Riga, Latvia – November 7, 2024 – Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) hosted the "SWEB Industry Day" led by ERA-Chair holder Dr. Smagul Karazhanov, a landmark event gathering international stakeholders from academia and industry to collaborate on the development of cutting-edge smart windows. Organized under the Horizon Europe funded SWEB project led by Dr. Juris Purans, the event served as an interactive platform to bridge research with real-world applications in zero energy building technologies, aligning with the European Green Deal and the New European Bauhaus Initiative.
The SWEB Industry Day 2024 brought together global experts to exchange knowledge and forge collaborations on smart windows and energy-efficient materials. The event featured insightful presentations from industry leaders such as Saint-Gobain (France) and Chromogenics (Sweden), showcasing advancements in thermochromic and electrochromic coatings for sustainable buildings. Interactive matchmaking sessions enabled partnerships between academia and industry, enabling the way for study visits, new research projects, and technological advancements. Discussions addressed key industry challenges, including improving reaction times and developing innovative materials, while addressing the environmental and economic potential of smart windows in achieving zero energy building goals.
Leading researcher Dr. Boris Polyakov, SWEB WP4 lead, highlighted the significance of such events for researchers: “This platform challenges researchers to think beyond conventional boundaries. The connections made here will support the growth of a new research group within the SWEB project, fostering innovations that address industry challenges.”
This annual event also supports young researchers by fostering a focus on applied science and enhancing interest in lab-to-market transitions, contributing to Europe's leadership in sustainable development and innovation. By integrating expertise across disciplines, the SWEB project encourage the collaborative spirit needed to tackle global challenges in energy-efficient building design. The ISSP UL looks forward to leveraging the insights gained at Industry Day to drive innovation and strengthen partnerships within Europe’s scientific and industrial ecosystem.
