What PolyIC GmbH & Co. KG does

PolyIC GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Fürth, Germany, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG that develops and manufactures printed polymer electronics, specifically transparent, conductive touch sensor foils under the PolyTC® brand. Founded in November 2003 as a joint venture between LEONHARD KURZ and Siemens AG (with KURZ assuming 100% ownership in 2010), the company builds capacitive sensors using conductive silver-based metal-mesh structures or conductive polymers (PEDOT, Silver Ink) on transparent PET substrates, produced via roll-to-roll processes. The portfolio spans PolyTC® Metal Mesh, VarioSym (multi-layer with integrated backlighting), Colorful Pictures, PEDOT, Silver Ink, and a recently co-developed Transparent Force & Touch Sensor Film with Nanomade.

PolyIC sells custom-engineered sensor foils and integration services to OEMs and tier-1 suppliers in three verticals: automotive (e.g., volume control for the Audi A3 via Preh), household appliances (VESTEL NEXT washing machine, Haier water heater), and consumer electronics (hidden-til-lit displays with DATA MODUL). The company offers multiple integration methods — OCA/PSA lamination, In-Mold Electronics (IME), and Functional Foil Bonding (FFB) — supported by KURZ Group's global footprint of more than 50 locations and 5,800+ employees, plus direct sales and engineering offices in Germany, the United States, and China.

Revenue is not publicly disclosed; pricing is quote-based and determined per project with volume, customization, and integration method as inputs. The company operates with an 11–50 employee headcount, is ISO 9001:2015 certified, is a member of the Organic Electronics Association (OE-A), and holds multiple patents including the patent-pending 'tail-to-center' sensor integration method and Functional Foil Bonding technology.

Name

PolyIC GmbH & Co. KG

Legal name

PolyIC GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://polyic.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

PolyIC GmbH & Co. KG is a German subsidiary of LEONHARD KURZ that designs and manufactures transparent, conductive touch sensor foils under the PolyTC® brand, serving automotive, household appliance, and consumer electronics OEMs with custom-engineered capacitive sensors and integration services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Fürth

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Custom Sensor Foil Sales: PolyIC produces custom-designed transparent conductive sensor foils based on PolyTC® technology. Sensors are manufactured as single, ready-to-use labels including input leads and adhesive layer, supplied directly to manufacturers for integration into their products. High-volume production using cost-efficient roll-to-roll process.
2. Sensor Integration Consulting & Services: Expert consultation on sensor integration methods (OCA lamination, IME, FFB) and technical support throughout product development. Part of full-service package including consulting, technology, and design support.
3. Customization & Development Services: 100% customizable sensor foils adapted to specific customer requirements including format, layout, and integration method. Development of application-specific sensor solutions for automotive, household appliances, and consumer electronics manufacturers.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

PolyIC designs and manufactures custom, 100% customizable transparent conductive sensor foils based on its proprietary PolyTC® metal-mesh technology for capacitive touch applications. Sensors are produced as single ready-to-use labels (including input leads and adhesive layer) via roll-to-roll manufacturing in Germany and supplied to manufacturers across automotive, household appliances and consumer electronics. The company also provides integration consulting and engineering support for lamination, In-Mold Electronics (IME) and Functional Foil Bonding (FFB) into customer products.

Product overview

PolyIC GmbH & Co. KG is a German subsidiary of LEONHARD KURZ specializing in printed electronics and touch sensor solutions. The company's core product is the PolyTC® family of sensor foils, which are transparent, conductive, and flexible sensors based on conductive metal-mesh structures on PET substrates. The portfolio includes PolyTC® Metal Mesh (silver-based ultra-thin conductors), PolyTC® VarioSym (multi-layer with backlighting integration), PolyTC® Colorful Pictures (static image integration), PolyTC® PEDOT (conductive polymer), and PolyTC® Silver Ink technologies. These sensors are applied across three main use cases: Touchscreens, Touchpads, and capacitive Controls (buttons, sliders, wheels). PolyIC offers multiple sensor integration services including Lamination with OCA/PSA, In-Mold Electronics (IME), Functional Foil Bonding (FFB), and Mechanical Fixation. The company serves automotive, household appliances, and consumer electronics industries with 100% customizable sensor foils manufactured in Germany.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PolyTC®: Patented sensor foil technology based on conductive metal-mesh structures on transparent PET substrate, providing high transparency and flexibility for touch applications.
• PolyTC® VarioSym
• PolyTC® Colorful Pictures

