Research Frontiers and AIT Group Debut at GlassBuild Retrofittable SPD-SmartGlass System Bringing Instant Light Control, Comfort, and Energy Efficiency to Existing Buildings
Rhea-AI Summary
Research Frontiers (NASDAQ: REFR) and AIT Group unveiled the Thermolite RetroWAL retrofillable SPD-SmartGlass system, debuting at GlassBuild America Nov 4–6, 2025 in Orlando.
The system uses SPD-Smart film produced by Gauzy (NASDAQ: GAUZ) to convert existing glazing into dimmable, energy-efficient smart glass without removing original windows. Benefits claimed include up to 20% solar heat gain reduction, UV/IR blocking, noise reduction, instant dimming, and integration with building controls.
Market context: Frost & Sullivan projects a $124B smart glass market by 2028 (CAGR 22.8%). Retrofits may offer up to 70% lower installation cost vs full replacement and could qualify for 30–50% U.S. investment tax credits for dynamic glazing.
Positive
- Solar heat gain reduction up to 20%
- Installation cost savings up to 70% vs full glass replacement
- U.S. tax credit eligibility of 30–50% for dynamic glazing
- Market projection $124 billion smart glass market by 2028 (CAGR 22.8%)
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – REFR
On the day this news was published, REFR gained 18.00%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +28.6% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -4.8% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 32 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $14M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $91M at that time. Trading volume was exceptionally heavy at 5.5x the daily average, suggesting very strong buying interest.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Powered by SPD-SmartGlass Film invented by Research Frontiers and Produced by Gauzy, this First-of-its-Kind Retrofit Dimmable Glazing System Transforms Building Facades
Orlando, FL, Oct. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Research Frontiers Inc. (Nasdaq: REFR), the inventor and licensor of patented SPD-Smart film light-control technology, and Advanced Impact Technologies Group (AIT Group), a fully-integrated premier manufacturer of advanced functional glass solutions, and licensee of Research Frontiers’ technology, 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.
The RetroWAL SPD-SmartGlass system represents a major advance in building modernization — enabling owners to transform existing windows into intelligent, energy-efficient smart glass without removing the original glazing. Co-developed with Gauzy Ltd. (NASDAQ: GAUZ), a Research Frontiers partner and shareholder, and manufacturer of SPD light-control film, Gauzy Ltd. (NASDAQ: GAUZ), the system utilizes the same smart film technology already implemented by Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, McLaren, Cadillac, Airbus, and Boeing—for easy retrofit installation in commercial, residential, and institutional buildings.
Also on display at GlassBuild will be an SPD-SmartGlass IGU (insulated glass unit) window supplied by Gauzy, further demonstrating the growing availability and adoption of this energy-efficient technology for built environments.
Visitors to AIT’s booth will see live demonstrations of RetroWAL for use in:
- Commercial and residential retrofits
- Hospitality and government facilities
- Smart façades, skylights, and partitions
The system delivers dynamic shading automatically or at the touch of a button, through voice control, sensors, smart phones or tables, or building automation. It reduces solar heat gain by up to
“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.”
“SPD technology is the only dynamic glazing solution combining instant response, wide dimming range, and long-term reliability,” added Joseph M. Harary, President and CEO of Research Frontiers. “AIT’s innovation brings SPD into the retrofit era — enabling millions of buildings worldwide to reduce energy use, increase comfort, and modernize their glass infrastructure.”
Eyal Peso, CEO of Gauzy added, “The retrofit market represents one of the largest opportunities for smart glass adoption. SPD delivers instant performance and proven reliability, positioning Gauzy and our partners at the center of this next wave of sustainable building innovation.”
SPD-Smart film contains specially engineered nanoparticles that align or disperse in response to an electric current, instantly adjusting transparency from clear to dark. This technology has been trusted for more than two decades in transportation and architectural applications — including aircraft, luxury vehicles, marine vessels, museums, and commercial installations such as the 10,000-square-foot SPD roof at the 2015 World’s Fair in Milan.
