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Eastman a founding member in Silicon Valley cooperative formed to produce next-generation technology

September 6, 2016 11:05 AM EDT

Creation of NextFlex America's Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Institute(TM) buttressed by $75 million award from Department of Defense

KINGSPORT, Tenn., Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016 - Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN) is one of the founding members of an innovative public-private cooperative in Silicon Valley that recently unveiled an advanced manufacturing facility where Eastman and other members will collaborate on the development of wearable electronic devices and other next-generation technology.

Elected officials joined representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense and others to christen the San Jose, Calif., headquarters and research facility of NextFlex America's Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Institute(TM). The Department of Defense (DoD) previously awarded the cooperative $75 million in grant funding so the cooperative - comprised of a mix of public and private companies with advanced scientific capabilities, as well as leading universities - could ensure that the United States leads the world in producing the kinds of wearable electronic devices that could have groundbreaking applications for the military and health care.

The cooperative brings together a diverse set of members - other Fortune 500 companies in addition to Eastman include General Electric, Boeing and Raytheon - that can bring diverse scientific and technology expertise to the table and accelerate innovation.

Eastman, which has a research and development site in nearby Palo Alto, contributes world-class materials science capabilities and a materials understanding is an essential building block of flexible hybrid electronics (FHE). This FHE technology combines printed electronics manufactured on flexible substrates with semiconductor devices.

Members of NextFlex America's Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Institute are working together to develop, pilot and manufacture these technologies in forms that can be attached to the human body. These FHEs could also be attached to vehicles or other structures.

A key facet is that FHEs can be bent, rolled, folded and integrated physically in ways that traditional, rigid electronics cannot. The potential to put technology on human bodies in order to monitor the health and stress levels of soldiers on the battlefield - or for medical patients in the health care setting - could vastly improve medical response time or provide advance notification that medical intervention is necessary, which would improve health and save lives.

FHE devices could also be leveraged to improve other devices that include robotic prosthetic limbs for injuries soldiers, amputees or cancer survivors, as well as sensor patches for premature babies that are too fragile for traditional blood work and tests.

 "Eastman is excited to collaborate with other innovation leaders who are driving the cutting edge of advanced technologies," said Steve Crawford, Eastman senior vice president and chief technology officer. "The Eastman team values this type of collaboration and believes this could be a true differentiator in accelerating the development of technologies that will have a significant impact on how we live in the future."

The cooperative is part of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation program, a federal initiative to support advanced manufacturing in the United States and secure U.S. leadership in emerging technologies. The $75 million award from the DoD was augmented by another $96 million in public and private funding.

NextFlex America's Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Institute(TM) is a trademark of FlexTech Alliance, Inc.

About Eastman 
  Eastman operates sites and offices around the world and produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2015 revenues of approximately $9.6 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 15,000 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
 
Media contact: 
Brad Lifford 
Eastman Corporate Communications 
[email protected]  | +1 423.229.6543




This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Eastman Chemical Company via Globenewswire



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