Products and services

• PolyTC® (core touch sensor foil platform) High-performance capacitive touch sensor foil based on conductive metal-mesh structures on transparent PET substrate, offering maximum transparency and flexibility. Sold as 100% customizable foils (with input leads and adhesive layer) to manufacturers across automotive, household appliances and consumer electronics.
• PolyTC® Metal Mesh Ultra-thin metal mesh sensor with wafer-thin silver conducting paths on transparent PET carrier, >85% optical transparency, surface resistance 15-30 Ω/sq, roll-to-roll manufactured for high-volume series production. Used as a touch sensor in touchscreens, touchpads, buttons, sliders and wheels.
• PolyTC® VarioSym

Quantifiable outcome

• Sensor transparency >85% depending on layout
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• NanomadecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2026Joint development of world's first fully transparent film combining capacitive touch detection and ultra-sensitive force measurement. Nanomade provides proprietary nanoparticle-based ink for force detection; PolyIC provides transparent capacitive sensor film. First public demonstration at Touch Taiwan 2026. Samples expected Q3 2026 with industrialization underway.
• DATA MODULcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 March 2025Collaboration on hidden-til-lit display solution combining seamless integration, elegant design, and state-of-the-art touch technology. DATA MODUL provided 17.3-inch TFT display with high dynamic range imaging for revolutionary display integration demonstrated at embedded world 2025.
• LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KGcoreOthers · 1 January 2010Parent company holding 100% of PolyIC shares since 2010. Provides surface decoration expertise, global sales network, and resources for joint development projects. Cooperation includes shared innovation strategy, joint case studies, and access to KURZ decoration processes (IMD, IML, Hot Stamping). PolyIC headquarters co-located on KURZ site in Fürth, Germany.
• Cypress Semiconductor (Infineon subsidiary)majorTechnology or IntegrationPolyIC appointed as Cypress certified design partner. Long-standing cooperation in sensor technology for consumer electronics, white goods, and automotive. Combined know-how for sensor and controller technology provides customers with best technical requirements for touch control products.
• Wittmann BattenfeldmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInjection molding machine manufacturer partner for HMI Overhead Light Console project. Latest generation Wittmann Battenfeld machine used for manufacturing roof-lining module with IMD/IME process. Enables one-step production of decorated, sensor-equipped components.
• ams Osram Automotive Lighting Systems (AMLS)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLighting expert partner for HMI Overhead Light Console. Developed light management and gobo projections including adjustable cone size for matrix LED reading lights and logo projector for brand elements. ALIYOS® LED foils used for homogeneous light image.
• Syntech PlasticsmajorTechnology or IntegrationPlastics specialist and manufacturer of complex plastic components and assemblies. Provided tool technology and concept idea for HMI Overhead Light Console. Expertise in complex geometries essential for 3D-shaped interior modules.
• BaiermajorTechnology or IntegrationKURZ Group subsidiary (embossing machine manufacturer) providing Functional Foil Bonding (FFB) technology for HMI Overhead Light Console. CO2 cleaning and UV curing of finished components during manufacturing process.
• BAIER PrägetechnikmajorTechnology or IntegrationDeveloped FFB machines specially for Functional Foil Bonding process that automatically apply PolyIC touch sensors. Enables retrofit sensor integration without adhesive into previously decorated plastic components.
• Sumitomo DemagmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInjection molding machine manufacturer partner for HMI Concept Panel for Autonomous Driving ('Fading Lines'). Provided fully automatic injection molding machine for series-production-ready concept component.
• CovestromajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaterials partner developing high transparency thermoplastic resin for HMI Concept Panel. Enables use of recyclates with same aesthetic and technical quality as new material.
• Werkzeugbau Siegfried HofmannmajorTechnology or IntegrationTool manufacturer providing precisely coordinated tools for HMI Concept Panel injection molding. Essential for achieving high precision required for series production.
• ElektrobitmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAward-winning global provider of embedded software and automotive display experts. Collaborated on Display Stacks project with IMD and touch functionality, providing automotive display expertise.
• VESTELmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTurkish home appliances manufacturer collaborating on 'NEXT Washing Machine' concept presented at K 2025. Combines minimalist design with maximum functionality using KURZ decoration technologies and PolyIC touch sensors.
• Organic Electronics Association (OE-A)minorOthersPolyIC is a member of OE-A, an information and communication platform under VDMA for companies and research institutions working with printed electronics technology. OE-A vision is to build a bridge between science, technology, and applications. Association has significantly more than 50 members globally.
• MENTORmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialist for integrated lighting solutions presenting 'Rainbow Textile Demonstrator' with LEONHARD KURZ and PolyIC at Folien + Fahrzeug trade fair 2025.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Canatu Oy: Finnish manufacturer of transparent conductive films and sensors for automotive interiors, ADAS, and consumer electronics — competes head-to-head with PolyIC's PolyTC metal-mesh touch foils in the same OEM HMI and curved-surface use cases.
• C3Nano: US-based developer of silver nanowire-based transparent conductive films used as ITO replacements in touch panels, flexible displays, and large-area sensors — closely mirrors PolyIC's metal-mesh and silver-ink approach for capacitive touch and shielding.
• Cambrios Advanced Materials (FUJIFILM): Pioneer of silver nanowire ClearOhm films, now part of FUJIFILM, supplying transparent conductive films into touch panels, foldable displays, and EMI shielding — directly comparable substrate-and-conductor technology to PolyIC's metal-mesh on PET foils.
• O-Film Tech: Chinese high-volume manufacturer of touch panels, touch sensors, and integrated HMI modules serving smartphones, automotive, and IoT — competes with PolyIC on large-area capacitive touch sensors and integrated film-plus-display solutions.
• Young Fast Optoelectronics: Taiwanese supplier of touch panels, touch sensors, and ITO/film-based capacitive components across consumer electronics and industrial applications — comparable product portfolio and customer base to PolyIC's sensor-film offerings.

