Cambridge Display Technology Limited

The filing of the first polymer OLED patent marks the beginning of CDT’s journey.

Founded in 1992 at the University of Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory, CDT pioneered Polymer OLED technology for displays and lighting.

CDT is officially incorporated on 2nd January 1992 and is formed out of research work carried out in the Cavendish and Melville Laboratories at the University of Cambridge under Professors Richard Friend and Andrew Holmes.

CDT expands to Cardinal Park in Godmanchester, 15 miles North-west of Cambridge to continue developing and commercialising its Polymer OLED technology.

CDT’s strategic investors pool expands to include Sumitomo Chemical and the total investment in CDT reaches over $20 million.

CDT begins trading on the US Nasdaq exchange under the symbol “OLED” on 16th December 2004, and the initial public offering raises $30 million. CDT was one of the first University of Cambridge spin-outs to go public.

CDT becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical. Sumitomo Chemical positions display materials as one of its core business areas, concentrating efforts on the development of next-generation display materials.

CDT shifts focus to develop other platform innovation projects while the Polymer OLED materials and technologies are successfully transferred to Sumitomo Chemical.

Alongside general research activities at CDT, CVI-UK begins operation with enhanced focus on co-creation with external partners and a mission to develop and maintain collaborative research towards commercialisation.

CDT’s Maxwell Centre Office, within the University of Cambridge’s West Cambridge Innovation District, becomes a place for increased interaction with the University’s innovation ecosystem.