Shape memory alloys in 2026: overview
Shape memory alloys recover a preset shape after a change in temperature or other conditions, through a reversible phase transformation. Their ability to combine actuation, recovery and superelastic response in a compact metal makes them useful where conventional mechanisms add weight or complexity. Nickel-titanium (NiTi) is the most established family, while other compositions are being explored for different costs, operating conditions and structural roles.
Research is pushing beyond basic shape recovery toward more durable, tunable performance. In September 2026, researchers at the University of Sichuan reported grain refinement and precipitation strengthening to improve NiTi’s elastocaloric cooling response, while a separate study modeled hydrogen effects on its transformation. In August 2026, South China University of Technology and partners reported improved superelasticity in laser-printed porous NiTi architectures. These directions address persistent challenges in fatigue, hysteresis and processing, while expanding interest in solid-state cooling and complex printed components.
- 1Cooling gains traction: NiTi research is targeting elastocaloric cooling through grain refinement and precipitation strengthening, while the SMAEC grant announced in September 2026 signals interest in developing the approach further.
- 2Architecture matters: Laser powder bed fusion and designed porous structures are shifting performance improvements from alloy chemistry alone toward control of geometry and transformation behavior.
- 3Structural roles expand: Iron-based SMA reinforcement is drawing attention for bridge and masonry upgrades, where prestressing and recovery can support retrofit strategies.
Top organizations working on shape memory alloys
Ranked by Linknovate activity score · last 24 monthsThe activity score adds up the relevance of every patent, publication, grant and news item linking an organization to shape memory alloys. Showing 7 of 1,594 organizations.
| # | Organization | Approach | Signals (24 mo) | Momentum | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 
Harbin Institute of Technology
Research · China |
High-entropy alloys | PUB 82 | +10% | Recently, researchers developed NiTi-based alloys for cryogenic superelasticity and elastocaloric cooling, while also studying high-entropy SMA compositions for improved strength and recoverable strain. |
| 2 | 
University of Sichuan
Research · China |
Nickel-titanium alloys | PUB 52 | -7% | Recently, researchers modeled hydrogen interactions with martensitic transformation in superelastic NiTi and studied grain refinement and precipitation strengthening to improve its elastocaloric performance. |
| 3 | 
Northwestern Polytechnical University
Research · China |
Nickel-titanium alloys | PUB 53 · NEWS 5 | -24% | Recently, researchers modeled stiffness regulation in an SMA-based aeroengine bracket and tested a bistable SMA–beryllium-copper shell for shape morphing and shape retention. Other work examines NiTi transformation behavior for aerospace applications. |
| 4 | 1U
12579Southeast University
Research |
Iron-based alloys | PUB 53 · NEWS 2 | +20% | Recently, researchers developed and evaluated Fe-SMA wires for strengthening masonry walls, alongside work on self-prestressing SMA systems for structural engineering. |
| 5 | 
Tongji University
Research · China |
Nickel-titanium alloys | PAT 3 · PUB 60 | -34% | Recently, researchers investigated SMA-based crack repair in concrete beams and Fe-SMA plates for repairing steel diaphragm cracks. The university also studies additively manufactured NiTi and SMA devices for seismic resilience. |
| 6 | 
Harbin Engineering University
Research · China |
Nickel-titanium alloys | PUB 42 | +0% | Recently, researchers studied thermomechanical treatment of NiTi-Sn alloys for large recoverable strain at low temperatures and aging effects in Ta-containing NiTi. They also investigated Cu–Al–Mn alloys made by laser powder-bed fusion. |
| 7 | 
Southwest Jiaotong University
Research · China |
Nickel-titanium alloys | PUB 28 | -25% | Recently, researchers developed a coupled model of hydrogen effects on superelastic NiTi and explored SMA applications in adaptive aeroengine brackets and shape-adaptive robotics. |
| 8 | ··Hidden organizationCompany | Approach | PAT 00 · PUB 00 GRANTS 0 · NEWS 00 | +00% | Available to registered users. |
| 9 | ··Hidden organizationCompany | Approach | PAT 00 · PUB 00 GRANTS 0 · NEWS 00 | +00% | Available to registered users. |
| 10 | ··Hidden organizationCompany | Approach | PAT 00 · PUB 00 GRANTS 0 · NEWS 00 | +00% | Available to registered users. |
Startups to watch and leading research centers
Startups to watch 32 total
Exergyn Inc.IrelandThe company has patented shape-memory-alloy materials and heat-pump systems, applying SMA technology to heat-pump and energy-conversion applications.
