MicroLED display developers

Apple

Apple LogoApple, one of the world's largest companies, develops consumer electronics and computer software, and the company also develops a wide range of next generation technologies.

In 2014 Apple acquired LuxVue Technology, a startup company that developed Micro-LED based displays. LuxVue raised $43 million in funding prior to the Apple purchase. Apple continues to research and develop Micro-LED technologies and established a research and production facility in Taoyuan, Taiwan.

in 2017 reports suggested that Apple intends to start low-volume production of Micro-LED devices by the end of the year, with mass production commencing in 2018 (in-house or at production partners, which makes more sense). Apple's first goal is to adopt Micro-LED displays in smart watch devices.

BOE Pixey

BOE Pixey was established in December 2019 as a joint-venture between Rohinni and BOE.

BOE Pixey will design and build micro-LED based LCD display backlights and direct-emission displays - as well as related sensors for large-format displays. BOE Pixey integrates Rohinni's mini-LED and micro-LED manufacturing process with BOE's display panel production experience and leadership. The company says that first products that utilize its displays will reach the market in the second half of 2020.

eLux

eLux logoeLux Inc. was established in 2016 in the USA as a spin-out from Sharp Labs of America, with an aim to develop micro-LED displays using a proprietary and scalable "fluidic" assembly process.

In 2017 Foxconn (through its Subsidiary CyberNet Venture Capital) led a $8 million investment round in eLux.

In 2020, we posted an article that explains eLux's technology and business.

EpiPix

EpiPix was spun-off from The University of Sheffield in the UK, to commercialize technology for multi-color microLED arrays on a single wafer developed at the University’s GaN Centre for Materials and Devices.

The company is developing red, green and blue microLED epiwafers with a pixel size ranging from 30 microns down to less than 5 microns. EpiPix says that it achieved record-breaking IQE results.

Innovation Semiconductor

Innovation Semi logoUS-based Innovation Semiconductor developed (and patented) a monolithic vertical architecture for the production of MicroLED microdisplays, based on a 3D nanowire structure, a single material system and a straightforward and conventional integration between LEDs and GaN transistor.

The company seems to be at an early stage, and has yet to demonstrate its technology.

 

Innovision

Innovision logoChina-based Innovision develops microLED microdisplays, based on the company's vertically-stacked pixel (VSP) technology. The company's microdisplays are said to achieve high display densities and efficient operation.

In November 2022, Innovision raised its Series-A funding round of a few USD millions.

Japan Display

Japan Display logoJapan Display (JDI) is a small/medium display maker, formed in September 2011 by the merger of Sony’s, Toshiba’s and Hitachi’s display businesses and funded by Japan’s government fund Innovation Network Corporation (INCJ).

Japan Display produces LCD display and has been known to supply high-end smartphone LCD displays to Apple. The company is shifting its focus to OLED displays.

In November 2019 JDI unveiled its first microLED prototype, developed in collaboration with glo.

 

JBD

JBD logoJBD (Jade Bird Display), established in 2015 in Shanghai, China, develops micro-LED based MicroDisplays for near-eye and image projection applications based on its proprietary hybrid monolithic integration technology.

In July 2017 the company demonstrated a 5000 PPI active-matrix group III-V microLED array on Si ICs. In 2019 JBD unveiled more prototypes, including a 2 million nits display and a 10,000 PPI display.

JBD currently offers VGA (640x480) monochrome (red, green and blue) micro-LED microdisplays.

Kura Technologies

Kura Technologies logoUS-based Kura Technologies, established in 2016, develops augmented reality (AR) glasses, and related technologies. The company has wide backing from a range of investors and Universities.

Kura's AR glasses are powered by a microLED microdisplay that company the develops in-house. Kura is also developing its own display controller chipset. The company's Gallium AR glasses offer 8K resolution, full-color, ultra-high brightness and a 150-degree FOV.

Leyard Optoelectronics

Leyard logoChina-based Leyard Optoelectronic, established in 1995, produces LED based products, including displays and lighting. The company's main business is large-area LED screens.

In 2020, Leyard announced its entry into the microLED industry, with a partnership with Epister to setup a Mini-LED and Micro-LED production site in Wuxi, China, in a $142 million investment. In 2021 CHN Energy Investment has installed the world's largest microLED display (216-sqm) using Leyard's displays.

Leyard is a public company that trades on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Leyard holds 12% in Saphlux, and will adopt its NPDQ color conversion technology in its future microLED displays.

Lumens

Lumens logo

Korea-based Lumens is a specialized LED company that develops next-generation LED technologies, including LED packages, high efficiency lighting, display related products and more.

Lumens is developing high-definition automotive head-up Micro-LED displays and had plans to release its first such display by the end of 2017. Lumens is collaborating with the Korean Institute of Machinery & Material to develop Micro-LED production technologies. In early 2019 Lumens demonstrated a FHD monochrome micro-LED microdisplay.

Lumens is also developing and producing tiled microLED display modules used to make large microLED display solutions.

Lumiode

Lumiode logoUS-based Lumiode was established in September 2012 with an aim to develop innovative light engines.

Lumiode's technology enables the creation of truly monolithic microLED microdipslays by depositing LTPS backplanes directly on LED epiwafers.

 

Microluce

Microluce logo (2020)Taiwan-based Microluce was established in 2017 to commercialize microLED display technology developed originally at National Central University.

Microluce's technology enables the production of low-temperature (500-700 degrees Celsius) GaN thin film epitaxial wafers using a sputtering process. on 8 to 12 inch wafers.

Microluc is working with partners (including Konka) to develop microLED technologies.