HAYWARD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kinestral Technologies, Inc., a leading developer of smart-tinting glass for commercial and residential real estate, has been named the recipient of the 2017 North American Smart Glass New Product Innovation Award by Frost & Sullivan, an internationally recognized market research, analysis, growth strategy, and corporate training firm. Frost & Sullivan cited Kinestral’s Halio™ product as "a strong contender in the market" that reduces energy usage by up to 40%.
After nearly seven years of development, Kinestral recently introduced Halio, smart-tinting glass that delivers shade and protection from the sun’s glare within seconds, achieving the desired tint within three minutes. In its clear state, Halio is indistinguishable from ordinary glass, but unlike ordinary glass, it tints to a range of neutral grays that complement any design style or color palette. With Halio, smart homes and buildings will deliver meaningful improvements in occupant comfort and well-being while achieving the highest levels of energy efficiency.
“Halio differs from first-generation electrochromic technologies in its rapid tinting speed, uniform tint transition, tint colors, and intuitive user controls. The product’s tinting speed and ability to attain a uniform tint across larger surface areas without a curtain or iris effect are two key features that we believe will help increase the overall adoption of active smart glass technologies,” said Kowtham Kumar, Research Analyst – Energy & Utilities of Frost & Sullivan.
"Frost & Sullivan's decision to recognize us as a new product innovation leader is an honor that caps nearly seven years of R&D spent on our Halio smart-tinting glass, which we believe is better than anything that came before,” said Craig Henricksen, vice president of marketing at Kinestral. “The award is a credit to the dedication and support of our founders, our scientists and engineers, and to our investment partners who believe that together, we can transform the glass industry.”
Kinestral's investment partners include 5AM Ventures, Capricorn Investment Group, Versant Ventures, Alexandria Venture Investments, AGC Asahi Glass (AGC), Hermes-Epitek, and Mitsubishi ULFJ Capital. The company has also partnered with G-Tech Optoelectronics Corporation (GTOC), a subsidiary of the Foxconn Technology Group, to begin mass production of Halio.
"With the need for energy efficiency gaining widespread attention, it is imperative that buildings implement the necessary measures within their structures that result in energy savings," according to Frost & Sullivan. "With glass being one of the most utilized products in buildings, Halio provides architects and building owners with more opportunities for enhanced energy conservation."
The award ceremony will take place in Austin, Texas on September 18.
About Kinestral
Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Kinestral Technologies, Inc. develops technologies that transform glass into responsive, intelligent, and beautiful architectural elements. The company’s research and development efforts have resulted in a growing global patent portfolio in manufacturing, device processing, and smart window control systems. Kinestral’s flagship product, Halio, is available in select markets. Visit kinestral.com for more information.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, it has been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector, and the investment community. For more information, contact Frost & Sullivan at frost.com.
