CINNO Research Industry Information, the next-generation transparent conductive film manufacturer C3Nano announced on May 21 that it has completed the initial equity investment of major investor Nitto Denko (Japan Electric Engineering), which is the first part of their expected $ 15 million financing. Nitto Denko is a diversified material manufacturer headquartered in Osaka. They are the world's leading suppliers of films and touch screen display products for displays such as smartphones and tablets. The cooperation between the two companies will help to further develop supply chain channels for the global flexible display market.
According to foreign media Printed Electronics World, in addition to Nippon Denki, current investors include Nissha Printing, Hitachi Chemical, Nagase America, and Lens Technology.
"Our partnership with Nitto Denko shows that we are providing first-class technology to the growing transparent film and touch display market," said Clifford Morris, CEO of C3Nano. "C3Nano is a recognized performance leader, and we are globally foldable Materials such as mobile phones. We are very happy to have the opportunity to cooperate with Nitto Denko, which allows our technology to be widely used in market innovation. "
One of the emerging markets supplied by C3Nano and Nitto Denko is the foldable equipment market. CINNO Research believes that the development of consumer electronics depends mainly on product prices and application experience. After nearly two years of development of folding mobile phones, the main problem-solving focus of various manufacturers has been clearly on the folding screen fold and hinge operation. In terms of hinges, Rouyu launched an autonomous fully-closed linear shaft that can hover at any angle; in terms of creases, the combination of the thickness of the display module and the film structure is the key. It will face various problems, such as separation, displacement, etc. It is expected that the intelligent mechanical simulation model independently established by Rouyu can solve the pain points of this industry and promote the market development of folding and flexible screens.
According to CINNO Research ’s Monthly Market Report on OLED Smartphones, although there are blessings from mobile phone brand giants such as Samsung and Huawei, the folding screen supply chain has many difficulties. Compared with 2019, sales of approximately 500,000 tablets increased by 517% year-on-year. Global shipments of folding mobile phone screens are expected to rise to 38 million by 2024, with a five-year CAGR of 141%.
"C3Nano is a strategic investment for us, which will allow us to work more closely in developing innovative products and expanding the supply chain of market materials such as touch displays," Nitto Denko said in a statement. "The reason why we chose C3Nano, because of its leading performance and excellent technology, it gives us confidence to build the most effective team and provide products in this market segment. "
About Nitto Denko Corporation
Nitto Denko Corporation is a global pioneer of new technologies in this field and a leading diversified material manufacturer in Japan. Founded in 1918, Nitto mainly produces electrical insulating materials and has grown into a leader in the energy materials, industrial tapes, environmental solutions, photovoltaics, and life sciences markets.
Nitto has contributed to the daily life of individuals and the future of the industry through the creation of innovative and unique solutions. Our proprietary technology can turn sea water into drinking water, improve transportation safety, and make clearer LCD displays. Innovation is an important part of our company's values, we will never stop inventing.
About C3Nano Inc
C3Nano Inc is a performance leader in the next generation of transparent conductive inks and films for the touch sensor and display industries. The company has more than 75 global patents (issued or pending), including NanoGlue® and other technologies. NanoGlue can integrate conductive silver nanowires (AgNWs) technology into a high-performance conductive network or grid (ActiveGrid ™). NanoGlue can reduce the sheet resistance while maintaining excellent optical characteristics (high transparency, low haze and low reflectance).
The company's products are already used by global manufacturers of mobile devices, notebooks and tablets. C3Nano's innovative technology can also be used in large-size interactive TVs and automotive sensors.
C3Nano investors include Nitto Denko, Nissha Printing, Hitachi Chemical, Nagase America and Lens Technology. Venture capital investors include GSR Ventures and Phoenix Venture Partners. C3Nano is headquartered in Silicon Valley and has manufacturing, sales, and technical support facilities in the United States and Asia.