US-based 3M, through its 3M New Ventures organization, has announced it has invested in Pixel Qi, a developer of next-generation LCD panels with operations in Taiwan and California. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded by Mary Lou Jepsen in 2008, Pixel Qi designs LCD screens that solve problems not addressed by conventional screens. Its first products are sunlight-readable, low-power LCD panels aimed for mobile device applications.

"Pixel Qi's full-function color screen technology, for the first time, gives consumers an outdoor-readable video display with exceptional battery life, usable anywhere, anytime. It's a first in the industry. In our collaboration with 3M, we have the ability to accelerate this into mass adoption," said Jepsen.

The funding led by 3M New Ventures will play a key role in enabling Pixel Qi to develop its product offerings into volume consumer markets as well as digital signage and touch applications, according to 3M. The investment, which successfully concludes Pixel Qi's second (series "B") investment round, will also allow Pixel Qi to build and to strengthen its engineering and sales capabilities.

Source:digitimes