Together, the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and Carlex, a high-end American automotive glass manufacturer operating in Grevenmacher, are an excellent example of a promising new collaboration between a research institute and a company.
Under the terms of a joint development agreement signed in the spring of 2017, LIST and Carlex are co-developing a new generation of windshields for automobiles. The goal of the new windshield technology is to reduce the ecological impact of heating and cooling systems in cars through the utilisation of smart coatings. Such achievements will reduce the fuel consumption of cars to meet future EU vehicle emissions regulations, as well as increase the range of electrically powered vehicles.
If successful, it is a win-win situation because the combined effort seeks to satisfy the needs of both parties.
For Carlex, the company, the main expectation is to improve and develop the asset (automotive glass), which will lead to a long-term competitive advantage in its market.
For LIST, the research institute, the expectation is the generation of new knowledge that may be both protected and published with a view of future exploitation in other markets.
A TECHNOLOGY ADAPTED TO THE NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRY
This collaboration is set out to be rewarding for both the company and the research institute.
“After four years of research on transparent nanomaterials, partially supported by the National Research Fund of Luxembourg, LIST’s and Carlex’s ambitious project shows how applied research is evolving towards technology adapted to the needs of the Luxemburgish industry,” says Dr Damien Lenoble, head of the nanomaterials and nanotechnologies unit and head of development of industrial partnerships in the materials department at LIST. “This is just one example of the national industrial reach and impact of the nanomaterial research carried out at LIST.”
“With this significant investment in partnership with LIST and Luxembourg, Carlex expects to offer a disruptive 18 product innovation out of its Grevenmacher plant,” said Michael Bard, Director of Advanced Product Development at Carlex. “We’re pleased to take this opportunity to positively contribute to the automotive industry in such an impactful way. We also would like to thank Luxinnovation and MECO (Ministry of the Economy) in Luxembourg for their support of this important endeavour.”