3M and BOE have announced the launch of the 3M and BOE Joint Laboratory at the BOE Technology Innovation Center, strengthening a collaboration that has spanned more than two decades. The new research and development platform combines BOE’s expertise in display technologies and application solutions with 3M’s advanced materials science capabilities to accelerate innovation across LCD, OLED, and MLED display technologies.
The joint laboratory will focus on developing next-generation display solutions designed to improve light efficiency, foldable display performance, ultra-narrow bezel manufacturing processes, and overall user experience. By integrating both companies’ research capabilities, testing facilities, and technical expertise, the laboratory aims to shorten the path from early-stage innovation to large-scale commercial production.
Alongside the laboratory launch, 3M and BOE introduced the Joint Initiative for Ecosystem Synergy, a collaborative framework designed to encourage industry cooperation, accelerate technical breakthroughs, establish shared standards, and promote sustainable, low-carbon development throughout the display supply chain.
“Advanced technologies and exceptional user experiences are built on strong technical foundations and early collaboration,” said Liu Zhiqiang, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of BOE. “The joint laboratory will bring together R&D resources, advanced equipment, and expert teams to transform innovative concepts into commercially available products and create the next generation of high-performance displays for users worldwide.”
Bei Zhong, Senior Vice President of 3M China’s Transportation and Electronics Business Group, highlighted the long-term partnership between the two companies. “Over the years, 3M and BOE have achieved multiple mass-production milestones in LCD, OLED, and Mini LED technologies. Through this joint laboratory, we will further combine our technologies, talent, and resources to accelerate commercialization and expand collaboration into emerging technology fields.”
Advancing Display Materials Through Integrated R&D
The 3M and BOE Joint Laboratory will operate as a dedicated research center focused on advanced display materials, including:
Optical films
Optically clear adhesives
Structural adhesives
Emerging display material technologies
Key research initiatives will include developing improved optical materials, enhancing foldable display reliability, enabling ultra-thin bezel designs, and supporting innovation across LCD, OLED, and MLED platforms.
Unlike a traditional supplier-and-customer relationship, the laboratory integrates materials development earlier into the display design and engineering process. BOE’s display manufacturing expertise and application knowledge will be combined with 3M’s extensive materials science capabilities, intellectual property portfolio, and technology platforms to create a collaborative innovation model.
The partnership has already contributed to several commercial achievements. 3M optical adhesives and customized bonding technologies have supported BOE’s flexible foldable display advancements, including improvements in durability and crease reduction. Meanwhile, 3M’s microreplication and light-management technologies have helped enhance image quality, uniformity, and anti-glare performance in BOE’s α-MLED display systems.
Demonstrating Joint Technology Achievements
To mark the opening of the laboratory, 3M and BOE showcased 15 jointly developed technology demonstrations across four exhibition areas, highlighting innovations in consumer electronics and automotive displays.
Featured technologies included:
An ultra-low-power laptop display combining BOE’s ADS Pro display technology with 3M’s high-brightness optical film solutions
Automotive display systems integrating under-display infrared cameras for full-screen cockpit designs and driver monitoring applications
BOE’s mirror-like, crease-free flexible OLED display enabled by 3M foldable optical adhesive technology
A 3D-printed ultra-narrow bezel display product jointly developed by 3M and BOE that entered mass production in 2026
The launch event also hosted a technology discussion involving representatives from 3M, BOE, electronics manufacturers, and academic institutions. Participants explored ways to strengthen cooperation among materials suppliers, display manufacturers, and end-product developers to accelerate innovation across the display ecosystem.
Expanding Collaboration Into Future Technologies
Building on their long-standing cooperation, 3M and BOE plan to explore additional opportunities where advanced materials can support future electronics applications, including:
Perovskite photovoltaic technologies
Glass-based packaging substrates
Optical interconnect solutions
Through the joint laboratory and broader ecosystem initiative, both companies aim to advance display technology innovation and deliver more efficient, reliable, and immersive display experiences for global markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3M and BOE Joint Laboratory?
The 3M and BOE Joint Laboratory is a collaborative research and development center located at the BOE Technology Innovation Center. It combines 3M’s materials science expertise with BOE’s display technology capabilities to develop solutions for LCD, OLED, and MLED applications.
What technologies will the laboratory focus on?
The laboratory will concentrate on advanced display materials and processes, including optical films, adhesives, foldable display technologies, ultra-narrow bezel manufacturing, and solutions designed to improve display brightness and efficiency.
Why are 3M and BOE expanding their partnership?
3M and BOE have collaborated for more than 20 years. The joint laboratory strengthens their partnership by enabling earlier cooperation between materials scientists and display engineers, helping accelerate innovation, product development, and commercialization.