Konica Minolta Begins Collaborating with iPrint, a Swiss Public Research Institute, to Expand Applications of Inkjet Technology

Konica Minolta, Inc. (Konica Minolta) announced that the Company has begun collaborating with iPrint Institute and Competence Center (iPrint), a Swiss public research institute specializing in applied research in inkjet, with the aim of expanding the applications of inkjet technology.

Background and Objective of Collaboration

Inkjet technology enables the printing and deposition of required amounts of ink and other materials at the required positions. In addition to printing applications, it is also used in production processes for displays and printed circuit boards. The technology not only meets various needs based on high-mix, low-volume production but also contributes to reducing labor requirements and environmental impact in printing and production processes.

Konica Minolta deploys inkjet printheads, which are key inkjet components, across various applications, including signage graphics and industrial applications. Notably, in industrial applications, the Company has a proven track record based on its strengths in adaptability to various types of ink, including solvents, and customization for different usage environments and needs. Konica Minolta believes that its proprietary inkjet technology has high potential to be used even in fields where inkjet has not been used before or has not been widely adopted. Through collaboration with iPrint, a Swiss public research institute that engages with inkjet-related companies and engineers from around the world to actively conduct applied research in inkjet technology, Konica Minolta will develop new applications of inkjet technology and accelerate efforts to find collaboration partners with the aim of expanding the business.

Konica Minolta will exhibit at LOPEC 2026, an exhibition on printed electronics to be held in Germany from February 24, 2026, to present testing and evaluation capabilities related to inkjet technology achieved through collaboration with iPrint.

Details of Collaboration

Konica Minolta has established a dedicated laboratory within iPrint to conduct inkjet-related tests and evaluations. While evaluations were mainly conducted in Japan, the new laboratory will make it possible to conduct evaluations in Europe, one of the main markets for inkjet printheads. The use of testing and evaluation equipment owned by iPrint will enable evaluations and tests that were previously difficult to perform, such as inkjet deposition on three-dimensional objects. In addition to extending to new applications and finding new partners, Konica Minolta will use data gained from the evaluations for product development to increase the efficiency and speed of development.

Overview of iPrint

iPrint^* is an internationally leading institute and competence center for R&D and education in the domain of inkjet technology and digital printing. Supported by a multidisciplinary team of technology experts, engineers, and technicians, as well as close collaborations with numerous industrial material or equipment suppliers and academic partners, iPrint continuously contributes to innovative developments utilizing inkjet technology.

* iPrint belongs to the School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg (HEIA-FR)

Covered By: Imaging Solution / Konica Minolta

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