MANUFACTURING
“ From the nominations that we received for the Sacramento Innovation Awards to the eventual winners , it ’ s clear that cutting-edge technology is being developed in our region ,” Russell says . “ Many of these technologies will directly affect our lives , including new therapeutics and devices that will improve people ’ s health to new technologies that address challenges created by climate change .”
Here are four entrepreneurs on that leading edge who are transforming ideas of manufacturing and thinking well beyond their wallets to the well-being of the world .
THE REFLECTOR
Diana Eastman Founder and owner ThermēShade
If you can ’ t stand the heat , get out of the Sacramento office building , goes the modified version of the old saying . But Diana Eastman , a former energy consultant , knows that ’ s not always possible . In commercial and residential buildings , summer sun in the Capital Region can be relentless . Air conditioning units work overtime . People seal , caulk and cover windows in hopes of saving energy . But the discomfort persists . Eastman wanted something different , something better .
She came across a material , described as a laminated film that is perforated , that didn ’ t block visible light like normal tightly woven darkening shades or drapes — it actually reflected the sun ’ s radiant energy . This technology became the basis for her business , ThermēShade .
The silvery filmlike material is not new . The technology dates to thermal insulation for liquid hydrogen in the late 1800s . Last century , NASA started using the material for its spaceships and spacesuits . Eastman , who launched her company in 2012 , set out to create a commercial version of the product but ran into a big issue : cost .
The past few years , Auburn-based ThermēShade has been modifying the product , encapsulating the shiny silver in between the other layers : one side reflecting summer heat , the other keeping winter heating in . The startup has reworked the layering and fabrication process to cut down on manufacturing costs . Eastman believes the price point should be
“ My goal is to get the price down , because that is how you invest in every social strata . It ’ s all about making the technology not exclusive .”
DIANA EASTMAN Founder and owner , ThermēShade
comparable to generic blinds or shades . “ My goal is to get the price down , because that is how you invest in every social strata ,” she says . “ It ’ s all about making the technology not exclusive .”
According to the U . S . Department of Energy ’ s Energy Saver office , “ Window coverings can reduce energy loss
Kyle Chittock launched Bolton Ebikes in 2015 . The company , based in Grass Valley , names its e-bikes after aircraft . PHOTO COURTESY OF BOLTON EBIKES through the windows , lower heating and cooling bills , and improve home comfort .” In 2014 , DOE funding led to the creation of the Attachments Energy Rating Council , an independent nonprofit organization , which rates , labels and certifies window attachments . This rating system will give ThermēShade credibility to consumers who may not understand the nuts and bolts of the concept , Eastman says .
The social impact of this technology could be huge , given the health benefits of natural light . In 2018 , a Cornell University study reported an 84 percent drop in eyestrain , headaches and blurred vision , all symptoms that can detract from productivity . With people spending their days indoors , getting access to that light without suffering in the heat would be ideal .
“ People don ’ t need to know the rocket science behind it ,” Eastman says . “ They just want to solve their problems .”
THE ENERGIZER
Kyle Chittock Founder and owner Bolton Ebikes
Kyle Chittock grew up riding all kinds of bikes : mountain bikes , road bikes , basically “ anything with two wheels ,” he says . But while he was in the mechatronics program at Sierra College , he did
44 comstocksmag . com | May 2021