Re Fer AGSwitzerlandRecently, iron-based SMA bars were investigated for seismic strengthening of masonry walls. Re-fer offers reinforcement systems for construction, including Fe-SMA products used to prestress and strengthen concrete and masonry.
Cobionix CorporationCanadaThe company patented an SMA protective component for robotic systems, applying the alloy as a compliant element to protect robot components and support structures.- ··Hidden startupCountryAvailable to registered users, with funding and founding year.
- ··Hidden startupCountryAvailable to registered users, with funding and founding year.
Leading research institutions 1,227 total
- Harbin Institute of TechnologyChinaRecently, researchers developed NiTi-based alloys for cryogenic superelasticity and elastocaloric cooling, while also studying high-entropy SMA compositions for improved strength and recoverable strain.
- University of SichuanChinaRecently, researchers modeled hydrogen interactions with martensitic transformation in superelastic NiTi and studied grain refinement and precipitation strengthening to improve its elastocaloric performance.
- Northwestern Polytechnical UniversityChinaRecently, researchers modeled stiffness regulation in an SMA-based aeroengine bracket and tested a bistable SMA–beryllium-copper shell for shape morphing and shape retention. Other work examines NiTi transformation behavior for aerospace applications.
- ··Hidden research institutionCountryAvailable to registered users, with their key researchers.
- ··Hidden research institutionCountryAvailable to registered users, with their key researchers.
Where shape memory alloys innovation happens
Share of documents with at least one organization from each country.
Open the interactive map with all 1,594 organizationsMain technical approaches
Last 24 months| Approach | What it is | Documents | Leading organizations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel-titanium alloys | NiTi combines strong shape recovery and superelasticity, but composition control, processing and fatigue performance remain important trade-offs. | 3,525 |
SMA Solar Technology AG, College Engineering, University of Sichuan |
| Copper-based alloys | Copper-based alloys offer alternative compositions and operating properties, but functional stability and cyclic performance can be challenging. | 607 |
Harbin Institute of Technology, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Harbin Engineering University |
| Iron-based alloys | Iron-based alloys suit structural reinforcement and prestressing, though their actuation and recoverable strain differ from NiTi. | 217 |
SMA Solar Technology AG, Tongji University, 12579Southeast University |
| Magnetic actuation alloys | Magnetic actuation enables remote response without relying solely on heating, but magnetic-field delivery and control add system complexity. | 211 |
Harbin Institute of Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Lappeenranta University of Technology |
| High-entropy alloys | High-entropy compositions offer broad scope for tuning strength and transformation behavior, but identifying stable, functional compositions is difficult. | 297 |
Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Shandong University, Central South University |
Emerging trends
Last 12 months vs previous 36 monthsTerms whose frequency in the last 12 months grew the most compared with the previous 36 months.
Funding and investment
Recent funding rounds
The data records $57,069,899 across 73 grants since 2020. This points to continuing research support, including a September 2026 grant for developing high-performance NiTi for elastocaloric cooling.
Patent landscape
Top patent holders · last 24 monthsRecent developments
Latest news, duplicates removed- Sep 2026Imagine bending a piece of metal into a completely different shape, letting go, and then heating it up. Instead of staying bent, it slowly moves back towards the shape it had before. It sounds almost like the metal…Engineering on Medium
- Sep 2026You can’t brighten a room with darkness, you can’t dry a towel by soaking it, and you surely can’t cool things with heat. Right? Well, maybe. Scientists have just built a solid-state cooling device that can use heat to…New Atlas - New Technology & Science News
- Sep 2026Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are among the most fascinating smart materials developed by engineers. Unlike conventional metals that remain permanently bent or deformed once a force is applied, SMAs possess the remarkable…Innovation on Medium
- Aug 2026I often read about fundamental developments in materials or devices that seem to be what’s derisively described as “a solution looking for a problem to solve.” After all, that’s what many journalists said about the…Home | Electronic Design
- Month 20XXHidden developmentAvailable to registered users with alerts enabled.
