NTera's NanoChromics(TM) Technology and Merck's Experience in Research,
Production and Commercialisation of Nanomaterials Will Lead to the Next
Generation of Flat Displays, Batteries and Solar Cells
DARMSTADT, Germany and DUBLIN, Ireland, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck KGaA
and NTera Ltd., a Dublin-based world leader in nanomaterials, have signed
two agreements to develop and commercialize nanomaterial technology that has
potential markets worth billions of dollars during the coming decade.
Financial details were not announced.
The cooperation covers the development, production and marketing of
nanomaterials used to manufacture "paper-quality" displays based on NTera's
proprietary NanoChromics(TM) technology. Merck is the world's largest maker
of liquid crystals used in displays for mobile phones, laptop computers and
flat-screen monitors and has a proven track record in research, large scale
production and commercialisation of nanomaterials, mainly for the cosmetics
industries, since the late '80s.
Paper-quality displays are electronic information displays that have the
optical properties of the printed page, specifically high brightness and
contrast over a wide range of viewing angles and a "paper-white" background.
Potential applications for the technology include in-store pricing systems,
public and advertising signage, mobile communications and electronic paper and
books. Estimates of the potential market for such products over the coming
decade are in the region of USD 18 billion.
NTera has developed electrochromic display technology using nanostructured
film electrodes that will allow displays to have the optical qualities of the
printed page. Merck will be working with NTera to develop, scale up and
commercially produce the materials used to manufacture these nanostructured
films and then market those materials to international display manufacturers.
"This is a clear win-win situation for both partners," said Prof. Thomas
Schreckenbach, member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA, who holds
responsibility for Chemicals. "NTera has developed a most innovative
technology and Merck, with its broad experience in display technologies, has
the know-how to produce nanomaterials and the worldwide customer base that
will appreciate them."
Merck KGaA and NTera also have signed a memorandum of understanding
establishing a strategic alliance in the area of nanostructured materials
technology. Under terms of the agreement, Merck and NTera will work together
to commercialise other nanomaterials for a range of applications that includes
displays, sensors, batteries and solar cells.
"Merck's commitment to partner with us is a strong endorsement of our
technology and a key step to making NanoChromics an industry standard for next
generation displays," said Roy Davis, Chief Executive Officer of NTera. "We
are confident Merck's proven record, together with our unique offering, will
deliver a world-class product."
The principal advantages of NanoChromics over existing display
technologies come from its appearance -- it looks more like paper than any of
the competing display technologies -- and the fact that it is fast switching
and consumes very little energy. In addition, the associated manufacturing
process has been engineered to be similar to that used in making liquid
crystal displays.
As a result, NanoChromics displays can be manufactured by established
volume producers with relatively minor modifications to their existing plants.
This, in turn, will allow volumes and economies of scale, with the price per
unit area expected to be similar to that of liquid crystal displays.
Note:
NTera Ltd. ( http://www.ntera.com ), originally Nanomat Ltd., was founded in 1997
as a University College Dublin campus company to develop and commercialise
products using nanomaterials. NTera's technology and application development
is focused around nanostructured films and nanoparticles.
With its world-class scientific research base, NTera aims to be the
leading supplier of nanomaterial-based technologies fundamental to progress in
the communications, healthcare and environmental sectors. It has already
achieved 'proof of concept' status for its paper quality-display and
point-of-care diagnostic technologies.
Since 1999, NTera has raised $7m from Cross Atlantic Capital Partners,
Evolution Capital and private investors. It is in the process of further
fund-raising in order to accelerate its product development and expansion of
the company.
NTera's business model is intellectual property-based and it is developing
several distinct applications of nanotechnology developed in-house or licensed
in. It is developing those applications in-house and with participation from
outside companies.
Headquartered in Darmstadt/Germany, the Merck Group generated sales of
EUR 6,7 billion in 2000 in the fields of Pharmaceuticals, Specialty Chemicals,
Lab Products and Lab Distribution. Founded in 1668, the Merck Group is
represented today by more than 200 companies in 52 countries and employs
34,300 people worldwide. The company groups its operating activities under
Merck KGaA, in which E. Merck, as a general partner, holds the Merck family's
74 percent equity interest in Merck KGaA. The Merck Group strongly believes
that promotion of its employees' self-initiative and self-responsibility,
application-oriented research and development and close customer relationships
in the markets are the keys to long-term corporate success.
SOURCE NTera Ltd.
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Related links:
http://www.ntera.com
CONTACT:
Roy Davis, Chief Executive of NTera Ltd,
+353-1-638-1235; or Matthew Moth, +44-20-7861-3882, or Rebecca
Fox, +44-20-7861-3871, both of Bell Pottinger Financial for NTera
Ltd
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