E Ink invests in Soofa to expand solar-powered digital signage network

E Ink, a developer of electronic paper display technology, has announced a strategic investment and partnership with Soofa, a provider of solar-powered digital information kiosks, to expand outdoor signage in U.S. communities. The deal marks E Ink's first investment in a company offering a complete digital signage solution. The partnership will support the adoption of E Ink's 75-inch Kaleido Outdoor color ePaper displays for public information and digital out-of-home advertising. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.

Founded in 2014, Soofa operates solar-powered kiosks that display public transportation updates, local news, weather information and advertising in public spaces. The company has established relationships with more than 60 U.S. cities, including Boston, Atlanta and Los Angeles. E Ink's displays are designed to remain readable in direct sunlight while consuming relatively little electricity, allowing the kiosks to operate without conventional wired power connections. According to the companies, a two-person crew can install the equipment without specialized tools, giving municipalities and property owners greater flexibility in selecting locations.

The investment builds on a collaboration between the companies that began more than a decade ago with black-and-white electronic paper displays. Both companies trace their origins to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab. E Ink said the partnership combines its display development and manufacturing capabilities with Soofa's advertising operations and municipal relationships to support further expansion of outdoor digital signage.