Our Story
Our Journey in Materials Innovation
A pioneering heritage has led to the creation of a centre of excellence with expertise across many specialisms.
Our Story
From our beginnings, starting in 1989, to the present day, we have progressed rapidly and continue to move with the same momentum, helping support the sharpest minds in the field to bring scientific innovation to the forefront of reality.
1st Polymer OLED Patent Filed
The filing of the first polymer OLED patent marks the beginning of CDT’s journey.
CDT 'Spins Out' from Cambridge University
CDT is officially incorporated on 2nd January 1992 and is formed out of research work carried out in the Cavendish and Melville Laboratories at the University of Cambridge under Professors Richard Friend and Andrew Holmes.
CDT Expands
CDT expands to Cardinal Park in Godmanchester, 15 miles North-west of Cambridge to continue developing and commercialising its Polymer OLED technology.
Sumitomo Chemical Invests
CDT’s strategic investors pool expands to include Sumitomo Chemical and the total investment in CDT reaches over $20 million.
CDT Floats on Nasdaq
CDT begins trading on the US Nasdaq exchange under the symbol “OLED” on 16th December 2004, and the initial public offering raises $30 million. CDT was one of the first University of Cambridge spin-outs to go public.
Sumitomo Chemical Acquires CDT for $285million
CDT becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical. Sumitomo Chemical positions display materials as one of its core business areas, concentrating efforts on the development of next-generation display materials.
CDT transitions to a Research and Innovation Centre for Sumitomo Chemical
CDT shifts focus to develop other platform innovation projects while the Polymer OLED materials and technologies are successfully transferred to Sumitomo Chemical.
Sumitomo Chemical’s Corporate Venturing and Innovation UK (CVI-UK) Opens in CDT
Alongside general research activities at CDT, CVI-UK begins operation with enhanced focus on co-creation with external partners and a mission to develop and maintain collaborative research towards commercialisation.
CDT Opens a Satellite Office at the Maxwell Centre
CDT’s Maxwell Centre Office, within the University of Cambridge’s West Cambridge Innovation District, becomes a place for increased interaction with the University’s innovation ecosystem.
Accelerating Innovation with CDT and Sumitomo Chemical
CDT provides strategic funding and advanced R&D support to help startups fast-track their innovations. Through our parent company, Sumitomo Chemical, we bridge the gap between early-stage research, scientific discovery, and commercialisation. This collaboration empowers startups to bring groundbreaking products to market more efficiently.
Shape the Future of Technology with CDT
Join CDT to work on cutting-edge materials research within the global Sumitomo Chemical Group. We combine the agility of a start-up, with access to global resources to enable the realisation of groundbreaking technologies that are shaping tomorrow’s world.
Transform Innovation into Impact: Partner with CDT
CDT combines deep technical expertise with the global backing of the Sumitomo Chemical Group. Partner with us to access world-class resources and opportunities, transforming innovative concepts into commercial success.