Hexagon Tower-based tech firm sets new world record

Technology firm SmartKem has set a new world record for flexible digital circuit performance at its North West facility.

The company, which develops organic semiconductor technology for flexible displays and electronics at its base in Manchester’s vertical science park Hexagon Tower, broke previous records after the speed at which its tru-FLEX semiconductor works in transistor form passed the 500 kilohertz barrier – the highest reading reported for the technology to date.

SmartKem’s CEO and founder, Steve Kelly, said: “These are exciting times. This is a great result and a testament to SmartKem’s world beating end-to-end capability in material and transistor expertise.

“This emphasises the enabling nature of materials innovation in driving forward the potential of flexible electronics, not just for application to smart, flexible electronics for the Internet of Things for instance, but also the unique position in enabling the growth of the flexible display industry.”

Now, SmartKem believes it will be able to drive readings “well over” one megahertz, which it says would remove the barriers involved with introducing printed electronics and could pave the way for innovative new applications.

The technology uses organic thin-film transistors to carry minute levels of electricity and can be applied to surfaces such as paper or very thin plastic.

Denbighshire-headquartered SmartKem established its Hexagon Tower base in 2011 and today employs a team of 30 at its 5,400 sq ft facility.

The site is run by property management firm Fasset.

Michael Cripps, Fasset’s operations and finance controller, commented: “This is truly fantastic news. Manchester is living up to its reputation as the centre for innovation in science and technology for the UK.

“SmartKem is a perfect fit for Hexagon Tower– a creative and innovative company using scientific methods to break new ground and change the way we use and think about technology.”

He continued: “By offering flexible laboratory and office space to firms like SmartKem, we are able to help tenants grow and thrive at their own rate, leaving them to research and focus on how they can help shape the world we will live in tomorrow.”