Company Overview - Smartkem is focused on revolutionizing the electronics industry with a new class of transistor technology using proprietary advanced semiconductor materials [5] - The company's TRUFLEX® semiconductor technology allows for low-temperature printing processes compatible with existing manufacturing infrastructure, aiming to deliver low-cost, high-performance displays across various technologies including microLED, miniLED, and AMOLED [5] Leadership Appointment - Jonathan Watkins has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Smartkem, responsible for global operations and strategic partnerships [1] - Watkins brings over 30 years of experience in commercializing and scaling novel material technologies, having held strategic roles in multinational companies and high-growth startups [2][3] - Prior to his COO role, Watkins served as a consultant to Smartkem and has a history of leading complex technical product portfolios and developing global supply chains [2][3] Background of Jonathan Watkins - Watkins has held significant positions including CEO of Impression Technologies Limited, where he developed and scaled a novel aluminum lightweighting technology for various markets [3] - He has also served as COO and commercial director of Ceres Power plc, focusing on manufacturing, supply chain management, and business development [3] - His educational background includes a Postgraduate Certificate in Design Manufacture and Management from the University of Cambridge and a BEng degree in Materials Science & Technology from the University of Birmingham [4] Research and Development - Smartkem operates its research and development facility in Manchester, UK, and provides prototyping services at the Centre for Process Innovation in Sedgefield, UK [6] - The company holds an extensive intellectual property portfolio, including 138 granted patents across 17 patent families, 17 pending patents, and 40 codified trade secrets [6]
Smartkem Appoints Jonathan Watkins Chief Operating Officer