a powerful driver of scientific and technological innovation through a structured program. In 2025, it was listed among the top 150 startup hubs in Europe by the Financial Times and ranked 12th in the category of mentorship support.

The program, built on years of experience, gives startups access to a network of top experts, specialized education, and personalized mentorship to help commercialize research results. Teams are often composed of engineers, young researchers, scientists, and faculty members from universities and institutes. They go through a series of intensive workshops where they learn to identify the right market, build a strong business model, and effectively pitch to investors, partners, and clients.

After the first round of preparation, each team has only three minutes to pitch their project to the jury, and only the best continue. In the second phase, the selected teams pitch again, this time at the prestigious Liftoff event, and only two or three are chosen to advance to the finals. Luxyon secured the only direct path to the final phase by taking first place. In this third and final phase, Stjepan and Jakov will receive personalized mentorship, business and technical advice, and the opportunity to present their technology to strategic partners and investors. The goal is clear, to bring the first prototypes of their perovskite solar cells to market within a year.

When asked what advice he would give to young researchers who are hesitant to apply for such programs, Stjepan encouraged them to find a problem that motivates them, form a team, and start working immediately. He emphasized not waiting for perfect results, learning through mistakes, testing ideas, and not fearing competitions like the Nuqleus Startup Builder, because every step, even failure, brings them closer to a solution the world is waiting for.

The Ruđer Bošković Institute is a proud partner of the Nuqleus program and actively supports young researchers in turning their ideas into solutions with social and environmental impact. Interested candidates are encouraged to follow future calls for the Nuqleus Startup Builder program and potentially take part in the Liftoff pitch competition, perhaps their innovation will be the next startup success.