Smart wearable heating solutions

At the Danish Technological Institute, we help companies develop heating solutions that improve comfort, performance and reliability in cold environments.

Whether your customers are employees in cold workplaces or users of technical equipment, we can help you bring warmth exactly where it creates value.

We support you from early idea and proof of concept to prototype development, testing and preparation for production — with a strong focus on the user experience, product performance and your route to market.

Key benefits of our wearable heating solutions

• Improved comfort
  Help users stay warm in cold environments without adding unnecessary bulk.
• Longer operating time
  Efficient heating can help extend battery life or reduce the need for large battery packs.
• Greater freedom of movement
  Thin and flexible heating integration can help preserve comfort, fit, and mobility.
• Reliable performance in cold conditions
  Keep garments, batteries or technical components functioning when temperatures drop.
• Improved safety
  Heating is designed with temperature limits to reduce the risk of overheating, with a maximum of 43 °C for skin-contact applications and up to 60 °C or 80 °C for selected technical applications.
• Documented durability
  Solutions can be tested for washing, wear, repeated use, and relevant environmental conditions. Heating elements can withstand more than 50 wash cycles and are tested according to ISO 6330:2021.
• Lightweight and flexible integration
  Ultra-lightweight, thin, and flexible heating elements can be integrated into garments and products without compromising comfort or usability.
• Cost-effective European manufacturing
  Heating solutions can be manufactured cost-effectively in Europe, supporting quality, supply security, and scalable production.

Examples of our work

Our portfolio includes successful applications of printed heating elements across wearables and technical products. Please have a look at these two test cases:

1. Battery pack heating for cold environments

Batteries lose performance and capacity in cold conditions. We have developed printed heating solutions that gently and uniformly warm battery packs to maintain optimal operating temperature. The thin, conformable heating films can wrap directly around cells and modules, ensuring efficient heat transfer with minimal added weight and volume. The self-limiting heating materials prevent overheating, protecting both performance and safety. 

2. De-icing heaters for drone applications

Ice formation on wings, rotors and sensors compromises flight safety and performance. Our lightweight printed heating elements provide targeted de-icing for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, where every gram matters. The thin, flexible films conform to curved aerodynamic surfaces and deliver rapid, even heating to keep critical surfaces ice-free without the weight penalty of conventional systems. 

How can the Danish Technological Institute help you?

1. Technology selection: We guide you in choosing the right printed heating technology for your application.
2. Proof of concept: We validate quickly with a PoC on your textile or product using a generic heater.
3. Custom heater design: We co-design the geometry, materials and interconnects to match your requirements.
4. Prototype development: We turn your ideas into tangible, tested products.
5. Product testing: We ensure your heating products meet standards for safety, durability and washability.
6. Integration support: We deliver ready-to-laminate films compatible with standard heat-press processes (120 °C for 10–20 seconds).
7. Upscaling: We help you optimize processes, quality control and supply readiness from pilot to volume production.
8. European network: We connect you with leading textile and electronics research institutes across Europe.

Our method

We begin with a focused scoping dialogue to define your targets - temperature, power and voltage, comfort and safety, wash durability and mechanics. We validate quickly with a proof of concept, then co-design the custom heater, build and test prototypes, and deliver a clear report. Finally, we help you upscale toward volume production.

Why partner with Danish Technological Institute

We combine proven wash-durable performance with deep printed-electronics and textile-integration expertise. Our engagements are flexible - from rapid feasibility studies to manufacturing handover - delivered through independent, customer-centric development with clear, actionable outputs.

Contact our specialist and business manager, Nina Ritter Nielsen, to explore how our printed heating solutions can bring efficient, safe, and durable warmth to your products.