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SmartKem Develops "Smart" Chemistry

Breakthrough:
SmartKem is developing new "smart" chemistry and laser patterning technology for the printable electronics industry that is low cost, low weight, rugged and flexible.

Business:
SmartKem Limited, United States

The Story:
SmartKem simplified the process of creating circuits and electronic components by eliminating the need to use high temperatures, vacuum chambers and chemical etching, and enables the printing of circuits onto flexible, thin materials such as paper and plastics.

Their novel approach has just won them first prize in the "Best of British Innovation" competition sponsored by Venturefest.

SmartKem was founded in 2009 by Steve Kelly. The founder and CEO of the company is well experienced in launching new technologies to market and has extensive experience in Intellectual Property exploitation.

By developing both an alternative semiconductor material for printed electronics, and a new process for creating flexible printed electronics, electronics manufacturing will be dramatically simplified, as well as having a positive environmental impact.

According to their website, "The company intends to commercialize novel organic semiconductor inks within 18 months offering cost and performance benefits to existing Printed Electronics manufacturers. In the same time period SmartKem aims to demonstrate prototype microelectronic devices produced by high resolution laser patterning. The company considers the combination of smart chemistry and laser patterning as a potential gateway to the holy grail of roll-to-roll electronics manufacturing on flexible film."

Roll-to-roll manufacturing would make it possible to create revolutionary products such as rollable TV screens, disposable solar panels, wafer thin batteries, electronic skin patches and smart packaging.

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