At Brightlands Materials Center, we are proud to welcome Telmo da Silva Lopes, who recently joined the Sustainable Buildings Program as Business Developer. With a strong scientific background and an entrepreneurial mindset, Telmo plays a key role in bridging the gap between research and industry.
From Portugal to the Netherlands
Telmo is originally from Porto, Portugal. After obtaining a degree in Chemical Engineering, he pursued a PhD in Environmental Engineering with a focus on solar energy storage through photo-electrochemistry. This research gave him in-depth expertise in semiconductors, thin-film coatings, renewable gases and renewable energy systems for the built environment. A semester at TU Eindhoven sparked his interest in renewable energy and planted the seed for his international career.
Combining science and entrepreneurship
Alongside his academic work, Telmo co-founded a startup in the renewable gas sector. This entrepreneurial experience, combined with his scientific expertise, makes him a perfect fit for BMC. “As Business Developer, my role is about connecting technology, business opportunities, and people. I help innovations move from the lab towards commercialization by building partnerships and strategies with industrial and research partners,” Telmo explains.
Innovations for Sustainable Buildings
One of the technologies that inspires him most at BMC is SunSmart, a thermochromic coating for windows that automatically regulates heat radiation. By keeping buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter, it can significantly reduce energy consumption. “It’s fascinating to see this technology moving closer to industrialization and market entry. Following the spin-out process and learning how to scale such innovations is very exciting,” he says.
Telmo is also involved in developing inductively triggered nanocomposite adhesives that enable the recycling of multilayer polymer products. By working closely with industry partners, he ensures that research is aligned with real-world challenges and opportunities
Bringing research to society
What motivates him most is seeing research make an impact. “Coming from a strong technical background, I wanted to move closer to the business side of innovation. At BMC, I can connect science with society and help ensure that new materials and technologies don’t just stay in the lab, but reach the market where they can make a difference”.
With his drive to connect organizations and foster collaborations, Telmo is determined to help the Sustainable Buildings Program deliver innovative solutions for a more energy efficient and circular built environment — not just in the Netherlands, but across Europe.