Wroclaw-based startup QNA Technology develops blue quantum dots
Start-up QNA Technology has so far raised nearly PLN 12 million from investors, of which PLN 7.2 million came from a round conducted in June 2021. It was primarily attended by several institutional investors, as well as a group of private investors. In addition, the company received funding of PLN 6.2 million from the National Research and Development Center.
The plan is to develop the technology and even more business partners
The company’s materials are already being tested by two display companies – from Asia and the US. In addition, its partners in Germany and Japan have made working devices based on them – light-emitting diodes.
“This is a very important step for us, confirming the high quality of our materials. We plan to expand our partners in 2023. We are still developing the technology for the production of quantum dots, nevertheless, already our light blue dots have such good parameters that large international companies are ready to pay for the opportunity to test them. At this stage, however, the costs we incur are much greater than the revenues.” – Prof. Artur Podhorodecki
Commercialization getting closer
Later this year, QNA Technology will launch a pilot quantum dot synthesis line. This is another milestone bringing it closer to the commercialization of materials awaited by the market. Meanwhile, a PLN 14 million investment is expected to lead the company to the start of production and sales of PureBlue.dots. The company plans to launch a pilot quantum dot synthesis line this year. It is expected to allow enough material to be produced for customers to start pilot production of their devices.
“Bright blue quantum dots will be a unique product on a global scale, opening the door for us to companies in the display industry. At the same time, they will allow us to build a suitable competitive position in a highly demanding market. This will also allow us to continue business development by introducing more advanced products. Ultimately, we want to become a manufacturer of advanced nanomaterials and inks based on inorganic nanomaterials.” – adds Prof. Artur Podhorodecki
The worst is over
QNA Technology still has very capital-intensive and high-tech work ahead, as in any so-called deeptech. However, its owners say that two major risks are behind them.
“First, we were concerned that we would not achieve the right wavelength, i.e., light blue emission, and would stop at a dot emitting dark blue. Second, we took into account that major manufacturers would not create displays requiring the use of our blue dots. Since last year, however, we have been able to synthesize light blue dots, and several companies, including Samsung, Sharp, TCL and BOE, have unveiled prototypes of next-generation displays using just blue dots. Market indications suggest that commercial implementation on a global scale of this new technology, QD-EL displays, can be expected within three-five years.” – Prof. Artur Podhorodecki
Limited competition
Artur Podhorodecki points out that there are less than 10 companies in the world capable of synthesizing quantum dots in commercial quantities and at the expected quality. However, most only offer red or green dots, which are easier to produce. Meanwhile, in the case of blue cadmium-free quantum dots, the startup’s competition is limited to two large companies – from Korea and the US, developing the material mainly for the construction of their own devices. At the same time, each of these entities could become a major customer and strategic partner of the Wroclaw startup.
