About Us

Switchable Insulation

Switchable Insulation Innovations Limited (Company Number NI712608) was established in March 2024 to commercialise Switchable Insulation technology developed by Ulster University. We are a small, but growing, solutions-focussed team based, in Belfast (Northern Ireland). We have strong engineering expertise in energy systems and green buildings, with access to state-of-the art heat transfer and solar simulation test facilities. We welcome approaches from potential customers, partners, and investors info@switchableinsulation.com

Our Team

Adrian Pugsley

Co-founder & CEO

Adrian draws upon 25 years working in the construction industry and academia. Adrian is an engineer who thrives on solving problems by creating innovative solutions. He worked as a consulting engineer in London, Sydney, and Ecuador (2000-2013) providing engineering advice on commercial construction and engineering projects. Adrian moved to Belfast to study at Ulster University in 2013 and subsequently worked as a Research Fellow (building integrated photovoltaics, solar thermal, and energy storage systems) and Lecturer (Electrical and Energy Engineering) prior to co-founding SwII and taking a full-time role as CEO in 2024. Adrian’s qualifications include BEng (hons) Electroacoustics, MSc Renewable Energy and Energy Management, and PhD Building Integrated Solar Energy Systems. Adrian has extensive experience working with multi-disciplinary design teams and international R&D collaborations.

Mervyn Smyth

Co-founder & CTO

A Reader and Lecturer in Building Services Engineering at Ulster University. He obtained a 1st Class BEng (Hons) in Building Services Engineering and a PhD for Solar Energy Research from Ulster University, has 7-years experience in the HVAC industry, and has held positions in Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) Griffith University (Australia) and Domaine Carneros Estate (USA). Mervyn was NI Regional Chairman of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (2009 to 2012) and was vice chair of the TU1205 EU COST Action on Building Integrated Solar Thermal Systems (2013-2017). Mervyn’s research interests in solar energy systems and green buildings span 25 years. His innovative work in this field and world-leading research in thermal diodes led to the co-invention of Switchable Insulation and focus on its application in energy-saving dynamic building facades and roofs.