3M has invested in Pixel Qi Corp., a developer of next-generation LCD panels with operations in Taiwan and California, through its 3M New Ventures organization. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The investment, which closed 3M's series B round of funding in Pixel Qi, will allow the display company to accelerate mass production efforts and move into markets such as digital signage and touch applications, as well as strengthen its engineering and sales capabilities, 3M said.

Founded by LCD pioneer Dr. Mary Lou Jepsen in 2008, Pixel Qi (pronounced pixel chee) designs LCD screens that solve problems not addressed by conventional screens. Its first products are sunlight-readable, low-power LCD panels targeted for mobile device applications because of their long battery life (see video at left for demonstration of the device's readability in sunlight). The company was named a finalist in the 2010 Prism Awards for photonics innovation, sponsored by Photonics Media and SPIE.

For more information, visit: www.pixelqi.com