On July 3, 2024, the Fourth International Mini/Micro LED Supply Chain Innovation Development Summit, co-hosted by the China Optics and Optoelectronics Manufactures Association LCD Branch and Nikkei BP, and strategically partnered with CINNO Research, concluded successfully. Themed “Crossing Innovation, Technological Integration,” the summit focused on the development ecosystem, market trends, and diverse applications in the MLED and micro-display sectors. It provided in-depth analysis and professional insights into technological innovation and overcoming challenges, aiming to enhance and upgrade the supply chain, foster industry collaboration, and promote the continuous development of Mini/Micro LED and micro-display technologies.
Guest Speeches
Hu Chunming, Executive Deputy Secretary-General of the China Optics and Optoelectronics Manufactures Association LCD Branch, delivered a speech on behalf of the organizers. He noted that display technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with Mini/Micro LED technology serving as a leading force in a new industrial revolution. In 2023, the widespread adoption of Mini LED technology in television products by domestic and international brands accelerated the technology’s diffusion, reduced costs, and enhanced consumer visual experiences. Under the theme “Crossing Innovation, Technological Integration,” this summit focused on the innovation and application of Mini and Micro LED technologies, exploring the future of AR, VR, and micro-display industries. Guests attending the summit will strengthen supply chain cooperation through technical exchanges and experience sharing, driving breakthroughs in Mini/Micro LED technology in more application scenarios and providing new momentum for the sustainable development of the industry.
Zhang Jun, Chairman of China-Europe Capital and former Vice President of Huawei, also delivered a speech at the summit. He emphasized that display technology has entered the third screen era, with the rise of VR, AR, and MR technologies creating broad prospects for the application of Micro and Mini LEDs in smart hardware. He also pointed out that the large-scale production of Micro LEDs faces four major challenges: substrates, chips, epitaxy, and packaging, which also represent investment opportunities. Zhang Jun highlighted that future technological breakthroughs will focus on cost reduction, yield improvement, and achieving mass transfer. China-Europe Capital will support startups and supply chain collaborations to promote the development and commercialization of Micro LED technology. He expressed hope that the summit will inspire more innovation and propel China to greater achievements in the display field.
Keynote Speeches
Topic: Glass-based Micro LED Display Applications and Challenges
Speaker: Zhang Peilin, Head of Micro LED Technology, BOE
Zhang Peilin, Head of Micro LED Technology at BOE, outlined the development trajectory and technological trends of BOE’s MLED business, focusing on the advantages and application prospects of glass-based Micro LEDs. He highlighted BOE’s focus on glass backplane technology and its comprehensive integration of the industrial chain, achieving breakthroughs in commercial display, automotive, and near-eye display fields through innovations in chip, backplane, mass transfer, and driving technologies. Zhang also discussed the challenges facing Micro LED technology, including chip efficiency, uniformity, backplane impedance, and mass transfer, calling for industry collaboration to accelerate mass production and application. He expressed BOE’s willingness to work with partners across the industry in backplane, chip, mass transfer, and optical packaging to co-develop and create value, driving innovation and development in Micro LED technology.
Topic: Mini LED Backlight Innovation Leading Industry Development
Speaker: Zhu Jianfei, Director of R&D, Refond Optoelectronics
Zhu Jianfei, Director of R&D at Refond Optoelectronics, detailed the latest advancements in Mini LED backlight technology and its application and development trends within the industry. He introduced Refond’s innovative approaches in Mini LED backlighting, including COB products, full-surface encapsulation, and single-point lenses, emphasizing their advantages in thinness, high brightness, and energy efficiency. Zhu also explored the potential of Mini LEDs in automotive applications, such as central control screens and electronic rearview mirrors, highlighting their benefits in brightness, light efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. He noted that Refond’s full-size Mini backlight product series has successfully passed AEC-Q102 automotive-grade reliability certification. Finally, Zhu projected future trends in Mini LED technology and stated that Refond will continue to invest in R&D to drive the industry’s ongoing development and standardization.
Topic: Technological Innovation Enabling Upgrades in Film and TV Visual Effects
Speaker: Xiao Hua, Deputy General Manager, Public Affairs, Unilumin
Xiao Hua, Deputy General Manager of Public Affairs at Unilumin, introduced Unilumin’s breakthroughs in Mini/Micro LED technology and showcased application cases of LED display technology in film, cultural tourism, sports, and other fields, with a particular emphasis on the rise of virtual shooting technology. Xiao noted that LED virtual shooting offers advantages such as high efficiency, low cost, and flexible scene switching, and is gradually becoming standardized and widely adopted globally. She also discussed the progress of LED cinema screens in terms of technical performance, cost, and energy consumption, and looked forward to industry trends over the next decade. Xiao stated that with the emergence of new technology waves, such as 5G and artificial intelligence, display applications are continually expanding. Unilumin will continue to innovate and resonate with upstream and downstream partners to create more possibilities for the industry.