Frequently asked questions about shape memory alloys
What companies are working on shape memory alloys?
Edwards Lifesciences, Boston Scientific Scimed and Alps Alpine Co. are among the organizations with substantial patent activity in the field. Startup examples include Exergyn, which applies SMA materials to heat-pump and energy-conversion systems, and Re Fer, which offers iron-based SMA reinforcement for construction. These organizations span medical devices, industrial applications and structural materials.
Which shape memory alloys startups are the most promising in 2026?
Exergyn, Re Fer AG and Cobionix Corporation are notable startups in the available data, each pursuing a distinct use. Exergyn focuses on heat pumps and energy conversion, Re Fer on iron-based SMA reinforcement for construction, and Cobionix on an SMA protective component for robotic systems. Their different markets make them relevant for scouting different application pathways.
Which universities and research centers lead shape memory alloys research?
Harbin Institute of Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University and Tongji University are active research organizations in the field. Harbin Institute of Technology’s recent work includes cryogenic superelasticity and elastocaloric cooling; Northwestern Polytechnical University studies aerospace components; and Tongji University investigates structural repair and additively manufactured NiTi. Their work spans materials development, engineering models and applications.
How much funding has shape memory alloys received?
The data records $57,069,899 across 73 grants since 2020. One recent example is the SMAEC grant dated September 1, 2026, for developing high-performance NiTi for sustainable elastocaloric cooling. The grant figure reflects recorded research funding; it should not be read as a complete measure of commercial investment in the field.
Who holds the most shape memory alloys patents?
Edwards Lifesciences leads the listed patent holders with 77 patents, followed by Boston Scientific Scimed with 41 and Alps Alpine Co. with 21. Other notable holders include Biosense Webster Israel Ltd., LG Corp and Medtronic Inc. The listed holders indicate strong activity in medical devices alongside electronics and other industrial applications.
Is shape memory alloys patent activity growing?
No: recorded patent activity declined by 44.2% in the comparison period. The data counts 1,237 patents in the defined 24-month window. This does not mean development has stopped; recent research continues on NiTi processing, additive manufacturing, elastocaloric cooling and structural reinforcement, while patent trends can vary by application and alloy family.
What are the latest developments in shape memory alloys?
Recent work includes University of Sichuan research on strengthening NiTi for elastocaloric cooling in September 2026 and a South China University of Technology study of laser-printed porous NiTi in August 2026. Other directions include hydrogen-aware modeling of superelastic NiTi, low-temperature alloys and thermomechanical processing. Together, these efforts target reliability and broader operating conditions.
What are the main approaches in shape memory alloys and how do they differ?
The main approaches include nickel-titanium, copper-based, iron-based, magnetic actuation and high-entropy alloys. NiTi is widely used for shape recovery and superelasticity; iron-based alloys are relevant to structural reinforcement; and magnetic alloys support field-driven actuation. Copper-based and high-entropy compositions offer alternative ways to tune properties, but each requires careful control of stability and performance.
Which countries lead shape memory alloys?
The United States leads the country data with 10,212 documents, followed by China with 6,369 and Germany with 2,917. Japan and India are also among the most active countries in the dataset. This activity spans research and commercial development; the figures describe documented activity, not a direct measure of manufacturing capacity or market share.
What are the applications of shape memory alloys?
Medical devices and surgery are a major application, with 917 documents and 330 patents in the defined window. Other applications include aerospace and space systems, robotics and wearable devices, civil infrastructure, and automotive and consumer products. Examples in recent work range from NiTi medical-device manufacturing to SMA bridge reinforcement and adaptive aerospace structures.