How a start-up from Graz wants to save birds from death

Collisions with glass windows are the second most common cause of human-caused bird death. Dominique Waddoup first became acquainted with the phenomenon as a biology student at the University of Graz. There were many birds flying against a glass transition. There were bird of prey silhouettes stuck to it. Because the distance between the silhouettes was too large, the protective measure against bird strikes was not effective. Other solutions would not have been architecturally acceptable for the university, Waddoup tells KURIER.

Ultraviolet light

She began working on a solution that would not affect the appearance of buildings. The basis for this is ultraviolet light. This is not visible to the human eye, but can be noticed by many bird species. In 2019, Waddoup founded the start-up Birdshades and developed the first film prototypes with integrated UV components.

When developing materials, the start-up worked with partners from the university sector and also published several studies. Space technology from the Graz Incubation Center of the European Space Agency (ESA) was also incorporated into the development. It helped to optimize the durability of the material. The solution has now also been patented.

award

Birdshades has also already received an award for its bird protection film. In May, the young company received a Living Standard Award from the standardization organization Austrian Standards.

In addition to optimizing the bird protection film and expanding market activities in Europe and the USA, we are also working on other products. A solution that combines bird and sun protection is being considered. Waddoup hopes to bring the first products onto the market next year.

The start-up was financed, among other things, by funding from the Förderbank Austria Wirtschaftsservice (AWS) and the FFG. A venture capital fund is also already on board. According to the founder, another round of financing is currently being prepared.