Emerging players

• Apex Material Technology: Developer of conductive and stretchable film technologies for printed electronics, sensors, and wearable applications — overlaps with PolyIC's conductive foil and roll-to-roll printed electronics expertise in early-stage markets.
• Sumitomo Metal Mining: Materials group producing transparent conductive films, ultra-fine silver wiring, and functional film materials for touch and display applications — comparable conductive film capabilities relevant to PolyIC's silver-mesh on PET offering.

Broad incumbents

• TDK Corporation: Global electronics conglomerate with broad sensor, passive component, and HMI portfolios including transparent conductive films and capacitive touch solutions — wider scope than PolyIC but overlapping in automotive and consumer touch/film products.
• Microchip Technology (Atmel touch): Supplier of touch controller ICs and maXTouch platforms that PolyIC integrates with via its Cypress/Infineon partnership; offers turnkey touch solutions that pair with conductive films, making it an indirect broader player in capacitive touch HMI.

Others

• Heraeus Holding: Major supplier of conductive inks, pastes, and silver-based functional materials used in printed electronics and touch sensor manufacturing — an enabling materials vendor to the same product category rather than a direct sensor competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLvDDP1-4icAIKV9kMUqu2Q3ydFweGOlC6
• Facebookfacebook.com/KURZGERMANY
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leonhard-kurz-stiftung-&-co-kg

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about PolyIC GmbH & Co. KG