New spin-off Lumoza to print electroluminescent displays on all sorts of surfaces

Nanoelectronics research center IMEC (Leuven, Belgium), Hasselt University (Hasselt, Belgium), and screen-printing company Artist Screen (Stokkem, Belgium) have formed a spin-off called Lumoza that will make flexible electroluminescent displays. The displays, which include screen-printed electronics and can be printed on many types of surfaces, including clothing.

Displays everywhere you look?
Lumoza's technology combines electroluminescent ink with electronics that control the sequence and timing of the display's animation. When printed, for example, on a thin plastic foil, the display can be folded, bent, rolled up, or wrapped around objects. Potential uses include luminous ceilings or furniture, novel types of packaging, animated printed billboards, clothing, vehicle coatings, and so on.

"In this first phase, we address the advertising and packaging industry," said Wouter Moons, CEO of Lumoza. "Both are continuously looking for innovative products. The DVD-packaging industry has already shown interest, as they are looking for new, appealing packaging alternatives. In the longer term, more-sustained applications are envisioned, for example in the construction industry."

IMEC and Hasselt University have a long track record in printable and plastic electronics, while Artist Screen is experienced in printing on polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Artist Screen offers immediate production capacity for Lumoza, as well as access to the packaging and advertising markets.

(Note: Lumoza's website, www.lumoza.be, is currently under construction.)

Other types of flexible displays include microLED and organic LED (OLED).