Marine lighting startup DEXLIT, founded this year by cousins Philip Andor (mechatronics engineer) and Christopher Urbschat (biologist), will be launching a sensor-enabled, light-integrated gangway at METSTRADE from 18–20 November. The product has also been nominated for the DAME Design Award.

DEXLIT’s core technology is a modular “sandwich” deck-lighting system designed to integrate seamlessly with yachts and marine platforms such as decks, gangways, and bathing platforms.

The system is compatible with multiple surface materials and engineered to IP67/IP68 standards, ensuring durability in demanding marine environments. The lighting modules are fully customizable in both colour and lighting-pattern settings, and can be used in both new builds and retrofit projects.

The product was born out of the founders’ own boating experience, after Philip identified a lack of integrated deck-lighting solutions that matched the design and performance expectations of high-end vessels. The startup’s first commercial application was a bathing platform featuring the lighting system.

Today, there are already several illuminated boats, water toys, and gangways in use, and a patent application was filed in September 2025.

Metstrade Launch 

At Metstrade this year, DEXLIT is presenting its new gangway product in two key locations:

• The DEXLIT stand in the Superyacht Startup Zone, featuring the DAME-nominated gangway (Hall 8, stand 08.683C).
• In hall 13 at the DAME Design Awards area together with products of other nominees from different award categories.

The gangway’s core innovation is its sensor-based lighting system, which responds to movement, for example, illuminating sequentially as a person walks along it.

This feature adds both functionality and emotional value to what is traditionally a purely utilitarian component. It can also be integrated into a vessel’s safety systems by guiding users to the nearest exit during an emergency.

Scaling Production via Partnerships

DEXLIT currently has a production footprint capable of servicing around 200 vessels per year.

To scale beyond this, the company is actively engaging with strategic partners and investors. The team is also scheduling meetings with both state-funding bodies and private investors to support its next phase of growth.

While the initial focus is on the superyacht and wider marine industry, DEXLIT plans to expand its customizable, integrated, and sensor-enabled lighting systems into adjacent markets such as luxury real estate, wellness and spa environments, and campervan and recreational vehicle build-outs.

“Boats are a very emotional thing, and people love their boats. Some want something new and exciting for their car or house, but we wanted that for boats. That’s how DEXLIT came about. DEXLIT is the next step for anyone who wants to get even more out of their boat.” – Christopher Urbschat

The company intends to use the Metstrade launch and DAME nomination as a stepping stone to expand its footprint and partner ecosystem, as well as to position itself as a supplier of integrated high-end deck lighting.

For more information, visit: www.dexlit.com.