Signify: for a bright and sustainable future!

Signify is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers, and lighting for the Internet of Things. In January 2025 the Chamber visited our member Signify Portugal, which is led by Eduardo Moreira, in their offices in Porto Salvo. During this visit, we sat down with Mrs. Fabíola Matos, Marketing manager at Signify, to talk about the company's origins, recent developments and future plans.

Origins IN EINDHOVEN 

Signify originates from the well-known Philips company, founded in 1891 in the Eindhoven area of the Netherlands, initially producing light bulbs and pioneering advancements in lighting and various industrial sectors throughout the 20th century. As part of its worldwide expansion, Philips established itself in Portugal on November 9, 1927. Over the decades, Royal Philips has played a significant role in the Portuguese market, by introducing several innovative products, from consumer electronics to healthcare technology and lighting solutions.

From Royal Phillips to Signify

In lighting, Philips began developing its LED lighting business in the early 2000s. By 2005, Philips had made significant strides in LED technology, leading to the establishment of Philips Lumileds, a division focused on high-powered LED lights. In 2016, Philips spin off its lighting division into a separate company, Philips Lighting, which later on, in 2018, was rebranded as Signify. This rebranding reflected the company's strategic vision to focus on brighter lives and a better world. Despite the name change, Signify continues to use the Philips brand for its products under an existing licensing agreement with Royal Philips.

Start-up with 100+ years of experience

Nowadays, Signify Portugal considers itself a new company, backed by more than 130 years of experience in innovation in lighting. The focus is on creating energy efficient and sustainable lighting solutions that enable its mission to create brighter lives and a better world. The goal is to make people’s lives safer and more comfortable, businesses more productive and cities more liveable. With sustainable lightning solutions, Signify aims to have a positive impact on the well-being and health of people by creating superior light and at the same time reducing the use of resources and impact on the environment.

Lights for the famous stadium of Sporting Club of portugal

 One of the recent landmark projects of Signify Portugal was for the Lisbon based football (soccer) club “Sporting Clube de Portugal”. Signify upgraded the lighting system of the club’s sports arena. This upgrade enhances the stadium's energy efficiency and provides better visibility for both players and spectators, creating a more vibrant and engaging atmosphere during matches. With the new lighting solution, the stadium is super well-lit so everybody can clearly see what’s going on during the game. In the breaks and in the count-down to start the games, the crowd is being entertained with light effects and a music show. With the new lighting system Signify was able to create a superb way to keep visitors involved and entertained.

Efficient outdoor lightning solutions in Algarve and Alentejo

 Another big project that Signify has completed, was helping several small councils and cities in the Alentejo region to replace energy intensive conventional street lights to LED solutions, thus helping to create safer, well-lit public spaces with a significant reduction in the electricity bill. Connectivity ensures a complete overview of the lightning systems in each council, promoting work efficiency for local maintenance departments. Another recent project took place in Algarve, at the “Pedras da Rainha” complex, where the traditional outdoor lights were replaced for Philips SunStay solar luminaires. The new solar lighting system uses the regions’ abundant sunlight, providing energy-efficient and sustainable lighting throughout the complex.

Signify focusses on the future of lighting in Portugal

Signify focus continues on deliver differentiated lighting products through multiple distinctive brands. This includes smart lighting, connected road and urban lighting, and human-centric lighting Public and other outdoor lighting is one of the key focusses of Signify as it promotes road safety, and can be energy efficient using smart and connected solutions (for example based on movements in a specific area). This connectivity enables councils and other users to monitor and adjust light according to the usage of a particular zone. Another focus is indoor lightning: creating a good work and relaxing atmosphere using energy smart lights. As was demonstrated during our visit to the Signify office: it is even possible to create the illusion of sunny daylight in a room without direct daylight with Signify’s Nature Connect solution, a luminaire that mimics the natural light patterns. These types of solutions enhance productivity and have a positive impact on the work force.

Secured connectivity through Light Fidelity (LiFi)

Another interesting development is LiFi, a wireless communication technology that uses light to safely connect and transmit data. Signify offers a range of LiFi systems under the new technology, named Trulifi, which entails:

1. High speed and controlled connectivity: high-speed internet through light waves (instead of WiFi).
2. Security: special encryption techniques and the fact that light waves connot go through walls, ads an extra layer of security in designated areas.
3. Low latency: Ideal for real-time data streaming and applications like virtual reality,
4. Energy efficiency: The LED lights used in Trulifi systems lead to significant electricity savings.

Trulifi can be used in offices, hospitality, industry, transportation and public areas where traditional wireless connectivity might be poor or restricted.
Backed by great technology, the Signify team is laser-focused on promoting sustainable and bright solutions for companies and public entities throughout Portugal.