SBIR Phase II: Scalable Manufacturing Technology for Mobile Signal Penetrating Low-Emissivity Windows

Award ID: 2528331

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to demonstrate a new window coating technology that enables seamless indoor mobile connectivity and other benefits. Conventional low-emissivity (low-E) glass reduces heat transfer but also blocks wireless signals, limiting smart building adoption and 5G/6G coverage. This project helps buildings meet high-performance wireless requirements. Signal-penetrating low-E glass strengthens digital infrastructure while adding minimum costs. It also promises to lower the cost and complexity of indoor wireless, speed up next-gen network deployment, and connectivity goals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will develop and refine a low-cost manufacturing process to apply microscopic patterns onto low-E glass coatings. These patterns are engineered to selectively permit wireless signals, such as those used in 5G, while preserving the glass thermal insulation. Research objectives will address key technical challenges such as pattern resolution, durability of the coated glass, and validating manufacturing integration with commercial-scale low-E production. Project outcomes will demonstrate a clear pathway to large-scale, cost-effective manufacturing of next-generation window coatings permitting wireless signal access. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NSF Program Director: Ela Mirowski