FlexMatters is the portal for information, news and opportunities in the manufacturing of flexible displays, electronics and photovoltaics.

MISSION: To build an industrial cluster in Northeast Ohio for the research, development and production of flexible displays, electronics and photo-voltaics.

BACKGROUND: Industrial research centers around the world are pursuing the development of flexible displays; however the manufacturing base has yet to develop. Northeast Ohio stands poised to establish the early lead in this global race. Our goal is to capitalize on this lead, assuring that the enabling technologies and manufacturers establish in this region.

WHY FLEXMATTERS IN NORTHEAST OHIO: The opportunity to build this cluster is based on this region’s leadership liquid crystal research and development complemented by Northeast Ohio’s core industrial strengths in polymers and printing.

The silicon revolution was fostered by the development of the integrated circuits and thin film transistors that are the basis for all consumer electronics, ranging from the cell phones to large flat screen TVs. The displays and electronics in these devices are currently all produced using batch processing on rigid substrates. The future lies in producing these devices on flexible substrates using roll-to-roll production techniques.

Northeast Ohio’s strong industrial base in plastics and printing, and leading research strengths in liquid crystals, polymers and engineering make it the logical home for this emerging industry.