Topic: Advances in Mini LED Backlight Driving Technology and Application Scenarios
Speaker: Zhang Jianliang, CEO, X-Signal
Dr. Zhang Jianliang, CEO of X-Signal, provided an in-depth analysis of the latest developments in Mini LED backlight driving technology and its broad application prospects. He shared the significant growth of Mini LED TVs in the market, driven by both internal and external factors, including e-commerce shopping festivals and national policies. He also introduced X-Signal’s innovations in driving IC technology across various domains, such as TVs, gaming monitors, and automotive applications, emphasizing the importance of driving ICs in controlling precision and image quality. Zhang stated that X-Signal will continue to provide comprehensive product solutions and collaborate with the supply chain to drive the large-scale application of Mini LED technology.
Topic: Development of Micro LED Displays and Laser Mass Transfer Technology
Speaker: Zhuang Changhui, Director of R&D, Mini LED Mass Transfer Project Center, HSET
Zhuang Changhui, Director of R&D at the Mini LED Mass Transfer Project Center at HSET, provided a detailed overview of the five-year research and development journey of Micro LED display technology, emphasizing its core applications in commercial displays, automotive, and AR fields. He introduced HSET’s various laser mass transfer technologies, including excimer and solid-state lasers, as well as laser stripping, repair, and welding techniques, demonstrating HSET’s comprehensive coverage and technical advantages in the Micro LED manufacturing process. Zhuang also mentioned that 2024 is a pivotal year for Micro LED research and development, with numerous capable domestic manufacturers already involved. He stated that HSET is committed to continuous innovation and technological improvement to enhance production efficiency and yield, promoting the widespread adoption of Micro LED display technology.
Topic: AR Glasses with Micro LED Optical Waveguide: Creating the Optimal AI Hardware Platform
Speaker: Zhang Junjie, CTO, RayNeo
Zhang Junjie, CTO of RayNeo, stated that the AR industry is entering a period of rapid growth, where the integration of Micro LED and optical waveguide technologies can achieve lightweight, transparent, and mass-producible AR glasses. He also highlighted that AR glasses are the most crucial terminal application product for AI, and their combination will achieve a deep integration of virtual and real worlds, digitizing the entire environment. Leveraging its self-developed Micro LED full-color optical engine and system-level hardware and software design, RayNeo introduced the next-generation AI+AR glasses, RayNeo X3, a lightweight, stylish product equipped with a custom Qualcomm chip and a proprietary system, set to launch in Q3. Zhang emphasized RayNeo’s commitment to driving the fusion of AR and AI to provide better experiences for consumers and supporting developers through an open AI platform.
Topic: Silicon-based Micro Display Technology and the Industry
Speaker: Ji Huaxia, General Manager, JW
Ji Huaxia, General Manager of JW, provided a comprehensive analysis of the latest progress in silicon-based Micro LED micro-display technology and its wide-ranging applications in the micro-display field. He detailed JW’s development history and achievements, particularly breakthroughs in gallium nitride LED micro-display chips. The presentation covered the differences between standard displays and micro-displays, highlighting the advantages of inorganic LEDs in brightness and burn-in resistance. Ji also discussed the potential applications of micro-displays in near-eye displays and projection systems, showcasing Micro LED’s vast prospects in industrial and military fields. Finally, Ji noted that while Micro LED technology is still in its early stages, it is poised for rapid development over the next few years, presenting enormous opportunities for emerging industries.
Topic: Silicon-based Micro Display Backplane Design
Speaker: Chen Yixing, CTO, SmartVision
Chen Yixing, CTO of SmartVision, presented innovative achievements in silicon-based chip design, including micro-displays, spatial light modulators, and custom driver boards. She focused on the key technological challenges in silicon-based micro-display backplane design, such as wafer bonding and colorization techniques, and shared related design challenges and solutions. Chen also analyzed the market potential for different display technologies in AR and VR devices, emphasizing the importance of material characteristics measurements for IC design. She called for enhanced cooperation across the industry to promote technological progress and market applications.
Topic: Prospects for Micro LED Projection Displays in Automotive Applications
Speaker: Huang Ran, Co-Founder, Light Chip (on behalf of Sun Lei)
Huang Ran, Co-Founder of Light Chip, discussed the enormous potential of Micro LED technology in automotive displays, particularly in applications such as HUD (head-up displays), digital headlights, and welcome lights. He noted that Micro LED technology, with its high brightness, self-emissive nature, small size, and high reliability, can significantly improve display quality and energy efficiency. Huang believes that despite current challenges in yield, cost, and capacity, Micro LED technology will soon experience explosive growth in automotive applications with advancements in manufacturing processes and expanded production lines.
