The student-led Innoptus Solar Team of the Leuven University (KU Leuven) has had an extraordinary season, securing an unprecedented and unique triple win: the
World Solar Challenge Trophy in Australia, the
Sasol Solar Challenge in South Africa, and the
European Solar Challenge. These prestigious victories reflect not only the students’ engineering excellence but also their alignment with the core values and future-focused mission of Sibelco.
“We are incredibly proud to continue our support for this exceptional team on their journey,” said Hilmar Rode, CEO of Sibelco Group. “Their dedication to sustainable and technical innovation in general mirrors our own purpose of using material solutions to advance life. It's a perfect match — innovation powered by the sun, enabled by science.”
Sibelco minerals are closely linked to the car’s components such as High Purity Quartz from our US Spruce Pine operations, which is used to make the semiconductors and solar cells that power the car’s every move. Other Sibelco minerals could help and create aerodynamic coatings that reduce weight or improve strength and resistance to impact, and low iron sands are used in solar applications when high light transmission is required.
“This project demonstrates the power of partnerships, and what can be achieved when a Belgian global material solutions business as Sibelco supports us and continues shows trust in our team as the next generation of talent”, said Wout Rubbrecht, Solar Team Manager.
The continued partnership provides vital resources and materials to the Innoptus Solar Team as they push the boundaries of solar technology, energy efficiency, and automotive design. It also offers Sibelco employees and stakeholders a unique opportunity to engage with the next generation of engineers and innovators — a living example of how sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.
As a global leader in material solutions, Sibelco remains focused on shaping a more sustainable future. Supporting projects and setting up partnerships like the Solar Team aligns with the company’s strategic pillars of innovation, collaboration, and environmental responsibility.
The next chapter promises even more breakthroughs as the team prepares for future international competitions, backed by Sibelco’s continued belief in the power of possibility — where science meets sustainability to advance life.
