How Student Innovation at RIT Croatia Drives Real-World Solutions
Turning a standard academic assignment into a viable commercial business requires more than just a good idea; it demands a supportive educational environment that encourages practical application. At RIT Croatia, student innovation is not confined to theoretical textbooks. Students are consistently challenged to identify everyday problems and engineer functional solutions. A prime example of this educational approach is Leona Maslać, a freshman Global Business Management student who identified a common frustration—glare and heat from standard windows—and developed a concrete business model to address it.
Leona’s project, PCT Windows (Premium Customized Tint Windows), originated as a final assignment for a first-semester Business 1 course. Rather than abandoning the concept once the semester ended, she chose to refine and push the idea into the real world. This trajectory from classroom concept to early-stage startup illustrates the type of student innovation that RIT Croatia actively cultivates, providing undergraduates with the foundational knowledge to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
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Understanding PCT Windows and the Technology Behind Smart Windows
The core of Leona’s project rests on advanced smart windows technology. Traditional window solutions, such as blinds or static tinted films, offer limited flexibility. They either block light entirely or let it all in, requiring manual adjustment and offering no dynamic response to changing environmental conditions. PCT Windows differentiates itself by utilizing a sophisticated combination of two distinct technologies: Suspended Particle Device (SPD) technology and Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) modulation.
The Mechanics of SPD and PDLC Technology
SPD technology works by suspending microscopic particles within a film. When no electrical voltage is applied, these particles float randomly, absorbing and blocking light. When a voltage is introduced, the particles align, allowing light to pass through. PDLC technology operates on a similar electromagnetic principle but uses liquid crystals. In their natural state, the liquid crystals are scattered, making the glass opaque. Applying an electric current straightens the crystals, rendering the glass transparent.
By integrating these two technologies, PCT Windows allows users to control the tint level of their glass from 1% to 99.9% using a wireless remote. This means a room can shift from full transparency to complete privacy in a matter of seconds. Functioning much like smart sunglasses for buildings, this technology directly addresses issues of eye strain, excessive glare, and unpredictable indoor temperatures without sacrificing the view.
The Dual Functionality of Modern Smart Glass
Beyond simple light and temperature control, PCT Windows introduces a secondary, highly commercial feature. When the glass is shifted into its opaque state via the PDLC technology, it can serve as an interactive projection screen. This functionality opens up significant possibilities for commercial spaces, retail environments, and corporate offices. Business owners can use their windows to display advertisements, promotional videos, or informational content during off-hours or when privacy is required, maximizing the utility of existing architectural elements.
Turning Academic Assignments into Commercial Ventures
The transition from an academic concept to a recognized startup requires deliberate action and a willingness to step outside typical student boundaries. Leona did not simply write a paper about smart windows; she built the infrastructure of a business. Within nine months, she developed a professional website, produced promotional videos, and began networking with established business professionals.
A critical milestone for PCT Windows was achieving a Top 10 spot at the Student DIGI Awards 2026. This recognition provided external validation of the concept and placed Leona in front of potential investors and industry judges. Furthermore, she demonstrated exceptional initiative by serving as a guest speaker in junior and senior-level classrooms at RIT Croatia. This reversal of the traditional academic dynamic—where a freshman teaches upperclassmen—highlights that viable business ideas and entrepreneurial drive are not dependent on seniority or age.
Explore our related articles for further reading on student achievements and startup culture.
Overcoming Challenges in the Smart Windows Market in Croatia
Bringing a hardware-based technology startup to market in Croatia presents specific logistical and financial hurdles. Unlike software startups that can be developed with minimal capital, smart windows require physical materials, specialized manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing. Leona has openly acknowledged that the high cost of development and the difficulty of sourcing specialized material suppliers outside of Croatia are significant obstacles.
Navigating these supply chain challenges requires a strategic approach to partnerships and a deep understanding of international logistics. For student innovators in Croatia, this often means looking beyond domestic borders to European or global manufacturers who can produce the SPD and PDLC films at a scale and cost that makes the final product commercially viable. Overcoming these barriers is a standard rite of passage for hardware startups, and addressing them early in the business planning process is crucial for long-term viability.
Accelerating Growth: From Croatia to Silicon Valley
To further develop PCT Windows and gain the necessary skills to scale the business, Leona is taking the next logical step for a tech entrepreneur: attending the ABC Bootcamp in Silicon Valley. This intensive program provides direct exposure to the epicenter of global technology and venture capital. During the bootcamp, students have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders at companies like Google, Tesla, and Oracle, and visit institutions like Stanford University.
For a startup originating in Croatia, this exposure is invaluable. It provides insights into how elite global companies operate, how they interact with international markets, and what investors look for in early-stage hardware ventures. The experience is designed to bridge the gap between a regional startup and a globally competitive business, providing Leona with the mentorship and perspective needed to refine PCT Windows for a broader market.
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What Aspiring Entrepreneurs Can Learn from PCT Windows
Leona’s journey from a freshman classroom to a Silicon Valley bootcamp offers several actionable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Do not abandon class projects: Academic assignments often force you to analyze markets and build business plans. If the research holds up, the project might be worth pursuing outside the classroom.
- Build minimum viable assets early: Creating a website and promotional materials forces you to articulate your value proposition clearly before you have a finished product.
- Pitch to strangers: Presenting to familiar professors is comfortable, but pitching to unknown business professionals provides the honest feedback necessary to refine your model.
- Look for dual-use technologies: Products that solve one problem (privacy) while enabling another (advertising space) offer stronger value propositions and multiple revenue streams.
The Role of Academic Institutions in Fostering Startup Culture
The success of PCT Windows is not solely a story of individual drive; it is a testament to the environment at RIT Croatia. Leona explicitly noted that without her enrollment at the institution, PCT Windows would likely have remained nothing more than an idea in her head. The university’s focus on experiential learning, cooperative education, and practical business courses provides a safety net for students to take calculated risks.
When higher education institutions integrate real-world business challenges into their curriculum, they shift the student mindset from passive learning to active creation. By offering platforms for students to pitch ideas, connect with investors, and earn scholarships for international bootcamps, universities act as incubators for regional economic development. As smart windows and other green technologies continue to gain traction in the global construction and hospitality industries, the foundational skills taught in these programs become increasingly critical.
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Conclusion
Student innovation requires a combination of a recognized problem, a viable technological solution, and the tenacity to push a concept past the finish line of a syllabus. PCT Windows demonstrates how smart windows technology can be adapted for both personal comfort and commercial utility, addressing real issues with glare, heat, and space utilization. As Leona Maslać takes her startup from RIT Croatia to Silicon Valley, her progress serves as a practical blueprint for other students looking to transition their academic work into tangible, market-ready businesses.
