Sharp and Qualcomm to partner on energy efficient LCD IGZO displays

Qualcomm and Sharp will soon announce a new collaborative project to bring super-energy efficient ‘IGZO’ LCD panels into existence. 

Sharp will provide its indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO) technology, which greatly reduces a panel's power use, according to Reuters. An official announcement concerning the new venture is expected to happen this week, potentially later this evening (Japanese time). 

Qualcomm will invest £37,856,600 into the project by the close of the year through a private placement of new shares, according to the report. Sharp will receive an additional 5 billion yen once the project has yielded satisfactory results. 

The combined investment gives Qualcomm a 5 per cent stake in Sharp’s business. 

Neither Sharp nor Qualcomm have yet to officially comment on the deal. 

Sharp isn’t having the best time of late, however, losing 75 per cent of its market value this year through massive losses and a few business deals going south.

Qualcomm's business on the other hand is positively banging, so 10 billion yen for five per cent of a potentially huge business venture is essentially a drop in the ocean. 

There’s no word on when we’ll see the first IGZO LCD panels, but with an official statement inbound we can expect to find out more very soon.