Transparent Aerogels in Fenestration Products
This October 2024 Cypris Research Brief examines the emerging application of transparent aerogels in fenestration products — windows, skylights, and glass facades — mapping the technology's performance potential, key commercialization challenges, and the landscape of companies and research institutions pushing it forward. It profiles eight key entities across industry and academia, from MIT spinout AeroShield to NASA's Glenn Research Center, and provides a snapshot of the relevant patent landscape.
What You'll Find in the Report
Why transparent aerogels could redefine window performance — and what's holding them back
With thermal conductivity as low as 0.0135 W/(m·K) and light transmittance exceeding 97%, transparent aerogels can reduce window heat loss by up to 55% without sacrificing daylight. The main barriers are high production costs, mechanical brittleness, and the difficulty of scaling manufacturing to commercially viable sizes.
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Who's closest to market — and who's still in the lab
The brief maps eight key players across a TRL spectrum from 4 to 8. AeroShield and Cabot Corporation are nearest to commercial deployment, while MIT, LBNL, and NASA are still validating prototypes — giving readers a clear picture of where the technology stands today and where near-term opportunities may emerge.
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Where the patent landscape leaves room to compete
Existing patents focus broadly on aerogel materials and compositions rather than fenestration-specific applications, signaling that window and glazing use cases remain underprotected IP territory. This gap points to a meaningful opportunity for companies willing to stake out more targeted claims in this space.
Powering world-leading R&D & IP teams
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