REFR News & Events

Research Frontiers announced a licensing and product development agreement with powersports apparel brand Klim. The collaboration aims to integrate Research Frontiers' patented smart glass light-control technology into Klim's motorcycle helmets, goggles, visors, and face shields. "SPD-SmartGlass technology has transformed how people manage unwanted heat, light and glare in automobiles, aircraft, yachts, homes and offices, and other demanding environments," said Joseph Harary, president and CEO of Research Frontiers. "We believe this collaboration with Klim opens new and exciting opportunities for SPD technology. Riders and outdoor enthusiasts represent a global market measured in tens of millions of users who encounter changing light conditions every day. We are excited to help create what we believe could become an entirely new category of smart wearable vision systems and enhance the user experience with the highest-performing products."

Research Frontiers (REFR) highlighted the strong industry interest in SPD-SmartGlass at last week's ECV Automotive Glazing Summit in Detroit, where Research Frontiers President & CEO Joseph M. Harary served as Chairman of the event and delivered the keynote address. The summit brought together automakers, Tier-1 suppliers, glass manufacturers, and technology innovators to discuss next-generation automotive glazing and its role in vehicle comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Across multiple sessions, attendees emphasized that variable-tint glazing has moved from an emerging concept to an essential feature for modern vehicle programs, with benefits for both internal combustion engine and electric vehicles. In addition to OEM and Tier-1 participation, the summit also included key contributions from Gauzy (GAUZ), a licensee of Research Frontiers and manufacturer of SPD light-control film. Gauzy attended the conference and participated in the panel discussion moderated by Mr. Harary, offering insights into film production capabilities, global scaling, and integration within next-generation vehicle programs. During the summit, Mr. Harary highlighted the growing number of OEM programs evaluating or actively using SPD-SmartGlass-from premium vehicles to next-generation EV platforms. Attendees responded positively to SPD's real-world performance in production models such as the Ferrari Purosangue, Cadillac Celestiq, and a number of car models from McLaren and Mercedes. The conference concluded with significant interest from automakers seeking follow-up demonstrations, technical workshops, and design-in support for upcoming vehicle cycles. Several OEM teams have already scheduled additional sessions with Research Frontiers and its licensees.

Research Frontiers announced the debut of the next-generation retrofittable SPD-SmartGlass window. The Thermolite RetroWAL SPD-SmartGlass system will be demonstrated at GlassBuild America 2025 in Orlando, Florida from November 4-6, 2025, at Booth 9034. "Our new RetroWAL SPD system transforms legacy glass into intelligent glass," said Jeff Besse, President and CEO of AIT Group. "It delivers the energy savings, wellness, and privacy benefits of next-generation buildings without demolition or downtime. A weekend retrofit can completely change how a space feels and performs."

Research Frontiers announced that Michael LaPointe, Vice President - Aerospace Products, has retired from the Company effective September 15, 2025. LaPointe has worked with Research Frontiers since 1994 and joined Research Frontiers as an employee in 2000 and served in a variety of senior leadership roles, including Vice President - Marketing, and Vice President - Aerospace Products.