Smart glass, also known as switchable, dimmable, or magic glass, can adjust the light transmission properties dynamically or statically, depending on the stimuli. The stimuli altering the light transmission properties could be light, voltage, or heat. It does not require electricity to maintain its opacity or change color. The installation of smart glass helps reduce the energy spent on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems and improves the indoor environmental quality of buildings.
Key Market Drivers and Applications:
The increasing use of smart glass in modern luxury cars, its integration into electrochromic materials, and a rising global demand for energy-efficient solutions in architectural projects. Smart glass finds major applications in architecture, offering unparalleled energy savings by dynamically controlling solar radiation and thus reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems. This is particularly attractive in regions with stringent environmental regulations and growing green building certifications. Beyond architecture, the automotive industry heavily invests in smart glass technologies to enhance vehicle comfort, aesthetics, and energy efficiency, utilizing them in windows, sunroofs, and mirrors.
360Quadrants Evaluation Framework for smart glass market
The 360 Startup/SMEs evaluation matrix provides a comprehensive company assessment of major start-ups and SMEs offering smart glass market Quadrant. It outlines key findings and analyzes how effectively each market vendor performs based on predefined competitive leadership mapping criteria. Vendor evaluations are conducted based on product footprint and market share/rank. Each category includes various criteria upon which the vendors are assessed. The top criteria for product footprint evaluation included BY Technology(electrochromic, suspended particle display (SPD), liquid crystal (LC) photochromic, thermochromic, micro-blinds, and other technologies) by MECHANISM (Active, Passive). By TYPE (tinted, coated, and hybrid glass.) By End-use (architecture, transportation, power generation plants, & others). By Control System (switch-based, remote monitoring, mobile-based, voice-based, building automation systems, and other control systems).
Startups/SME Companies in the smart glass market
Smart Film International:
Founded in 2014 and located in Israel, Smart Film International is a private SME specializing in the manufacture of electrochromic smart glass. Its technology provides solutions primarily aimed at architectural applications. Although revenue specifics aren't publicly detailed, the company is recognized for leveraging private equity investments to bolster its market presence.
Furcifer:
Based in the United States and established in 2015, Furcifer is a startup focusing on electrochromic technology. With a small but dedicated team, Furcifer has secured a Series A funding round of USD 10.8 million to enhance its offerings. The company stands out for its active technology, engaging primarily within the architectural sector.
Crown Electrokinetics:
As a publicly-held startup founded in 2015 in the US, Crown Electrokinetics focuses on manufacturing Suspended Particle Display (SPD) based smart glass technologies. It is notably involved in the transportation sector, having raised USD 19.2 million in post-IPO equity.
Ambilight:
Founded in 2017, Ambilight is another American startup that manufactures electrochromic glass, aimed at both architectural and transportation end-uses. The company has garnered USD 20 million in Series C funding, signifying strong investor confidence and market potential.