Epimesh proof of market

Epigem has developed a new type of transparent conducting film which has higher optical
transmission (>85%) and lower electrical surface resistance (~1 Ohm/square) compared to
existing materials, whilst having no colour. Epigem hopes to make and sell a range of these
new films under the brand name "Epimesh". More details of the product are given in
Appendix A. Such films are needed to make one of the electrodes in the new generation of
organic solar cells and solid state lighting. Without a very highly conducting, yet transparent,
electrode solar cells lose efficiency and lighting panels become darker in the centre compared
to the edge when the panel size gets bigger than about 13x13 cm. Existing materials are
currently either too expensive to make or not robust or both. However both these applications
are a number of years away from commercialization and in order to support the ongoing
investment required to develop the product, more immediate markets must be found. Other
potential markets include touch screens, flexible displays, architectural specialist glazing and
RFI shielding. Such markets are potentially large but also technically demanding and diverse.
The aim of the project is to identify and quantify the size, value and needs of these potential
markets for Epimesh film. Especially those which could use Epimesh film at the 300 mm
wide size which we can make on existing equipment. We will also investigate the
specifications and price targets that the product has to meet in order to be successful. Should
good product opportunities be identified, we will produce a business plan to show how they
could be exploited.