One way to judge the growth in the field of printed electronics is the interest being paid by major international corporations in smaller start-ups. Such is the case with investments by 3M and RUSNANO that have occurred since the beginning of 2011.

3M has multiple areas of interest in areas related to printed electronics. The company has a stake in touch screens, displays and graphics, and is active in RFID, adhesives and the photovoltaic market.

In October 2010, 3M New Ventures invested in Printechnologics GmbH, which has patented data memory and battery systems that can be produced on paper through conventional printing.

In December 2010, Printechnologics launched its AirCode touch, the first technology allowing advertisers to bridge the gap of print and digital world in a intuitive way, by using the touch screens of electronic devices to read digital data invisibly hidden in paper. Printechnologics is working closely with major brand owners in developing this technology, as well as working closely with 3M on other projects.

3M has continued to be active in the PE market with some more new investments in related fields. On June 1, 2011, 3M, through its 3M New Ventures and 3M Electro & Communications Business, announced its investment in txtr GmbH, a Berlin, Germany- based eReading technology specialist.

Among txtr’s recent achievements include mobile reading apps for the iPhone and Android for leading eBook retailers and wholesalers such as Koch, Neff & Volckmar GmbH (KNV), bol.com and SKK.

The eReader market is enjoying strong growth, and 3M sees this as an excellent opportunity.

RFID is another area of interest for 3M New Ventures, which in March 2011 announced its investment in motionID technologies AG.

motionID technologies is most noted for VIATAG, an ePayment system that enables vehicles to be automatically equipped with a small radio-frequency tag that provides a payment function. For example, it can be used in parking garages, gas stations and other vehicle services.

Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies, or RUSNANO, is a major force in the field of nanotechnology. Created by Russia to develop and commercialize nanotechnology, RUSNANO is also actively investing in manufacturers. In a major move, RUSNANO is planning on investing $700 million in Plastic Logic, including building the world’s largest volume production factory for Plastic Logic’s next-generation plastic displays in Zelenograd. Production is anticipated to begin in 2013 or 2014.

In addition, in May 2011, RUSNANO announced it has invested $15 million in SiTime Corporation, a U.S.-based industry leader in development of MEMS-based high-performance oscillators and silicon timing solutions. SiTime will establish a new subdivision in Russia where it will design the next generation of MEMS-based oscillators.

Judging by the investments being made by leading companies such as 3M and RUSNANO, there continues to be growing interest in the field of printed electronics.