Andluca Selected for NextFab RAPID Hardware Accelerator

Andluca Technologies has been accepted into the 2020 Spring cohort of the RAPID Hardware Accelerator program from NextFab. The RAPID Hardware Accelerator program is a twelve-week program focused on helping hardware entrepreneurs jump-start their business by providing them with hands-on technical and business consulting. In addition to access to state-of-the-art equipment, software, and training, NextFab will invest up to $25,000 in each of the companies selected. Selected businesses will have access to the NextFab product development staff and makerspace facility in South Philadelphia to continue with product development and prototyping.

The program’s unique benefits make the application process an extremely competitive one as NextFab’s Venture Services Manager Todor Raykov noted, “We received 140 applications from startup teams from around the world. And after a rigorous selection process only 5 companies were accepted in NextFab’s 2020 Spring Cohort.” The program has moved to a virtual setting, and Raykov sees this change as an advantage, “Switching to virtual meetings actually proves very helpful right now because some of the teams are based in different cities. Now, they can still get support from the program’s business and technical advisors without having to relocate here.”

NextFab’s support and the RAPID hardware accelerator curriculum have allowed Andluca to accelerate product development and maintain their go-to-market roadmap, despite COVID-19 disruptions. Resources like industry mentors and connections have positioned them for success through and beyond the pandemic.

In late 2019, Andluca successfully installed a 10-window smart glass pilot project for Princeton University to verify i) solar heat gain and thermal insulation benefits ii) UV solar, dynamic glass, hardware, and software reliability iii) energy generation/consumption balancing for wireless operation. Development toward the Princeton pilot project resulted in two new pieces of IP covering UV solar technologies and product design. Andluca is now poised to launch their first product which pairs its SmartUVTM platform with electrochromic glass for a wireless system appropriate for new construction or retrofit projects.

About Andluca Technologies:

Andluca, a Princeton University spin-out, has developed UV-solar-powered smart glass for improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Andluca’s patented technologies can reduce building energy use by up to 40% while significantly enhancing occupant comfort and productivity. Unlike available wired smart glass products – which require major renovation and installation by an electrician – Andluca’s wireless smart glass can be installed quickly and non-disruptively.  Learn more about Andluca here: https://andluca.com/

About NextFab:

NextFab is a network of membership-based makerspaces that provide access to tools, technology, education, events, and services for makers of any skill level. NextFab provides access to machinery, education, membership, community, events, and professional services for anything you want to fabricate. By combining digital technology with traditional tools, they’re finding cutting-edge ways to make things, solve problems, and learn by doing.