Topic: High-Definition XR Headset Design and Applications Based on Silicon-Based OLED
Speaker: Wang Jiaxin, Chief Strategy Officer, NED Optics (on behalf of Peng Huajun)
Wang Jiaxin, Chief Strategy Officer of NED Optics, discussed the development direction of XR headsets from a strategic perspective, highlighting the advantages of silicon-based OLED in high definition and lightness. He introduced NED Optics’ innovations in near-eye display technology, including adjustable interpupillary distance and diopter capabilities, and their headset products’ practical applications in movie watching, surgical robots, and ophthalmic treatments. Wang stated that NED Optics will focus on developing high-end and low-end headset products to meet the needs of different consumer segments. He predicted that high-definition XR headsets will have tremendous market potential over the next 5-10 years, particularly in the movie-watching field.
Topic: Innovations in Micro Display Technology for XR Market Development
Speaker: Yu Ningning, VCMO and General Manager, Greater China Marketing Center, SIDTEK
Yu Ningning, VCMO and General Manager of the Greater China Marketing Center at SIDTEK, discussed the evolution of display technology from the PC computing era to the mobile computing era, pointing out that AI, spatial computing, and XR devices will create a new ecosystem. He emphasized that high-PPI, high-quality, and scalable micro-display technology will become a cornerstone for building this new ecosystem and enhancing consumer experience. Since its establishment in 2016, SIDTEK has focused on Micro OLED product solutions, accumulating extensive experience in both laboratory development and pilot production. The company’s newly constructed 12-inch Micro OLED production line integrates advanced equipment and automation systems, building a leading process capability and capacity advantage. SIDTEK aims to provide high-quality product solutions for XR market customers and drive innovative growth in the XR market through industry collaboration.
Topic: NPQD Technology Empowering AR Full-Color Micro-LED Micro Displays
Speaker: Shen Chen, Strategic Vice President, Saphlux
Shen Chen, Strategic Vice President of Saphlux, elaborated on the application and potential of NPQD (nano-pore quantum dot) technology in AR full-color Micro-LED micro displays. He pointed out that this technology, by applying nano-pores and quantum dots on a blue light array, achieves high brightness and high efficiency in full-color displays, significantly enhancing AR glasses’ display performance and user experience. Shen shared Saphlux’s latest achievements, including the launched 0.39-inch and upcoming 0.26-inch full-color light engines and their production process advantages. He emphasized that with AI breakthroughs and increasing market demand, the AR glasses market is poised for explosive growth in the coming years, with NPQD technology being a key driver in this field.
Topic: Capital’s Role in Promoting MLED Industry Development
Speaker: Luo Xiaogang, Managing Director, Truesino Group
Luo Xiaogang, Managing Director of Truesino Group, thoroughly explained the critical role of capital in promoting the MLED (Mini/Micro LED) industry. Luo noted that as a leading investment institution in the semiconductor and display sectors in China, Truesino Group has been investing in the display industry since 2011, with extensive investments in optoelectronic chips, smart manufacturing, and information technology. He emphasized that despite challenges such as mass transfer and full-color display, Micro LED is still seen as the ultimate display solution for the future, thanks to Haiz’s Law and continuous technological breakthroughs in the industry. Truesino Group is committed to supporting the long-term development of the industry through its “3+N” investment model and will focus on areas like laser transfer and quantum dot technology.
Topic: Driving Micro Display Technology Integration and Breakthroughs
Speaker: Xu Xiaobo, Research Director, Consulting Department, CINNO Research
Xu Xiaobo, Research Director of the Consulting Department at CINNO Research, provided an in-depth analysis of the current status and trends of the global and domestic XR markets, highlighting the critical role of micro-display technologies in advancing the AR and VR industries. He emphasized that micro-display technology currently dominates the AR headset market, while Micro LED technology, with its high brightness and other unique application characteristics, is rapidly emerging in the AR glasses market. Xu showcased the tight integration of the upstream and downstream supply chains through data and case studies, predicting that micro-display technologies will have more significant growth space in the XR market, and the entire supply chain will continue to develop collaboratively, achieving mutual prosperity.
Conclusion
The Fourth International Mini/Micro LED Supply Chain Innovation Development Summit 2024 concluded successfully. The summit not only further facilitated intra-industry exchange and cooperation but also provided a platform for sharing technical, market, and industry information. By focusing on the MLED and micro-display sectors, the summit deeply analyzed technological innovation and overcoming challenges, injecting new momentum into the improvement and upgrading of the supply chain. Looking ahead, with the industry’s collective efforts, Mini/Micro LED and related micro-display technologies are expected to explore more terminal applications, accelerate commercialization, and continuously strengthen the industry ecosystem.
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