Smartkem Signs Memorandum of Understanding with RiTdisplay to Integrate Smartkem's OTFT Process Into Its Gen2.5 Line

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Smartkem, which is seeking to change the world of electronics with a new class of transistor technology, has announced a memorandum of understanding with RiTdisplay Corporation, a leading developer of optoelectronic solutions, visual displays and passive-matrix OLED displays, to evaluate the integration of Smartkem's organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) process on RiTdisplay's Gen2.5 pilot line to expand Smartkem's product prototyping capability.

The memorandum of understanding is a significant progression in the collaboration work between Smartkem and RiTdisplay, which started with an initial joint development agreement in 2021, and includes the 2024 commencement of a UK and Taiwanese government grant-funded project to develop the world's first commercially ready active-matrix OLED display using OTFT technology. Under the memorandum of understanding, product prototyping capabilities will be transferred from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)'s Gen2.5 line to a newly integrated Gen2.5 pilot line at RiTdisplay. The parties expect that the RiTdisplay line will be available for use in the second half of 2025.

RiTdisplay GM Robert Chen said, "This phase of our collaboration marks a major milestone forward in delivering a new generation of AMOLED displays to the global market and reinforces the commitment of both companies to innovation and commercial excellence. We look forward to delivering customer demonstrations later this year and accelerating the market adoption of OTFT-based AMOLED displays in multiple end markets. RiTdisplay remains committed to driving innovation across multiple display technologies, including PMOLED and OTFT. This collaboration with Smartkem allows us to explore new possibilities while continuing to enhance our core technologies."

Smartkem Chairman and CEO Ian Jenks said,"This is a major step forward in our strategy to commercialize our unique transistor technology. Once complete, we will be able to provide product prototying of the world's first commercially ready AMOLED display using OTFT technology on a commercial Gen2.5 OTFT product manufacturing line at RiTdisplay's existing state-of-the-art facility in Hsinchu, Taiwan."

The  memorandum of understanding is non-binding and there can be no assurance as to whether or when a definitive agreement will be executed by the parties or as to the ultimate terms of any such agreement.