Leading OLED Development CompanyInventors of LEP Technology Enhancess Global Perspective of USDC
SAN JOSE, Calif.  - The U.S. Display Consortium (USDC), a public/private partnership chartered with developing the flat panel display (FPD) industry supply chain, today announced the addition of UK based Cambridge Display Technology (CDT) to its Governing Board. Founded by Cambridge University in 1994, CDT, founded in 1994, is the inventor and leading researcher and commercial technology developer of light-emitting polymers (LEPs) a privately held company leading research and the commercial development of Light Emitting Polymers (LEPs)., a unique technology platform suited for high information content displays in next generation mobile phones, PDAs, and other flat panel displays, as well as future lighting applications CDT expects that LEP technology will compete with CRT displays for the television and desktop monitor market. CDT was formally a general member of USDC.

Keith Bergelt, senior vice president of strategy, business development, and intellectual property for CDT, will represent the company on the USDC governing board. Mr. Bergelt has over more than ten 10 years of senior management experience in commercializing early stage technology and intellectual property and is responsible for maximizing CDT's business development opportunities. Prior to joining CDT, he held the position of Director of Corporate Strategy for Motorola. As a member of the USDC Governing Board, Mr. Bergelt will participate in decision- making on policy and program content for USDC.

"CDT's demonstrated commitment to promote the development of display technology and speed commercialization through strategic partnerships makes them a valuable addition to USDC," stated Michael Ciesinski, president of the consortium. "USDC will continue to support its member companies and encourage alliances that will bring the next generation of display technology to market quickly."

CDT's commercialization strategy for LEP technology will utilize its own development and pilot facilities in joint venture, co-development and strategic partnerships with industry leaders to produce advanced technology and manufacturing solutions. The company currently has commercial agreements with Philips, Uniax, Hoechst, DuPont, Seiko Epson, Delta Electronics, and OSRAM OS. Through its licensees, CDT’s patented LEP technology will make its their way to display markets in 2001.

"USDC's mission is very much in line with Cambridge Display Technology’s own efforts to expand capabilities and opportunities for emerging display technology," stated Keith Bergelt. "We look forward to participating in the development of strategies and solutions that will benefit the emerging LEP market as well as the broader entire display industry.," added Bergelt.

This month, CDT began the first phase of construction in a $25 million technology development facility in the UK. The new 1750 square meter facility will be the driving force behind CDT's commercialization strategy for LEPs by increasing the scale and scope of intellectual property available to its licensees as well as providing the capability to test new materials and LEP device structures on a commercial scale. 

About USDC:
The USDC is an industry-led, public/private partnership providing a common platform for flat panel display manufacturers, developers, FPD users and the supplier base. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., the consortium's mission is to help develop the supply chain for manufacturing high-definition displays. For more information about U.S. Display Consortium please visit our website at www.usdc.org.