MAIN PARTNERS
| Participating at the highest level of association and contribution to the project, we have four Principal Partners. They are each involved in different fields of activity. These partners will be named on the airplane, on the pilots' uniforms and on those of the Solar Impulse Team, on all the construction sites and during all flight missions. They will further benefit from the most extensive communications possibilities surrounding the project. Because of their sphere of influence, these Principal Partners are essential to the success of the project and also participate in the communication of the project's key messages. Solar Impulse has already guaranteed 65% of its budget, thanks to the commitment of its Partners. Of these, three of the four Principal Partners are SOLVAY, an international chemical and pharmaceutical group and OMEGA, a watch brand with a worldwide and "lunar" reputation, pioneer of Olympic timing. The DEUTSCHE BANK, for its part, will instil its taste for performance and its long-term vision, enhancing the project's link between economics and ecology. |
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 Advanced Materials Solution Provider |
The international chemical and pharmaceutical group, SOLVAY, whose headquarters is in Brussels, has put at the disposal of Solar Impulse, in particular, important R&D resources. SOLVAY's contribution is in the area of research of innovative materials (plastics and polymers) and that of technical solutions, modelling and simulating their behaviour in extreme conditions, evaluating them technically as well as the performance of the test batteries. "The partnership between our Group and Solar Impulse translates the confidence we place in a personal commitment, in the spirit of enterprise and technological innovation, like so many responses to the challenge of sustainable development. We also accept another challenge that will take us to the furthermost frontiers of technology by confronting us with the best experts on the planet in each discipline. This partnership assumes a definite economic dimension, because it constitutes an excellent springboard for the promotion and development of the products, services and solutions that the Group will be in a position to bring to it." Jacques van Rijckevorsel, Director General, Plastics Department, Solvay Press Release 13 June 2005 by Solvay Solvay's contributions to the project [pdf 37ko] |
 Technology Provider and Time Keeper |
From the moon to the sun... a step that OMEGA is ready to take alongside Solar Impulse. Being a partner in this challenge of a round-the-world flight in a solar airplane provides OMEGA with the opportunity to set out again on the pioneer's trail and relive an adventure, in which passion goes hand in hand with avant-garde technological innovation. What could be more natural for OMEGA than to support a revolutionary airplane project and to participate in a futuristic epic in the service of renewable energies? As a company aware of the environmental stakes, OMEGA recognizes the importance of making commitments to safeguarding our planet. OMEGA is proud to be associated with the values defended by Solar Impulse and shares the enthusiastic and innovative impetus, which is driving such a company. "The project is fascinating. It's a dream, but at the same time, you need the capacities to carry it out, you need finances, you need the technology, you need to make the public dream. (...) One is concerned with resources of this planet. One always speaks about luxury. Omega is in the trade of luxury, but the greatest luxury which one has are the resources of our planet. It is necessary to give the example and to invest in projects which create a change in the habits of people." Nick Hayek, Swatch Group CEO 2007-05-21 Release [pdf 59ko] Omega's contributions to the project [pdf 57ko] |
 A Passion for Innovation |
With the first circumnavigation of the earth in a solar airplane, Solar Impulse and Deutsche Bank intend to facilitate the breakthrough of a more broad-based use of solar energy, and thus make an important contribution to the responsible use of available resources. The partnership also underlines the great deal of importance that Deutsche Bank attaches to sustainability - both in the bank's social and cultural activities as well as in the performance of its responsibilities as a corporate citizen in the international community. Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a strong and profitable private clients franchise. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. In addition to community development and educational programmes, Deutsche Bank's commitment to society comprises support for art and music. With a sponsorship volume globally of approximately EUR 85 million in 2006, Deutsche Bank, together with its foundations, is one of the most highly committed companies. "Deutsche Bank, like Solar Impulse, stands for innovation, sustainability and performance. Since our foundation in 1870, we have made a large number of technological innovations possible - from the support for railway construction in the 19th century up to the financing of modern wind power and solar cell technologies. Furthermore, responsibility for our environment and society is a significant part of our identity as a corporate citizen. Deutsche Bank thus has quite a lot in common with Solar Impulse. We are looking forward to a great and exciting plan, and wish the team led by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg every success." Josef Ackermann, Chairman of the Management Board and the Group Executive Committee of Deutsche Bank Press release (19.03.2007) [pdf 121ko] Deutsche Bank's contributions to the project [pdf 56ko] |