That was the Light Academy 2026
Trends in public lighting with a view across Lake Zurich
On April 23, 2026, we welcomed experts from the lighting industry to this year's Licht Academy on trends in public lighting at the Landgasthof Halbinsel Au against an inspiring backdrop.
After a welcoming address by Philippe Kleiber (Managing Director Smart City and Light), Jörg Imfeld, Head of the Light Academy, led through the varied program.
Thank you to all customers, partners and especially the speakers for the successful Academy.
The presentations in brief
More than dimming - how control makes the difference
Use of online data for real-time control of lighting (e.g. when there is more traffic, due to weather conditions, after events, etc.)
LuxButton: for quick light in emergencies (Intergation Alertyfir in Interact City), e.g. in case of fire
Signify: The most important trends from Light + Building
140,000 visitors at the Signify stand (Here is the news article)
Signify Circle Program - Sustainable product development
New CityVario luminaire family - versatile, circular, (coming soon)
Multisource for the Iridium luminaire family: two LED boards with e.g. different light colors, different dimming calendars, ... (coming soon)
Interact City Mobile App
Luma gen1 UP - the first circulating luminaire upgrade made in Switzerland
100% reuse, -30% energy savings(thanks to LED and control)
Teamwork - behind the LumaUP are people from ELEKTRON, VEBO and Signify
Smart, sustainable logistics solution
More than dimming
How control makes the differenceManuela Bolfing (ELEKTRON) presented current developments in networked lighting control and their practical application in the field. She emphasized the use of online data for the real-time control of lighting: In the event of a significant change in traffic volume or a change in the weather, the street lighting should be able to adapt quickly.
Sascha Nussbaumer (uxiamo/Alertifyr) also shed light on the role of Alertyifyr, a new digital alarm system that is linked to the Interact City street lighting control system via an API interface. Alternatively, there is also the option of using LuxBottom, which allows the lighting to be operated manually. This allows the lighting in the surrounding area to be quickly switched to full light in the event of an emergency, such as a fire outbreak.
The most important trends from Light + Building
Presented by our partner SignifyFelix Böger and Jan Schuhbauer (Signify) talked about the 2026 product highlights that were shown to over 140,000 visitors at this year's Light + Building (click here for the news article).
The new CityVario luminaire family was on show for the first time: Versatile and circular in design. Felix also presented the new Signify Circle program, which impressively demonstrated the circular economy of outdoor luminaires. Jan presented Multisource: luminaires contain two LED boards for the variable application of different light colors and/or optics. This can be controlled as required by the customer with Interact City. The new LinkNode as a Zhaga gateway complements the portfolio in the control area: street lights can now also be controlled and put into operation in a simple way via RF mesh. Finally, Jan demonstrated the possibilities of the updated Interact City Mobile App.
Luma gen1 UP
The first circulation lightLukas Brauchli (ELEKTRON) presented the Luma UP project together with Thomas von Burg (VEBO). They showed how sustainable action and social integration can be successfully combined. They showed how a first-generation Luma luminaire is professionally upgraded to the latest state of the art so that it can be put back into operation for the next 20 years. The project is the result of teamwork between Signify, ELEKTRON and VEBO. The upgrade itself is being carried out in Switzerland at the VEBO cooperative. This leads to 76% less CO2 emissions compared to the purchase of a new light and 30% energy savings thanks to the increased efficiency of the LEDs.
The two ended the presentation with a clear message: Don't replace - think ahead - throw away less - use for longer.
After the professional input, the Light Academy also offered plenty of room for personal exchange, as it does every year. A guided tour through the vineyards of the Au peninsula and a delicious, cozy barbecue with a view over Lake Zurich rounded off the event.
Thank you very much to all the speakers and our partners for a successful event.
