Smartkem reports surging Asian demand for its flexible screen materials

Smartkem has announced it is experiencing a ‘business boom’ for its tru-Flex ultra-flexible thin film transistors (TFT) materials driven by buyers in Asia.

Smartkem is taking on new staff to handle its expanding Asian sales book – Source: CGI

CEO Steve Kelly notes the UK-based firm has seen ‘growth over recent months – specifically in the Asian markets – as we push to become the leading international provider of semiconductors for this new exciting era of flexible, foldable and low-power displays.’

Smartkem expertise in this area is in the formulation of organic p-type semiconductor inks that can be deposited in low-temperature techniques that do not damage sensitive plastic substrates.

The company notes it is suitable for use in TFT layers for use with OLED, electronic paper and LCD screens on smart devices, wearable technology and in large-area displays.

To build on this developing market opportunity the St Asaph-based firm has hired Chris Nice to be its new head of engineering. Nice was formerly employed by Huawei and consequently has considerable experience of East Asian customers.

On 1 May, the potential of Smartkem’s tru-Flex materials was acknowledged in a study from London Environmental Investment Forum (LEIF) and Global Corporate Venturing. It named Smartkem as the seventh in a list of the 12 most promising VC-funded advanced materials companies in the world.

By John Nelson, follow John on Google+

Smartkem reports surging Asian demand for its flexible screen materials

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