As lovers of traditional stained glass and technology, the team at LightScreen Art offers a modern alternative to stained glass in a customizable, affordable and easy-to-install window covering that they call lightscreens.
Willow Mattison, vice president of operations, said the dramatic improvements in digital manufacturing equipment, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, inspired LightScreen Art. Lightscreens are customized based on each window’s dimensions and made in panels using laser-cut acrylic in 3D-printed frames to create the look of stained glass.
“This allows us to leverage fully customizable manufacturing processes and equipment,” Willow said.
Easy to order and use
In selecting their window coverings, customers upload the dimensions of their window to LightScreen Art’s easy-to-use website, where they can choose patterns and colors for their lightscreen that complement their home decor. Once completed, the customized lightscreen panels are affixed to existing window glass using double-sided adhesive, which makes them easy to install and remove.
LightScreen Art is a Bounce Technology Incubator client, which Willow said has provided them with the resources to succeed including access to expertise, mentors and space. As a new tenant in the building, the business is taking full advantage of its office space, filling the room with 3D printers, a laser cutter and other materials. They even have frame samples affixed to the windows.
The team at LightScreen Art also includes Ron Seide, who founded the company two years ago, and Logan Richards, vice president of engineering. Mattison, who joined Seide shortly after he started the project, recently graduated from Ohio University.
Five University of Akron students currently round out the team. Current and past student team members have had diverse backgrounds – from computer science to biomedical and mechanical engineering.
Kickstarter launch coming soon
“There’s been a lot of work in the background from a production and operations perspective,” Willow said. “With our website now up and functioning, we are getting ready to launch on Kickstarter to ensure we can handle demand and come to market with a unified front.”
After the launch, Willow is excited to explore new products and new iterations, as well as expand shipping logistics to fulfill orders throughout Ohio, the U.S. and globally.
“Our website makes us a global company not limited by geography,” she said.
As a woman tech entrepreneur, Willow is no stranger to working in male-dominated fields such as STEM and manufacturing.
“It’s important to have a connected community as invested in your ideas as you are. Finding those whose opinions you trust and who trust yours is a game-changer,” she said.
“You can have a good idea, but it’s important to be at the right place at the right time.”
To learn more about our Technology Incubator, visit here.