Display firm seeks funding for LCD production

Cambridge-based Screen Technology is looking for a further £5m funding to take it to profitability and positive cashflow.

The company, whose ITrans technology enables standard LCDs to be panelled seamlessly into large areas, has begun low volume production of its modular displays using an automated line developed with help from a £756,000 DTI Smart award.

“We’ve made huge progress in the way in which we make things,” said Tony Kellet, the company’s CEO. “We should have first products late next month, and the first sales channel is signed up.” Kellet said his main limitation now is cash, hence the funding round.

The firm has a 16-panel, SVGA display prototype with a 68in. diagonal and a brightness of 200Cd/m². Its primary focus is in the 69-300in. size range, bridging the gap between plasma and LED.

Target applications are indoor signage, for example in airports, shops and shopping centres, and financial trading floors, for which the company is generating interest among architects and developers of the sites.

“We’ve got something that offers size, high resolution, and brightness, said Kellet. And because it’s modular, we can also do non-standard formats,” he added.

Screen Technology’s route to market is mainly through sales to original equipment manufacturers. Kellet said that the £5m funding target is based on a certain level of business growth, but that the technology has the potential to go much further. The next prototype will be an 85in. display.