Specialising in creating microscopic LED arrays with unprecedented brightness and low power consumption, the company’s tech has generated global interest since it spun out of Strathclyde University in 2010. Now with a team of 12 based between Scotland and Silicon Valley in the United States, the company has global aspirations for its disruptive technology.
Our continued success and growth is supported enthusiastically by both SE and SDI. They have provided assistance on recruitment, premises, grant funding and international market penetration research.
Seonaidh MacDonald, chief executive of mLED
The portability and low power consumption of mLED’s technology could lead to a significant improvement on battery life of devices including sports optics, smart-watches, mobile phones and smart-eyewear, making them far more appealing to an already burgeoning market.
It could even make futuristic devices such as head-mounted displays and head-up displays viable for a host of new applications. So adaptable is the technology that it could even radically transform digital printing techniques.
Seonaidh MacDonald, chief executive of mLED, said: “With brightness levels at least 100 times higher than OLED and with up to a 100-fold improvement in micro-display power consumption, our technology could revolutionise next generation wearable technology.
“Not only is our tech the best choice to optimise the end-user experience, but the miniaturised design allows incredibly small form-factors meaning future products can be designed with aesthetics that will appeal to all. It also has advantages for augmented and virtual reality systems that can be delivered at a cost-competitive price point.”
Shining on a global stage
Taking their technology to the Mobile World Congress (MWC) will enable mLED to put their technology in the international spotlight and potentially attract a whole host of new potential customers.
With delegates from most of the world’s leading wearable and portable tech providers going, it is one of the most important dates in mLED’s calendar.
Seonaidh said: “There are very senior decision makers from a very diverse range of sectors attending, so MWC represents a massive opportunity for us.
mLED's wearable technology
“There’s no other networking opportunity like this in the world. We’re going this year with an added target of attracting £3 million of funding so we’re looking for some positive engagement with the investment community.”
A guiding light
After having their spark of inspiration, mLED called upon the support of Scottish Enterprise (SE) and Scottish Development International (SDI) to take them into the limelight.
As well as providing much-needed funding, both organisations have provided practical guidance along the way, introducing them to key markets and supporting them to attend events such as MWC.
SDI in the US has greatly helped mLED find its feet in Silicon Valley, providing practical support on appropriate US contracts, guidance on premises and active networking of team members.
“Our continued success and growth is supported enthusiastically by both SE and SDI,” said Seonaidh. “They have provided assistance on recruitment, premises, grant funding and international market penetration research.
“SDI’s teams in the UK, US and Japan have been actively marketing mLED, which would otherwise be a significant cost.”
A bright Scottish future
As a company founded in Scotland with a Scottish team, mLED is fiercely proud of its roots and has no plans to move from its Glasgow home, despite already working with clients across three different continents.
Seonaidh said: “Scotland isn't most people’s first choice when asked where a high-tech hardware firm specialising in display technology would be based, but it should be.
“There are both contemporary and historical reasons for this. We have ready access to a variety of skill sets and expertise, together with a culture of innovation steeped in the halcyon days of Silicon Glen.
“Today Scotland produces 50% of the UK’s photonics graduates and Scottish academics produce 1% of the world’s research publications in all fields.
“Such an environment is a key ingredient for nurturing start-ups with high growth potential and aspirations. So why would we want to be based anywhere else?”
Next steps
Discover how Scottish Enterprise can support your company's international ambitions and help you expand into the global market.
Get funding to attend trade shows