Sharp secures investment, MEMS partnership with Qualcomm

News Wireless Global 4 DEC 2012
Sharp secures investment, MEMS partnership with Qualcomm
Sharp has confirmed an agreement for Qualcomm to invest up to JPY 9.9 billion (USD 120 million) in the Japanese company. Sharp said the money will be used to develop and commercialize MEMS display products, working from its LCD panel plant in Yonago in Japan. It will work with Qualcomm subsidiary Pixtronix to develop the products, incorporating its own IGZO display technology. In addition, the two companies will consider the possibility of further collaboration on chipsets by Qualcomm Technologies and IGZO-based display technology for lower power consumption and higher performance of mobile terminals. Sharp said the deal should accelerate its strategy for growth in small- to medium-sized LCDs. The MEMS development project is expected to start immediately, and Sharp will issue new shares to Qualcomm at development milestones in the joint venture.

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