Our story
From a smart idea to a revolution in personal safety
We’ve been perfecting our technology that saves lives for over a decade. Check out the biggest milestones throughout our journey.
2008—14
The Technical University of Liberec was researching the idea of how to integrate optical fibre into fabric-based products, as well as what sort of casing (piping) to use. That’s because the piping had to meet the desired light permeability, colourfastness, mechanical resiliency, washability, and other properties that would guarantee its ease of use in material products. However, the technology to illuminate this single unit was lacking. We took it upon ourselves to solve this fundamental question. The result from both teams was the EP2917391 patent, which, of course, we co-own.
2014
The company SCILIF s.r.o. was founded with the goal of turning the original idea into real products. That meant clothing that used optical fibres to save lives.
2014—16
The first generation of product prototypes was made. It had one large advantage over the competitors’ solutions of the day: it didn’t leave integration up to the customers. We could be proud of its technical quality, but it was crucial to incorporate user comfort. Just as customers had to purchase our power bank, which presented a certain limitation.
2017—19
We built a distribution network. We took part in trade fairs and exhibitions, presenting our product not only in the Czech Republic but also abroad. We focused on Germany, France, and Scandinavia. However, our own production remained limited; 80% of production was outsourced.
2020
A major investment allowed us to open our own manufactory in Turnov, while we also set to work developing the second generation of our product. We then managed to successfully implement ISO 9001:2015, a quality management system that guarantees the correct approaches and processes are used. We expanded our sales team, which opened the door to new customers in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Development was successful, and the second generation of our product gained a new quality. We simplified the controls, provided washability, added compatibility with the IP68 standard, and allowed ordinary power banks to be used as well. That meant customers no longer had to purchase an extra battery with our system; they could use their own. This was both ecological and convenient.
SCILIF technology was deemed unique enough to warrant its own patent in 2020. That’s because we managed to guide the light from one diode into long lighting cables so that it shines homogeniously, even at long distances.
2021
We adjusted the controls to make them more user-friendly; the original solution was replaced with a power bank and control button. Our branding also changed, with our products being under the SUNFIBRE® name since 2021.
2022—23
A second wave of investment brought partial automation to production and its expansion. Our product portfolio grew, and we built SUNFIBRE® brand awareness in new markets. Automation brought the option to collaborate with big brands, and we signed the first long-term contracts with important players on the market.
2024
We strengthened our position by increasing our production capacity tenfold and adding new certificates. They now include FR (radiant heat and fire resistance), guaranteeing our product is resistant to high temperatures and flame. Another certificate guarantees that they won’t spark (i.e., antistatic). We then passed a VD6 audit (an automotive standard) while also achieving StVZO, which requires products not to blind other road users. This allows our products to be used on DACH market roadways (in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).
We also expanded our patents to new products.
2025
We continued our development and gained a new patent for a luminous rope intended primarily for water and air rescue.
2026
The company was further strengthened by another round of investment, intended to intensify our expansion abroad and invest in new technologies and the needed production capacity. We innovated the product and offered new solutions to our clients. The company also underwent a change in leadership.
Thanks to this new round of investment, we secured the capital for expansion abroad, tech development, and increased production capacity. We also continued to innovate SUNFIBRE®, created new solutions for our clients, and strengthened the company’s leadership to support its growth and our long-term partnerships.