Cima Nanotech (St. Paul, Minn.), a six-year-old startup that has developed next-generation transparent conductive coating material, has been working with Toray for three years to commercialize its self-aligning technology. Cima's patented technologies aim to allow silver nanoparticles to self-assemble into transparent film coatings. The company claims its thin films provide better electronic resistance and flexibility than current technologies like indium tin oxide-based coatings.

The companies are targeting the display and solar cell markets. Other applications include electromagnetic interference filters.

"Our technology is cleaner and greener than lithography," Eric Granstrom, Cima's vice president of research and development, claimed in a statement.