By bringing that same capability to existing buildings through retrofit capabilities, RetroWAL makes energy-saving SPD-SmartGlass accessible to a far broader market.
Governments around the world are accelerating adoption of energy-efficient technologies. The U.S. Dynamic Glass Act offers 30–
According to Frost & Sullivan, the global smart glass market is projected to reach
Retrofit applications are expected to be the fastest-growing segment due to:
- Lower cost of installation (up to
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Immediate ROI from reduced HVAC loads and increased occupant comfort
- Eligibility for green building credits and tax incentives
The RetroWAL SPD-SmartGlass system was developed by AIT Group in collaboration with Gauzy Ltd. the global manufacturer of SPD light-control film, and Research Frontiers, the inventor of SPD-Smart light-control technology. Together they are scaling SPD technology for architectural retrofits and next-generation building envelopes worldwide.
This year's event provides the ideal platform to demonstrate how SPD-SmartGlass can help architects, developers and building owners and facility managers transform existing structures into high-performance, energy-efficient spaces. GlassBuild America is the largest annual gathering for commercial and residential glass professionals. The conference and exhibition is produced by the National Glass Association (NGA) in partnership with the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA), and brings together manufacturers, fabricators, suppliers, installers, architects and other industry professionals for networking, innovation and education.
About Research Frontiers
Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR) is a publicly traded technology company and the developer of patented SPD-Smart light-control film technology which allows users to instantly, precisely and uniformly control the shading of glass or plastic products, either manually or automatically. Research Frontiers has licensed its smart glass technology to numerous companies that include well known chemical, material science and glass companies. Products using Research Frontiers’ smart glass technology are being used in tens of thousands of cars, aircraft, yachts, trains, homes, offices, museums and other buildings. For more information, please visit our website at www.SmartGlass.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About AIT Group
Advanced Impact Technologies Group (AIT Group) with its market focused entities are the market leaders in a variety of areas such as dynamic glazing, physical security, and occupant comfort applications along with offering the highest thermal performance, low carbon products, on the market. This is possible for the group by focusing on producing purposeful end products meeting today’s functional needs by combining unique materials and advanced manufacturing techniques coupled with a commitment to quality and service.
AIT Group is the parent company of LTI SmartGlass, a fully-integrated premier manufacturer of advanced functional glass solutions, and licensee of Research Frontiers’ SPD-Smart film light-control technology,
For more information, please visit www.thermolitewindows.com.
About Gauzy
Gauzy Ltd. is a fully-integrated light and vision control company, focused on the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of vision and light control technologies that are developed to support safe, sustainable, comfortable, and agile user experiences across various industries. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, the company has additional subsidiaries and entities based in Germany, France, the United States, Canada, China, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Gauzy serves leading brands across aeronautics, automotive, and architecture in over 60 countries through direct fulfillment and a certified and trained distribution channel.
Note: From time to time, Research Frontiers may issue forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results, especially those reliant on activities by third parties, could differ and are not guaranteed. Any forward-looking statements should be considered accordingly. “SPD-Smart” and “SPD-SmartGlass” are trademarks of Research Frontiers Inc. “Thermolite” and “RetroWAL” are trademarks of AIT Group.
CONTACT:
Jeffrey Besse
President and CEO
AIT Group
2310 Starkey Rd
Largo FL 33771
+1 413 822 2290
jbesse@impactAIT.com
Joseph M. Harary
President and CEO
Research Frontiers Inc.
+1-516-364-1902
Info@SmartGlass.com
Brittany Kleiman
Chief Marketing Officer
PR@gauzy.com
FAQ
What is the Thermolite RetroWAL SPD-SmartGlass system from REFR and AIT Group?
When and where will Research Frontiers (REFR) demonstrate RetroWAL SPD-SmartGlass?
How much solar heat gain reduction does the RetroWAL SPD system claim?
Does the RetroWAL retrofit qualify for government incentives for dynamic glazing?
What cost and market benefits are cited for retrofitting with RetroWAL instead of replacing glass?
Who manufactures the SPD film used in REFR and AIT Group's retrofit system?
