Investment supports commercialization of Light-Emitting Polymer technology

CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom and TOKYO, Japan,  – Cambridge Display Technology (CDT), the owner of the fundamental intellectual property and know-how in light-emitting polymers (LEPs), and Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (Sumitomo) of Japan announced today that Sumitomo has made an equity investment in CDT to support CDT’s commercialization strategy for LEPs within the rapidly growing Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display market.

The equity investment by Sumitomo further builds on the relationship that CDT and Sumitomo solidified through a license and technical assistance agreement concluded in 2001 between Sumitomo and CDT. This agreement provided for transfer of CDT’s basic LEP materials intellectual property to Sumitomo, enabling Sumitomo to carry out broad research to develop new conjugated polymers. Sumitomo will provide these new polymer samples to CDT for testing and evaluation in a wide variety of electronic display structures on CDT’s Godmanchester technology development center.

"CDT has taken a very strategic approach to working with LEP materials suppliers that are willing to invest in the research and development of these materials,” said David Fyfe, CEO of CDT. “Sumitomo has a strong commitment to the LEP industry and CDT is pleased to have this further endorsement, both of Sumitomo's own commitment to the future of the LEP display industry and to CDT's central role in it. We look forward to further deepening our already strong relationship with Sumitomo.”
 
"The investment in CDT is a very important step in our strategy of commercializing LEP materials," said Masatoshi Takahashi, executive vice president of Sumitomo. "CDT is an ideal partner to help us accelerate development of our LEP materials and their commercialization.  The equity holding will strengthen the relationship between the two companies and also enable us to better participate in CDT’s future success.”

Core to its business plan, CDT is actively engaged in every aspect of the commercialization of LEP technology, including fundamental research, manufacturing licensing, market development, production tools and ink jet technology, polymer material development and supply, and
co-development of related performance technologies. 

LEPs, which are part of the emerging OLED display market, will be used in mobile communications, computers, and consumer electronics. Asia is set to be the region that is expected to see the greatest growth in this industry.

About CDT

Cambridge Display Technology, CDT, is a privately held company leading the research, development and commercialization of polymer technology for flat panel displays and lighting. CDT’s light emitting polymer (LEP) technology is targeted for use in a wide range of electronic display products used for information management, communications and entertainment. Features include reduced power consumption, size, thickness and weight, very wide viewing angle, superior video imaging performance and the potential to produce displays on plastic substrates. To date, licenses have been granted to Delta Electronics, DuPont Displays, OSRAM, Philips, and Seiko-Epson, who have either announced imminent start of production or are actively implementing their manufacturing strategies.

CDT is promoting LEP technology development and speeding its commercialization through a global business strategy including co-developments with leading companies in a wide range of display and related technology areas. Founded in 1992, the company is headquartered in Cambridge, UK. 

About Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

Established in 1913, Sumitomo Chemical is one of Japan's leading chemical manufacturers, offering a diverse range of products, including basic chemicals, petrochemicals, fine chemicals, IT-related chemicals, agricultural chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Sumitomo maintains a worldwide network of subsidiaries, affiliates, and other offices, and has products that are sold in more than 100 countries. Sumitomo's strong basic and applied research programs have yielded numerous products that have created value for customers worldwide. More information about Sumitomo Chemical is available at: www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp