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Smartkem Recaps 2024 Achievements and Sets Ambitions for 2025

Smartkem, recognized for its pioneering work in the electronics field through its innovative organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs), recently summarized its significant achievements in 2024 while outlining its strategic goals for 2025. The company's mission to revolutionize electronic displays has seen a remarkable year filled with advancements and collaborations that are poised to reshape the industry.

2024 Highlights

In a statement from CEO Ian Jenks, he emphasized that 2024 marked a turning point for Smartkem. The company raised $7.65 million in December and, in collaboration with its partners, obtained a grant of $1.1 million aimed at developing the first-ever rollable, transparent microLED display. This funding initiative is pivotal, as it reflects a significant commitment to pioneering advanced display technologies.

Smartkem further enhanced its market position by uplisting to Nasdaq, providing increased trading liquidity and expanding accessibility for investors. This move not only signals the company's robust financial health but also reinforces its credibility within the competitive electronics realm.

The past year saw Smartkem forge several strategic partnerships with industry leaders across Asia, North America, and Europe. These collaborations focus on various innovative projects:

• - AUO will work jointly with Smartkem to create a rollable, transparent microLED display.
• - FlexiIC is collaborating to develop economical, customized circuits through organic transistor technology and new low-power CMOS-enabled smart sensor devices.
• - Partnerships have been established with ITRI for product prototyping, Chip Foundation for microLED-based backlight technology, Shanghai Tianma Microelectronics for biochips, and RiTdisplay for advanced OLED display manufacturing.

In addition to these initiatives, Smartkem has expanded its intellectual property portfolio to a total of 138 patents and 40 trade secrets, solidifying its competitive edge in the advancing field of organic materials within electronics.

The company actively participated in prominent trade events, including Touch Taiwan 2024 and Display Week 2024 in San Jose, where CEO Ian Jenks captured attention as the keynote speaker during the DSCC/SID Business Conference.

2025 Targets

Looking ahead, Smartkem set ambitious goals for 2025 that align with its vision for continued innovation and market leadership. Key objectives include:

1. Shipping the First Batch of Materials: The initial shipment of Smartkem's materials to the Chip Foundation is set under the collaboration focused on developing new microLED backlight technology.
2. Joint Development Agreement: The company aims to establish a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for an innovative chip-first microLED display, marking a significant step forward in display technology customization.
3. Gen 2.5 ITRI Process Line Qualification: Full qualification for the Gen 2.5 ITRI process line is targeted to ensure readiness for large-scale application.
4. Expansion of Collaborations: Smartkem plans to pursue additional partnerships and co-development agreements that enhance its technology and expedite commercialization.

In conclusion, Jenks expressed gratitude towards stockholders for their ongoing support and expressed enthusiasm for sharing updates on progress throughout 2025. The commitment to innovation and strategic positioning sets the stage for Smartkem to lead the charge in advanced display technologies and organic semiconductor solutions.

About Smartkem

Smartkem is at the forefront of transforming the electronics landscape through its cutting-edge organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs), which can potentially revolutionize display technologies. The patented TRUFLEX® liquid semiconductor polymers developed by Smartkem pave the way for a new type of transistor applicable across various display technologies, including next-gen microLED displays. With a research and development base in Manchester, UK, and a field application office in Taiwan, Smartkem continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in electronics. For further details, visit Smartkem's website or connect with them on LinkedIn.