The Freiburg-based company Glape aims to enter the research market by commercializing a glass-forming technology developed over several years at the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials (IWM). The technology involves using a large furnace connected to a powerful laser to heat and shape glass into complex forms. Glape, founded in November, seeks potential customers primarily in the automotive sector, medical technology, and architecture. The key challenge is maintaining optical properties during glass processing to ensure clear visibility through curved glass without distortion. Glape’s method enables precise shaping even with tight bending radii, offering applications such as intricately formed windshields or single-piece corner windows. The technology enhances glass stability, potentially saving up to 40% of materials and reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, it improves insulation and recyclability by eliminating the need for different materials in curved windows, aligning with sustainability goals.