October 20, 2008 - Cambridge, MA
An exciting new form of electronics is emerging - one in which electronics
can be printed over large areas, be flexible, stretchable, foldable and
cheap enough to be disposable on promotions and packages. This so called
"printed electronics" is enabling printed displays, solar cells, functional
circuits, batteries, sensors and even sound devices - all in a new form
factor. Over 3,000 companies around the world are developing the technology
- from giants such as IBM, HP, Canon, Kodak and BASF to many start-ups and
university spin outs.

The technology will not replace most conventional electronics initially, but
rather do new things due to the new form factors and price points possible,
such as displays on packaging, solar cells embedded into clothing,
pharmaceutical packages which remind you when to take your pills, and
posters which are digital. Early applications include e-readers, printed
battery testers on packaging, printed displays on advertising posters, and
even a display on the cover of a magazine - the October edition of Esquire
sold in the US.

Such examples are just a glimpse of what is to come. The printed electronics
technologies are now ready for commercialization and the next stage is to
bring in the creative minds from design companies, packaging companies,
consumer brands, toy companies and advertisers. Companies first to explore
this opportunity can offer exciting new propositions ahead of the
competition.

IDTechEx, an analyst company, is hosting the world's largest event on
printed electronics in San Jose, CA on December 3-4 and encourages such
companies to attend. You will learn all about the technology and see it in
action, in addition to hearing from companies discussing it such as Apple,
Avery Dennison, Structural Graphics, Nokia, Stora Enso, The Kraft Group and
many more. You can also learn more about the technology by downloading our
free white papers at Printed Electronics World.com. For details of the event
see Printed Electronics USA 2008: Introduction. Designers/brands/users can attend at a
special rate - please contact Chris Clare c.clare@IDTechEx.com. In addition,
a special masterclass is being held aimed at those seeking to learn how to
apply printed electronics to create new markets or improve existing
products. The masterclass, called "Creating new products with printed
electronics," will explore the opportunities by industry sector and appraise
the technologies and timelines.