The French lighting manufacturer Minuit Une is going out of business. A statement posted on the company’s website reads:
“It is with great emotion that we announce today that ARTEFFECT, the company behind Minuit Une and IVL Lighting technology, was placed into judicial liquidation, bringing its operations to an end.
“Almost exactly 13 years ago, Minuit Une was nothing more than an idea, a slightly crazy vision of light. We could never have imagined such an incredible journey.
“It all started with a vision shared by young engineers passionate about light, its immersive power, and the experiences it could create. We believed there was another way to design lighting fixtures and create visual experiences.
“We built our first prototype in the living room of our shared apartment. That prototype led to our first patent, the beginning of what would become an extensive patent portfolio, a fully-fledged technology company, and products used around the world. We couldn’t have been prouder of what we had achieved.
“We watched our ideas become products. Our products become shows. And those shows become emotions shared by thousands and thousands of people.
“From the world’s biggest stages to intimate clubs, from fashion shows to international music tours, from prestigious events to the boldest creative projects, Minuit Une lighting has found its place in an extraordinary variety of environments.
“And perhaps one of our greatest sources of pride is seeing how our technology has inspired so many creators, artists, and professionals across every continent.
“But behind all these achievements lies, above all, a human adventure.
“The story of three founders who went through every stage of this journey together, united until the very end by the same vision, passion, and friendship. And the story of an extraordinary team whose talent, dedication, and passion helped transform an idea into an internationally recognized company in its field.
“Inventing, developing, and manufacturing highly advanced lighting fixtures, groundbreaking in their innovation and technically demanding to design, bridging the worlds of lighting and lasers for the first time in history, in a particularly demanding international market, has always been a great challenge.
“A technical, industrial, and economic challenge. A delicate balance that we managed to maintain for many years through hard work, creativity, and determination.
“Unfortunately, the challenges of 2026 and the difficulties we have faced this year have made that balance impossible to sustain.
“We had not yet reached the critical size that would have allowed us to weather such a difficult year on our own.
“Over the past few months, we did everything in our power to find a solution who could give our company the resources to continue Minuit Une operations.
“Despite our efforts and hopes, no solution to take over the company could ultimately be secured.
“Today, our company’s operations have ceased, following the judicial liquidation ordered by the court on September 29.
“This ending is not easy. But it takes nothing away from the beauty of the journey.
“We have built, invented, learned, sometimes failed, and often succeeded. We have met extraordinary people, overcome challenges that once seemed impossible, and experienced moments we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
“And if we had the chance to do it all again, we would.
“So, what does the future hold for Minuit Une?
Although the founding company is now ceasing operations, Minuit Une products continue “to live on through the installations and creations of their users around the world.
“The liquidation process also opens up the possibility for the company’s assets to be acquired, including the Minuit Une brand, its patents, and the IVL technology developed over the years.
“We sincerely hope that Minuit Une will find a new home, one that can write the next chapter of this story.”
The company’s products were seen at many trade shows, including LDI, and were often featured in European projects. These included Rising Spaces, an immersive art and club culture exhibition in Berlin; Sappho, a club in Mykonos, Greece; an esports competition at Espot, Paris; and concerts with the DJ Richie Hawtin. US projects include a tour with the progressive metal band Animals as Leaders; the Denver Broncos’ team corridor; and cosmic country singer Daniel Donato.
