Step Change Base Camp 2023

Igniting progress in the glass industry

06/30/2023 | Print view
© GPD

Step Change is a relatively new part of the Glass Performance Days (GPD) 2023 conference. This year, it brought together visionary glass pioneers for the third time since its inception. The Velux Group joined Glaston in hosting this special event. Twelve start-ups were also involved. Which ones? Find out here:

First introduced by Glaston at GPD 2017, Step Change has in the meantime been established for fostering innovations across the glass industry value chain. It wants to serve as a bridge between ambitious start-up and scale-up entrepreneurs and industry professionals from around the globe.

See also: GPD 2023: It’s all about the carbon!

The programme continued with 12 presentations from each of the participating companies. Along with bringing their innovations to the personalized and eco-conscious booths, each company had a chance to present its innovation from the stage to a crowd of glass business professionals and enthusiasts.

These are the start-ups that were present

2MH Glas presented their patented rapid ion exchange technologies that enhance the sustainability and performance of glass products. In just 5 minutes, rapid ion exchange achieves the same strength as the traditional process after several hours. This innovation is all about making glass more affordable, thinner and lighter, while also more resistant to scratches and breakage.

2MH Glas

2MH Glas presented their patented rapid ion exchange technologies that enhance the sustainability and performance of glass products. In just 5 minutes, rapid ion exchange achieves the same strength as the traditional process after several hours. This innovation is all about making glass more affordable, thinner and lighter, while also more resistant to scratches and breakage.
AeroShield Materials introduced their transparent silica aerogels that enhance the performance of insulated glass. These lightweight materials offer superior thermal insulation, fire resistance and a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional glass.

AeroShield Materials

AeroShield Materials introduced their transparent silica aerogels that enhance the performance of insulated glass. These lightweight materials offer superior thermal insulation, fire resistance and a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional glass.
eLstar Dynamics stepped in as a cutting-edge developer of adaptive smart glass solutions for more energy-efficient buildings and transportation. By using existing manufacturing facilities, eLstar is able to produce smart glass with much lower energy and impact on the environment.

Miru Smart Technologies

eLstar Dynamics stepped in as a cutting-edge developer of adaptive smart glass solutions for more energy-efficient buildings and transportation. By using existing manufacturing facilities, eLstar is able to produce smart glass with much lower energy and impact on the environment.
Hypermemo presented their advanced GlaserTM laser technology. This proprietary short-pulsed CO2 laser with high peak power enables one-pass processing of common glass types, resulting in clear and stress-free edges. The improved edge strength reduces the need for post-processing and equipment footprint, contributing to more efficient and environmentally friendly glass processing.

Hypermemo

Hypermemo presented their advanced GlaserTM laser technology. This proprietary short-pulsed CO2 laser with high peak power enables one-pass processing of common glass types, resulting in clear and stress-free edges. The improved edge strength reduces the need for post-processing and equipment footprint, contributing to more efficient and environmentally friendly glass processing.
IR Dynamics showcased its thermochromic nanoparticle technology to control solar heat gain. This low-cost glass coating reduces heating and cooling costs in buildings, contributing to lower CO2 emissions. By improving the energy efficiency of new or existing windows, IR Dynamics aims to make buildings more comfortable and sustainable.

IR Dynamics

IR Dynamics showcased its thermochromic nanoparticle technology to control solar heat gain. This low-cost glass coating reduces heating and cooling costs in buildings, contributing to lower CO2 emissions. By improving the energy efficiency of new or existing windows, IR Dynamics aims to make buildings more comfortable and sustainable.
Lithium Designers proudly presented the world’s first technique for automated freeform facade planning. Additionally, the company’s implementation of in-house 3D-printed nodes is also unique worldwide. With these novel solutions, the company aims to minimize the freeform facades planning effort and manufacturing costs.

Lithium Designers

Lithium Designers proudly presented the world’s first technique for automated freeform facade planning. Additionally, the company’s implementation of in-house 3D-printed nodes is also unique worldwide. With these novel solutions, the company aims to minimize the freeform facades planning effort and manufacturing costs.
MIMSI Materials spoke about their Alumenate material that extends the performance of low-emissivity coatings beyond the limits of even the most advanced today’s Low-E coatings. The company’s deep-tech innovation provides considerably enhanced optical, electrical and durability properties to glass.

MIMSI Materials

MIMSI Materials spoke about their Alumenate material that extends the performance of low-emissivity coatings beyond the limits of even the most advanced today’s Low-E coatings. The company’s deep-tech innovation provides considerably enhanced optical, electrical and durability properties to glass.
Miru Smart Technologies came out with the next-generation electrochromic windows (eWindows). Miru’s patented manufacturing process is disrupting the way eWindows are produced. The solution aims to significantly lower costs, improve performance and reduce embedded and operational carbon emissions.

Miru Smart Technologies

Miru Smart Technologies came out with the next-generation electrochromic windows (eWindows). Miru’s patented manufacturing process is disrupting the way eWindows are produced. The solution aims to significantly lower costs, improve performance and reduce embedded and operational carbon emissions.
Peafowl demonstrated to the visitors their revolutionary dynamic cells that transform photon light into electricity. Through self-powering and tinting functionality, the Plasmonics technology enables energy-saving and smart windows.

Peafowl

Peafowl demonstrated to the visitors their revolutionary dynamic cells that transform photon light into electricity. Through self-powering and tinting functionality, the Plasmonics technology enables energy-saving and smart windows.
Tynt displayed Reversible Metal Electrodeposition (RME) technology using metal films to control light and heat flow through windows. This allows for climate-friendly windows that adapt to changing needs throughout the day by optimizing natural light and providing precise glare control.

Tynt

Tynt displayed Reversible Metal Electrodeposition (RME) technology using metal films to control light and heat flow through windows. This allows for climate-friendly windows that adapt to changing needs throughout the day by optimizing natural light and providing precise glare control.
VideowindoW attracted visitors with its unique, responsive and entertaining glass facade. The company’s solution transforms glass facades into transparent media platforms, combining immersive entertainment, glare control and climate control. This innovative technology, providing shading as a service, is already installed in airports.

VideowindoW

VideowindoW attracted visitors with its unique, responsive and entertaining glass facade. The company’s solution transforms glass facades into transparent media platforms, combining immersive entertainment, glare control and climate control. This innovative technology, providing shading as a service, is already installed in airports.
Volframi introduced a new vacuum coating process with no traditional glass and equipment size limitations. The innovative process makes targeted coatings on a glass pane without having to process the entire glass. By using only partial surface processing, it is possible to create completely new and competitive solutions within the glass processing industry.

Volframi

Volframi introduced a new vacuum coating process with no traditional glass and equipment size limitations. The innovative process makes targeted coatings on a glass pane without having to process the entire glass. By using only partial surface processing, it is possible to create completely new and competitive solutions within the glass processing industry.

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