Tynt Technologies is a company on a mission to optimize human health and comfort within the home. Their innovative approach involves dynamic windows that intuitively control daylight and privacy, challenging the traditional notion of windows as mere openings to the outdoors.
Tynt Technologies has raised $16 million to date. This funding is being used to develop and commercialize the company’s smart window technology.
In this interview with founder and CEO Ameen Saafir, we explore Tynt’s journey and vision within the context of evolving climate technology trends.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Tynt Technologies?
Tynt Technologies’ journey began with a passion for innovation and a commitment to addressing climate change. In 2003, after completing my degrees at Stanford, I delved into the world of flat panel display technology, specifically OLEDs, with industry giants Samsung and DuPont. As I successfully scaled up a unique method for producing these displays, which involved coating active materials from a solution, I began pondering how I could utilize my expertise to combat climate change.
While many in my field were focusing on solar and energy storage, I saw a largely untapped market in smart windows. In 2012, I joined a smart window company with a similar approach to material coating. As Chief Engineer, I led the scaling of this technology, even overseeing the company’s inaugural manufacturing facility. However, this technology was costly and lacked key features for mass-market appeal.
Fast forward to 2020, I received a call from my former graduate school advisor, Professor Mike McGehee, who had developed a groundbreaking smart window technology at CU Boulder. I initially agreed to help craft a business plan and advise his students, but after witnessing the technology’s potential firsthand, Tynt Technologies was born just four weeks later.
What sets Tynt’s smart windows apart from other products in the market?
In recognizing the importance of providing mass-market appeal, Tynt Technologies focuses on offering a cost-effective solution with neutral color, privacy in the dark state, and wireless installation and operation capabilities.
We stand out as the only technology that delivers all these features, making us a game-changer in a market where existing products cater primarily to high-end commercial applications, such as office buildings, airports, and hospitals. Our vision extends to thriving in single and multi-family homes and commercial spaces like shopping malls and restaurants.
With the growing interest in smart homes and buildings, how do you see Tynt’s technology fitting into the broader trend of IoT (Internet of Things) and smart building systems?
Smart building systems aim to optimize energy consumption, comfort, and privacy. Tynt’s technology plays a pivotal role in achieving these objectives. Windows have a substantial impact on these aspects, and our smart windows can reduce a home’s total energy consumption by up to 30% by controlling thermal energy from the sun.
They keep homes cool in the summer by blocking excess heat and allowing natural heating during the winter. Moreover, our smart windows maximize natural light, creating a comfortable and adaptable environment. The ability to completely darken windows also enhances security and privacy, making them a cornerstone of the smart homes of the future.
What kind of partnerships or collaborations do you foresee as critical for your success?
As a startup company with a focus on longevity and customer support, we believe that establishing partnerships with established window companies is critical for our success. Homeowners expect their windows to last over 30 years, and they want assurance that their chosen company will support them, even in the unlikely event of warranty issues. Recognizing this, we have already signed agreements with three renowned window companies (to be announced soon) through which we will introduce our product.
What’s your vision for the future of Tynt Technologies?
Looking ahead, we envision Tynt Technologies as a company that will provide homeowners with a comprehensive smart window system, integrating intelligence to manage energy, comfort, and security. Our windows will communicate with other devices in the home to deliver a premium smart home experience.
Additionally, by combining Tynt with advanced insulating window technologies like vacuum-insulated glass, we aim to revolutionize home design. This will enable more windows in homes while adhering to stringent energy performance standards, eliminating the need for homeowners to choose between abundant natural light and energy efficiency.
Our goal is not only to challenge the perception of windows but also to redefine what’s possible in a modern, energy-efficient home.
by Tony O. Lawson
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