Kris Pataky from Microsystems Laboratory at EPFL and his team have developed an electric tinting film. The tint can be varied on demand by applying a voltage. The team is currently looking at two main products: rearview mirrors in cars and window films in buildings of all kind.
In the case of rearview mirrors in cars, tinting on demand eliminates the headlight glare of cars behind while driving at night - thus improving safety. Indeed, there is already a market for this application, but the new film would allow this to be done for a much lower cost; and will open new markets.
In the case of the window films, the windows can be tinted to reduce the amount of sunlight entering a room, and thus the amount of heating by the sun. Consequently, air conditioning requirements can be reduced dramatically.
The tinting can be varied wirelessly. “We feel that the greatest benefits that wireless technology brings are in retrofitting existing buildings and controlling multiple window films together”, team leader Kris Pataky says. By eliminating control wires, the films can be applied to small or large surfaces just as easily as putting up a poster - which keeps installation costs down.
Kris Pataky can be contacted at: kris.pataky@gmail.com
The Jury says about the project: Electrochromic Window Film is based on a very sophisticated idea that could potentially lead to a disruptive product innovation. If realized, the cost for tinting mirrors and windows could be significantly reduced. Their idea has a wide range of potential applications in the rail, automotive, aerospace, construction, and consumer goods industry.
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The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
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