AeroShield awarded $140,000 in state climatetech tax incentives

A Waltham materials science company will receive $140,000 in state tax incentives to expand production of its super-insulating window technology, part of a $27.2 million package the Healey-Driscoll administration announced on Aug. 21.

AeroShield Materials, which operates a manufacturing plant and research labs on Calvary Street, was among 18 Massachusetts climatetech companies selected for the inaugural round of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Climatetech Tax Incentives Program.

The company will use the funding to manufacture aerogel insulation for windows, a technology it says improves energy efficiency and reduces heating and cooling costs. An MIT spin-out, AeroShield makes what it describes as the world’s most insulating transparent material — a patented silica aerogel coating that can make a window up to 65% more energy efficient, lowering both utility bills and energy use.

Since moving to Waltham in 2024, AeroShield has been producing the world’s first aerogel-insulated window units on its pilot line, using them for demonstrations and product certification ahead of a commercial launch planned for next year.

“Climatetech is creating new opportunities for workers and communities across Massachusetts,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. “These investments will help companies expand their facilities, hire more workers and grow right here in our state.”

The company employs 21 people full time, 20 of them at the Waltham site, said co-founder and CEO Elise Strobach. AeroShield also hired a roster of Waltham vendors to build out its facility, including Eastern Industrial Automation, Galaxy Integrated Technologies and Keane Fire & Safety, and has drawn on a longer list of Massachusetts suppliers for manufacturing equipment and construction upgrades. Company Earth Day events have included river cleanups and volunteering.

“While we are still small, we would love to engage more with the community through educational programs,” Strobach said.

Ben Downing, CEO of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, said the awards will help recipients “invest in our communities, creating the jobs and technologies that will drive our economy forward.”