SWITCH Materials was founded in 2007 out of Simon Fraser University's advanced materials research centre, 4D Labs. SWITCH raised an initial investment of $3.1 million in 2007 from Vancouver-based venture capital firms Pangea Ventures, Growthworks Capital, and Five Corners Capital. In 2010 SWITCH raised an additional $7.5 million in ‘B' round venture capital investment led by BDC Venture Capital, with participation from existing venture partners. SWITCH currently employs over 25 professional full-time staff in chemistry and engineering at SWITCH's research and development facility in Vancouver, Canada.

SWITCH's core competencies in synthetic and polymer chemistry research and applications engineering are focused on developing its proprietary technology into an automotive glazing product. By working closely with automotive manufacturers and supply chain partners SWITCH is able to integrate the demanding requirements of the automotive industry into the product development process.

Future applications for SWITCH's technology include transportation and architectural glazing markets, sports eyewear, and others.