Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SWEB (Smart Windows for Zero Energy Buildings)
Reporting period: 2024-04-01 to 2025-12-31
The SWEB project was established to strengthen the research excellence and innovation capacity of the ISSP UL in the field of chromogenic smart window materials and related thin-film technologies. The original objectives defined in the Grant Agreement remain valid and have guided activities throughout the reporting period. In parallel, the project has expanded its scope through institutional development actions, the consolidation of three research groups, and the adoption of the SWEB Strategy 2030 and the Thin Films Laboratory Development Strategy 2026–2030. The following presents both the initial objectives and the extended objectives that have been integrated into the overall strategic direction of the project.
Initial objectives as defined in the DoA
1. Increase human capital and reinforce the research and innovation capacity of ISSP UL by establishing a high-level ERA Chair and team in the field of smart window materials, ensuring improved research potential, mentoring, and integration into the European Research Area.
2. Develop new chromogenic materials and device concepts, including photochromic, thermochromic, and electrochromic thin films, together with scalable deposition methods, stability testing protocols, and indoor and outdoor evaluation of functional performance.
3. Enhance scientific visibility and knowledge transfer by publishing scientific results in high-impact journals, expanding international research collaborations, and increasing participation in competitive European funding programmes.
4. Contribute to long-term sustainability in energy and the transition towards resource-efficient buildings by advancing technologies relevant to zero energy buildings and establishing the basis for future demonstration activities, applied research projects, and joint graduate education in the field of smart windows.
5. Strengthen innovation potential by supporting technology transfer activities, preparing the ground for commercialization, and enabling the development of future start-ups and spin-offs associated with ISSP UL thin-film technologies.
Initial objectives as defined in the DoA
1. Increase human capital and reinforce the research and innovation capacity of ISSP UL by establishing a high-level ERA Chair and team in the field of smart window materials, ensuring improved research potential, mentoring, and integration into the European Research Area.
2. Develop new chromogenic materials and device concepts, including photochromic, thermochromic, and electrochromic thin films, together with scalable deposition methods, stability testing protocols, and indoor and outdoor evaluation of functional performance.
3. Enhance scientific visibility and knowledge transfer by publishing scientific results in high-impact journals, expanding international research collaborations, and increasing participation in competitive European funding programmes.
4. Contribute to long-term sustainability in energy and the transition towards resource-efficient buildings by advancing technologies relevant to zero energy buildings and establishing the basis for future demonstration activities, applied research projects, and joint graduate education in the field of smart windows.
5. Strengthen innovation potential by supporting technology transfer activities, preparing the ground for commercialization, and enabling the development of future start-ups and spin-offs associated with ISSP UL thin-film technologies.
During M1–M36, the project created a solid foundation for scientific excellence and long term institutional development. The combined work of all packages resulted in significant capacity growth, a stronger research environment, expanded international cooperation, increased visibility, and a clear forward trajectory for the laboratory. The activities were fully aligned with the original project objectives and with the broader institutional strategies (both on lab level and integration into ISSP core strategy) developed during the reporting period.
The project established an operational structure capable of supporting complex research and innovation actions by forming 3 new groups. Management processes became stable through the team of research support officers, which enabled uninterrupted scientific work, continuous monitoring of progress and smooth coordination between teams. Recruitment efforts resulted in a complete ERA Chair team with complementary scientific, administrative and strategic competencies. The team now provides the necessary balance between laboratory work, communication with industry, proposal preparation and learning and development activities. The current recruitment process to appoint the ERA Chair position as a permanent institutional post represents a major step towards long term sustainability.
The strategic dimension of the laboratory was strengthened through the creation of three research groups and the development of long term planning frameworks. SWEB Strategy 2030 and the Thin Films Laboratory Development Strategy 2026–2030 set clear directions for scientific growth, international collaboration, skills development and future research infrastructure. These frameworks ensure that the outcomes of SWEB extend beyond the duration of the project and that the laboratory has a structured environment for coordinated development.
Research capacity grew through active learning and development initiatives. Young researchers received systematic support through Individual Development Plans, mentoring, scientific seminars, mobility opportunities, conference participation and hands on training. The project implemented an extensive cycle of scientific and entrepreneurial events and produced professional video lecture materials now available as open educational resources. These activities stimulated interdisciplinary learning, attracted external interest and strengthened the internal research culture. The successful organisation of the Summer School in 2025 further contributed to this collective growth.
The project became increasingly active in proposal development and international cooperation. The team prepared and submitted several Horizon Europe and ERDF proposals, with multiple successes already achieved. An important milestone was the submission of the first ERC Synergy Grant proposal in cooperation with Umeå University and the Max Planck Society. This achievement reflects both the rising scientific ambitions of the team and the growing international trust in the laboratory’s competence.
The project established an operational structure capable of supporting complex research and innovation actions by forming 3 new groups. Management processes became stable through the team of research support officers, which enabled uninterrupted scientific work, continuous monitoring of progress and smooth coordination between teams. Recruitment efforts resulted in a complete ERA Chair team with complementary scientific, administrative and strategic competencies. The team now provides the necessary balance between laboratory work, communication with industry, proposal preparation and learning and development activities. The current recruitment process to appoint the ERA Chair position as a permanent institutional post represents a major step towards long term sustainability.
The strategic dimension of the laboratory was strengthened through the creation of three research groups and the development of long term planning frameworks. SWEB Strategy 2030 and the Thin Films Laboratory Development Strategy 2026–2030 set clear directions for scientific growth, international collaboration, skills development and future research infrastructure. These frameworks ensure that the outcomes of SWEB extend beyond the duration of the project and that the laboratory has a structured environment for coordinated development.
Research capacity grew through active learning and development initiatives. Young researchers received systematic support through Individual Development Plans, mentoring, scientific seminars, mobility opportunities, conference participation and hands on training. The project implemented an extensive cycle of scientific and entrepreneurial events and produced professional video lecture materials now available as open educational resources. These activities stimulated interdisciplinary learning, attracted external interest and strengthened the internal research culture. The successful organisation of the Summer School in 2025 further contributed to this collective growth.
The project became increasingly active in proposal development and international cooperation. The team prepared and submitted several Horizon Europe and ERDF proposals, with multiple successes already achieved. An important milestone was the submission of the first ERC Synergy Grant proposal in cooperation with Umeå University and the Max Planck Society. This achievement reflects both the rising scientific ambitions of the team and the growing international trust in the laboratory’s competence.
SWEB will contribute to market changes leading to the expansion of SW into new applications. In this sense, the existing previous generation technologies continue the growth in their well-established segments and the new technologies like BiSW, flexible semi-transparent are penetrating into new market segments not addressed before - thus generating new business and new value proposition to end-users. BiSW address the changes in smart home and utility energetics and construction materials. Flexible materials address the consumer market, reducing the need for non-rechargeable batteries containing heavy metal or toxic chemicals. The new materials influence also the IoT market, enabling flexible solutions for smart city and smart village applications. Promotion of the research and development in EU will have positive impact to bring the SW production capability back to Europe. Although the SW part in EU energy production has significantly grown, the absolute power production based on coal, lignite or oil-shale is staying stable.