Future of Displays: Rollable, Transparent MicroLED Technology
Smartkem and AUO Partner to Unveil the Future of Displays
Smartkem, a leader in organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) technology, has announced a partnership with AUO, Taiwan’s largest display manufacturer, to develop the first rollable, transparent microLED displays. This collaboration combines Smartkem’s cutting-edge OTFTs with AUO’s advanced microLED expertise, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of display technology.
A Leap Forward in MicroLED Commercialization
MicroLED displays are celebrated for their superior brightness, efficiency, and lifespan compared to current display technologies. However, the challenge of high production costs has restricted their mass-market adoption. Smartkem’s innovative OTFT technology aims to overcome these barriers, paving the way for commercially viable and affordable microLED displays.
Ian Jenks, Chairman and CEO of Smartkem, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:
“Collaborating with AUO, a global leader in display manufacturing, positions Smartkem’s technology at the forefront of microLED commercialization. Our unique low-temperature OTFT process allows for the direct application of transistors onto microLEDs, eliminating costly and complex processes like mass transfer and laser welding. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce the price of microLED displays, making them accessible to a broader market.”
Revolutionary Display Architecture
Smartkem’s OTFT technology enables a “chip-first” display architecture by processing transistors directly on flexible, low-cost plastic substrates instead of traditional glass. This approach results in displays that are not only rollable but also lightweight, transparent, and durable, offering new possibilities for device design and functionality.
Dr. Wei-Lung Liau, Chief Technology Officer of AUO, emphasized the potential of the partnership:
“AUO has long invested in microLED technology, and this collaboration leverages Smartkem’s materials and the OTFT production process from ITRI to create the world’s first rollable microLED display. By combining high transparency and free-form applications with cost advantages, we are poised to unlock new opportunities in the display industry and strengthen our value chain partnerships.”
A New Era for Display Technology
The collaboration has already garnered industry attention. Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), noted the project’s significance:
“This initiative highlights the cost-effectiveness of Smartkem’s technology in addressing the most demanding microLED applications. If successful, it could generate substantial market interest and redefine the future of displays.”
The rollable, transparent microLED displays will be developed on ITRI’s Gen 2.5 assembly line, with the project officially starting on January 1, 2025. Supported by a grant from the 2024 Taiwan-UK Research & Development Collaboration initiative—jointly funded by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Innovate UK—the partnership exemplifies international cooperation in advancing cutting-edge technologies.
Shaping the Future of MicroLED Displays
Smartkem and AUO’s collaboration represents a pivotal moment for the display industry. By addressing longstanding production challenges and introducing a novel, cost-effective manufacturing process, this partnership aims to revolutionize how displays are designed, produced, and used across industries.
As the project unfolds, the display world will watch closely, anticipating how this innovative partnership shapes the next generation of microLED technology.
