Lighting Science Group offers a spectrum of lighting solutions.

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Osram Semiconductors

Lighting Science Group, a developer of white light solutions using light-emitting diode (LED) technology, is a brand new company today. Combining forces with LED Holdings LLC – a leader in custom LED lighting solutions used in gaming and architectural applications, as well as for artistic purposes – the new company operates under Lighting Science. The October ’07 merger bridged the gap between two significant forces in the lighting industry. 

“Together, the newly combined company allows us to operate a complete spectrum of lighting solutions,” says Zach Gibler, chief business development officer. LED Holdings, he says, is best known for its digital technology and dynamic color application and has 14 years of practical experience in executing software and hardware integration. LED Holdings has worked on such marquee projects as Chanel’s Ginza Tokyo store, Saks Fifth Avenue’s Manhattan store, Macy’s and the new Times Square New Year’s Eve ball. 

“[We] design and sell high energy efficient and environmentally friendly lighting solutions in residential and professional applications,” Lighting Science says. “The company’s patented and patent-pending designs in power management, thermal management, manufacturing processes and other areas seek to reduce energy consumption while delivering immediate cost savings and environmental benefits to the end-user. The company designs and manufactures ready to use LED lamps and luminaries as well as provides customized lighting solutions for architectural and artistic projects worldwide.

LED Holdings contributed all of its assets, including $15 million in cash, to Lighting Science in exchange for 70 percent of the company.

“We believe this transaction will further bolster our market position and ability to develop and market a complete spectrum of digitally controlled lighting solutions from color-changing to white light,” Lighting Science Chairman and CEO Govi Rao said in a statement. “Combining people, technologies and complementary strengths, this is a unique opportunity for us to deliver innovations that fulfill the increasing demand for differentiated solutions in key market segments globally.”

Qualified Personnel
Aside from quality and its custom capabilities, Gibler notes, its personnel also distinguish Lighting Science. “It is critical when there is a gap existing between LED technologists and lighting experts,” he explains. “Having talent that blends the technology with lighting application expertise will provide the most value in the market.

Rao joined LED Holdings in July 2007 as CEO. Before that, he served as the vice president and general manager of the Philips Solid State Lighting business in North America. Rao’s other experience includes serving as senior director of Philips Lighting’s professional lighting business, as well as vice president of business creation and brand.

LED Advantages
The market for LED continues to change as the technology continues to advance, Gibler notes. LED applications are no longer limited to color dynamics or artistic displays. Rather, the technology encompasses the whole light spectrum including traditional, white light, which can be applied in general illumination projects. As the efficacy of LEDs increase and costs decrease, commercial, residential and industrial segments will begin to use LEDs for all of their lighting needs. Other advantages of LEDs include energy efficiency, long life, environmental friendliness, and design flexibility.  

Lighting Science will be launching in early 2008 an entire portfolio of LED replacement bulbs and fixtures to replace traditional incandescent and halogen technology.

Compared to a traditional incandescent light bulb, LED uses 80 percent less energy and has the ability to last up to 20 years, the company explains. “[It] results in significant energy savings because lighting typically comprises approximately 20 percent of electricity usage,” it says. In addition, LEDs are safer for the environment because they do not contain any hazardous materials such as mercury.

LEDs are cropping up in more and more places. The past New Year’s Eve, a new ball was unveiled in Times Square illuminated completely by LED lights. Lighting Science was commissioned by Philips Lighting to work with the company, Waterford Crystal and Countdown Entertainment to create the system design for the ball, ensuring that Philips LEDs and Waterford’s crystals would work in conjunction with the mechanics of the ball on the big night. With the help of Lighting Science, the new ball is capable of creating more than 16 million vivid, vibrant, highly saturated colors, as well as billions of possible effects.

Another project that Lighting Science helped create was a kinetic lighting display on the exterior of the new 7 World Trade Center Building in New York City.  Lighting Science worked with architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and James Carpenter Design Association to create a wall of light, seven floors tall that responds to the motion of every person that walks by. This installation employed more than 200,000 white and blue LEDs and more than 7,000 feet of fixtures.

Staying Ahead
In the future, Lighting Science hopes to become a leading provider of sustainable solutions in the lighting industry with a global presence, Gibler notes. “We plan to continue to grow organically and [partner] with industry leaders. We will continue to maintain our position to providing a leading service.”    

The company also plans to keep pace with developments in LED technology. “We have a commitment to stay ahead of that curve,” Gibler says.