OPTMASS

OPTMASS Co., Ltd. is a university-spinout company from Kyoto University, established on October 1, 2021, to commercialize advanced heat ray control technology developed within the university. The company's CTO, Masanori Sakamoto, was an Associate Professor at Kyoto University's Institute for Chemical Research and brings his extensive research background in this field to the company. OPTMASS, a portmanteau inspired by "biomass," reflects the mission to effectively utilize 100% of the sun's optical resources.

The core of OPTMASS's business is the development and production of a transparent solar cell that generates electricity from infrared light, which accounts for about 44% of sunlight. This technology is based on high-quality, size-controlled inorganic nanoparticles that selectively absorb infrared rays (heat rays) while allowing visible light to pass through. This dual functionality of power generation and heat-shielding offers a significant advantage. Unlike conventional organic solar cells, the inorganic nature of these nanoparticles provides superior durability, meeting the longevity standards required for window glass.

OPTMASS operates on a B2B model, targeting the implementation of its technology in zero-emission buildings and houses, with a long-term vision of creating zero-emission cities. The business is structured around two main offerings: the development and future sale of transparent solar cells, and the current sale of the heat-shielding nanoparticles themselves. These nanoparticles can be incorporated into various forms like inks, coatings, and films. The company has already successfully raised 160 million JPY from investors such as Real Tech Fund and Samurai Incubate to scale up the production of its key nanoparticle materials.

The primary product, the transparent solar cell, functions as a power-generating window. It captures and converts infrared light into electricity before it turns into heat, which contributes to reducing the urban heat island effect and lowering CO2 emissions by decreasing the reliance on air conditioning. This approach simultaneously provides an energy production effect and an energy-saving effect. While developing the transparent solar cell, the company is also marketing heat-shielding films and materials that leverage its core nanoparticle technology for various applications. Keywords: transparent solar cells, infrared light power generation, heat-shielding nanoparticles, Kyoto University startup, energy-saving windows, heat ray control, inorganic nanoparticles, urban heat island mitigation, zero-emission buildings, sustainable energy, advanced materials, cleantech, deep tech, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), CO2 reduction, energy efficiency, optical materials, heat-shielding film, materials science, nanotech