Sharp announces agreement with Qualcomm and Pixtronix

Press release, December 4; Alex Wolfgram, DIGITIMES [Tuesday 4 December 2012]

Sharp has announced that it has reached an agreement with Pixtronix, a subsidiary of Qualcomm, concerning the development of Pixtronix's MEMS displays. In addition, Sharp signed a capital alliance agreement and will issue new shares by a third party allotment with Qualcomm, a world leader in 3G, 4G and next-generation wireless technologies, as the allottee.

MEMS displays use ultrafine process technology and existing display manufacturing infrastructure with features including high color reproducibility and low-power consumption. The development for commercialization of MEMS displays will be achieved by integrating Sharp's core display technology, IGZO and MEMS display technology of Pixtronix, said Sharp.

In addition, Sharp is planning to accept up to JPY9.9 billion from Qualcomm in equity investment to pursue this joint development. This capital will be used for the development of MEMS displays and necessary capital investments for commercializing the technology, added Sharp.

Within Sharp and Qualcomm's agreement, the two companies will consider the possibility of further collaboration of chipsets by Qualcomm Technologies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, and IGZO-based display technology for lower power consumption and higher performance of mobile terminals, noted Sharp.

Sharp added the agreement will also help it accelerate its strategy for growth in its small- to medium- sized LCD business with IGZO-based display technology as its core, as well as expand its revenue and corporate value.