Chemical company Merck already acquired a 70% holding in Peer+ in 2011, and is now taking over the remaining 30% including the 3% holding of TU/e. This means Merck now has full control of Peer+, which was founded in 2008. The acquisition price was not disclosed. The R&D of the new Merck subsidiary will remain in Eindhoven. The number of employees, currently around 10, will remain about the same, according to Teun Wagenaar, one of the founders of Peer+.

Casper van Oosten, who founded Peer+ together with Wagenaar in 2008 with support from TU/e, first came into contact with the new materials that form the basis for the company during his PhD research. The company has won a number of innovation subsidies, including a Valorisation Grant from Technology Foundation STW, to prepare their product for market launch.

The acquisition is part of the strategy of Merck to invest in expertise in the field of liquid crystal technology, with the aim of developing innovative new applications. The multinational intends to market Smart Energy Glass through partnerships. The product offers completely new architectural opportunities, according to Merck. The ‘smart glass’ can already switch within a few seconds from full light transmission to full dimming. Future applications include continuously variable dimming, through which each window can take on a different color.

An R&D production line has already been set up in Eindhoven. Merck intends to start the first projects in 2015 using a pilot production line that will supply custom-made solutions for premium projects for glass building walls.

For an impression of how Smart Energy Glass works, please see this video.

Source: press team TU/e