Smartkem Unlocks New Generation of Flexible Biometrics with World-First All-Organic Sensor
Rhea-AI Summary
Smartkem (Nasdaq: SMTK) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University announced the world's first all-organic-transistor (AOT) biometric sensor, a flexible 256x256 active-matrix optical imager with integrated gate driver.
The IEEE paper, co-authored by Smartkem CTO Dr. Simon Ogier, is being presented by Prof. Xiuyan Li at the 71st Annual IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting on December 10, 2025 at 3:15pm PST / 6:15pm EST. The technology targets curved biometric surfaces (finger/palm) and enables advanced liveness detection via multi-wavelength and dynamic imaging to help distinguish real fingerprints from spoofs. The paper will be published online following IEDM 2025.
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Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Sector peers showed mostly positive moves (e.g., AXTI +21.63%, ATOM +8.33%, ASYS +2.5%), while SMTK was up a modest 1.28%, and no peers appeared on the momentum scanner, pointing to stock-specific rather than broad momentum.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 01 | Technology presentation | Positive | +5.6% | Showcased MiP4 MicroLED backlight with high brightness and GaN savings. |
| Nov 20 | Merger LOI extension | Neutral | -14.7% | Extended non-binding LOI for all-stock merger and adjusted investment deadline. |
| Nov 20 | Merger LOI extension | Neutral | -14.7% | Reiterated LOI extension terms and Nasdaq-listed AI infrastructure focus. |
| Nov 20 | Merger LOI extension | Neutral | -14.7% | Detailed 60-day extension and conditions for proposed all-stock combination. |
| Nov 13 | Earnings and liquidity | Negative | -10.6% | Reported low revenue, high losses, and reliance on bridge financing. |
Technology showcase news (e.g., new display/semiconductor advances) has coincided with positive reactions, while financing, liquidity, and merger-related disclosures have generally aligned with negative moves.
Over the last month, Smartkem has combined technical showcases with significant strategic and financial stress. On Nov 13, 2025, Q3 results highlighted minimal revenue of $81,000 and ongoing losses, followed by a -10.56% move. Multiple Nov 20, 2025 LOI extension releases around a proposed Jericho merger saw shares drop about -14.65%, underscoring sensitivity to deal and funding risk. In contrast, the Dec 1, 2025 MicroLED-related presentation coincided with a +5.63% gain. Today’s biometrics breakthrough fits the pattern of technically positive, application-focused news against a challenged financial backdrop.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement showcases Smartkem’s first all-organic-transistor biometric sensor and a 256x256 active-matrix optical imager, extending its organic semiconductor platform into flexible fingerprint and palm-print applications. Recent history pairs similar technical milestones with ongoing funding challenges and a proposed merger, as seen in Q3 results and LOI extensions. Investors may focus on how such innovations convert into revenue beyond the reported $81,000 Q3 sales and how they interact with the company’s strategic combination plans and liquidity needs.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Paper detailing this breakthrough to be published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as part of a project under the National Key R&D Program of
This novel technology significantly increases the sensitivity of optical detection for flexible biometric applications, such as finger or palm print recognition on curved surfaces and has the potential to help address challenges like fingerprint spoofing. By enabling advanced liveness detection techniques, the sensor can capture subtle signals that distinguish real fingerprints from fake ones, whether through multi-wavelength imaging or dynamic imaging that reveal motion or blood flow.
A paper describing this new technology, titled 'Flexible 256x256 All-Organic-Transistor Active-Matrix Optical Imager with Integrated Gate Driver' and co-authored by Smartkem Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Simon Ogier, will be published by the IEEE and presented by Prof. Xiuyan Li, SJTU at the 71st Annual IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting today, Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, at 3:15pm PST / 6:15pm EST.
Presenter | Prof. Xiuyan Li, Shanghai Jiao Tong University |
Location | Hilton San Francisco Union Square, |
Date | Wednesday, December 10 |
Time | 3:15pm PST / 6:15pm EST |
Presentation | Flexible 256x256 All-Organic-Transistor Active-Matrix Optical Imager with Integrated |
Abstract | Read abstract here |
"This is a true world-first and a powerful demonstration of the many potential use cases for Smartkem's organic transistor platform," said Ian Jenks, Chairman and CEO of Smartkem. "By creating the first fully all-organic-transistor active-matrix biometric sensor, we've shown that OTFT technology can outperform conventional inorganic sensors in sensitivity, while enabling entirely new classes of flexible, curved biometric devices. This work opens the door to a new generation of lightweight, high-performance bio- and optical sensing."
Register for the 71st Annual IEEE International Electron Device Meeting here.
The paper will be published online following the IEDM 2025 conference in
About Smartkem
Smartkem is seeking to change the world of electronics with a new class of transistors developed using its proprietary advanced semiconductor materials. Our TRUFLEX® semiconductor polymers enable low temperature printing processes that are compatible with existing manufacturing infrastructure to deliver low-cost, high-performance displays. Our semiconductor platform can be used in a range of display technologies including MicroLED, LCD and AMOLED, as well as in applications in advanced computer and AI chip packaging, sensors, and logic.
Smartkem designs and develops its materials at its research and development facility in
The company has an extensive IP portfolio including 140 granted patents across 17 patent families, 14 pending patents and 40 codified trade secrets.
For more information, visit the Smartkem website or follow on LinkedIn.
About IEDM
IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) is the world's pre-eminent forum for reporting technological breakthroughs in the areas of semiconductor and electron-device technology, design, manufacturing, physics, and modeling. IEDM is the flagship conference for nanometer-scale CMOS transistor technology, advanced memory, displays, sensors, MEMS devices, novel quantum and nano-scale devices and phenomenology, optoelectronics, devices for power and energy harvesting, high-speed devices, as well as process technology and device modeling and simulation. The conference scope not only encompasses devices in silicon, compound, and organic semiconductors, but also emerging material systems.
The IEEE Electron Devices Society is dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of electron devices, and sponsors the IEDM. Learn more at https://eds.ieee.org/.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, its market position and market opportunity, expectations and plans as to its product development, manufacturing and sales, and relations with its partners and investors. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on Smartkem, Inc.'s current expectations, estimates, and projections regarding its business, operations and other similar or related factors. Words such as "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "anticipate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "believe," "estimate," and other similar or elated expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult or impossible to predict and, in some cases, beyond the Company's control. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.
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SOURCE Smartkem
FAQ
What did Smartkem (SMTK) announce on December 10, 2025 about organic biometric sensors?
When and where is the SMTK co-authored paper presented at IEDM 2025?
How could the SMTK all-organic sensor affect fingerprint spoofing detection?
Will the Smartkem (SMTK) IEEE paper be publicly available after the presentation?
What applications does the SMTK all-organic-transistor imager target?
Who co-authored the Smartkem paper and which institution collaborated on the research?
