Spin-Off Spotlight / StrayProtect / Meet Naoufal Bahlawane, Founder
The Origin and Development of the Technology
Naoufal, what research or technology formed the basis of this spin-off?
Our technology was born from a call for projects by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2014. What started as a research concept evolved into space qualified and IP protected innovative coatings. The continuous funding and coordination from ESA and LSA were key. This adds to valuable support from LIST enabling early financing of a lab-prototype, marketing and communication support through LIST Ventures, and my business training at HEC Paris.
The Transition to Market
What made the spin-off ready for launch?
Our development specifically aimed to solve a critical problem: parasitic light in sensitive optical devices. The interest shown by by ESA and a leading systems integrator confirmed the relevance of our solution. The launch was not triggered by a sudden event but resulted from a maturation process over several years with a clear direction and involving identified early adopters.
What were the biggest challenges in transitioning from research to business?
The change in mindset was the main challenge to which my business training greatly contributed. As a researcher, you constantly explore ideas solely from a technical perspective. As an entrepreneur, you explore ways to make the technology accessible and useful to the market and customers.
“the interest shown by ESA and a leading systems integrator confirmed the relevance of our solution”
The Value Proposition
What problem are you solving? What is your value proposition?
Our technology is filling a gap identified by ESA in the super black coatings market related to the dynamic space industry. The proposed coatings by StrayProtect offer an advanced tradeoff between light absorption, mechanical robustness, compatibility with complex 3D structures, and the ability to create coatings on different types of materials.
Business Development
How did you identify the commercial applications and market?
We explored the European space market, initiate contacts, and evaluate the market traction for our coatings. We were able to confirm that our coating properties already meet certain needs, and early adopters are now accompanying us in our development.
What were the first signs of interest?
ESA was first to recognize the potential of our technology. A large systems integrator who collaborated with us throughout the development projects is one of our potential early adopters, confirming the attractiveness of our product from the early phases.
“early adopters are now accompanying us in our development”
Strategy & Business Model
What is your business model and how has it evolved?
Our business model will begin with a coating service, then evolve to other offerings when we secure further funding. We are aiming for operational start by early 2026.
How did you balance technology and business skills?
I launched the spin-off from my research unit at LIST. As we start operations in the future, we will grow the team and are seeking collaborators with business development and engineering skillset.
“we are aiming for operational start by early 2026”
Funding and Outlook
What funding have you obtained and are you raising funds?
ESA and Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) are our early financial backers and we are exploring further funding routes and partners.
What is the next step?
The priority is to secure investment. Then, we will strengthen the founding team and staffing with e.g. mechanical engineers and process engineers to start operations.
"We plan to strengthen the founding team and staffing"