Technology needs and subsequent opportunities for young companies to innovate are higher than ever according to speakers on the Tech Tour Solutions 2012 Sustainability/Cleantech discussion panel.

Tech Tour Solutions 2012, which sees the European technology ecosystem including start-up and growth companies, investors and corporates brought together, also saw discussions on disruptive technologies, finance and web and mobility.

Speakers on the cleantech panel included Jean-Marc Bally, managing partner at Aster Capital, Marie-Anne Brodschii, VP innovation at Veolia and Tore Land, director emogagination at GE International.

Benoit Charpentier, senior VP investments at Total, said that disruptions relating energy storage reflect the need for bigger capacities.

He also pointed towards greenhouse gas reductions as a hard area for start-up to get into but one which will yield results.

Land suggested that smart technology is going to be game changer and will focus on services being more interactive with power needs and allowing consumers the option to choose when they use it.

Following the discussion panel, three CEOs had the opportunity to pitch their ideas to the audience and explain where the business fitted into the cleantech space.

Frederic Granotier, CEO of Lucibel, a French designer and manufacturer of products for next generation lighting, presented the development of his business. The company’s products are aimed at the business-to-business market and range from LED bulbs to strip lighting.

>Having raised €3 million (£2.4 million) between 2008 and 2011 through the founder, management and angels, the business then went on to secure €3.8 million from entrepreneurs and private investors in 2011 and €5 million from Aster Capital in 2012. Granotier says a future listing would allow the company to grow further.

Other presenters included Swiss business Paradox Engineering, which provides smart metering data and Whitewater Technologies, a business aimed at cleantech water innovation.