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Since its launch in 2017, Step Change has become a cornerstone of the conference – a dedicated space where startups and scaleups connect with global industry leaders to spark collaboration and accelerate innovation.

Throughout GPD 2025, Step Change participants showcase their solutions in dedicated sessions and at their exhibition stands – demonstrating the potential to transform the glass industry landscape.

In the program’s opening words, Lars Wismer, Director of glasstec, and Jens Mayr, SVP Insulating Glass Business Line at Glaston, began by underscoring the recent partnership between glasstec and GPD. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with GPD. It is the industry event in the years when we’re not organizing glasstec,” said Wismer. “It’s a natural partnership.”

Together, they reflected on the Step Change platform’s evolving role and the spirit of innovation driving this year’s participants.

“Step Change is more than a program, it’s a mindset,” Mayr said. “It’s about bold moves, not small steps, challenging the status quo and accelerating innovation for the future. It’s where ideas are created, and the next big thing is born.”

Embracing new partnerships and new technologies, this is what GPD and Step Change are all about. “Step Change allows us to write the future. Let’s be bold, be curious, and be open to change,” Wismer challenged.

One of the trailblazers, a returning participant, shared the remarkable progress his company has made since the last GPD: “When you have the right partners who are willing to move at the same pace as you, it’s incredible what you can achieve in a short time.”

Shaping the future of glass

This year’s lineup of seven pioneering companies is redefining what’s possible with glass. Most of them have returned to GPD this year to showcase the progress of their evolution since previous events.

AeroShield Materials creates ultra-transparent silica aerogels that boost insulation and lower embodied carbon in glass products.

eLstar Dynamics offers sustainable, affordable and adaptive smart glass for a wide range of applications such as architecture, automotive and specialty markets.

Lithium Designers combines parametric design and 3D printing to create digitally engineered, geometrically complex and strong facade connections.

Miru Smart Technologies uses a patented manufacturing process to produce next-generation electrochromic windows (eWindows) that lower costs and boost performance.

OSSE provides a low-cost, eco-friendly organic semiconductor for smart glass, simplifying manufacturing and reducing environmental footprint.

ReViSalt innovates with fast chemical strengthening and salt bath regeneration to make glass lighter, stronger and more sustainable.

UBLO designs minimalist windows with built-in ventilation. The company’s simplified design and minimal use of frames help windows reduce carbon emissions.

Now is a good moment to take the next steps!