6 THE YEAR IN REVIEW Hybrid Software Group PLC Annual Report 2022 Two acquisitions – the iC3D business from Creative Edge Software LLC and the technology and intellectual property of Quadraxis – and two significant anniversaries - Xitron and ColorLogic – shaped the year. We expanded our patent portfolio, overcame shortages in semiconductor chips, and increased the Company’s presence at numerous conferences and trade events to demonstrate the unrivalled potential of our products and technology solutions. Hybrid Software Group PLC Annual Report 2022 7 Hybrid Software Group Financial statements Other information Strategic report Governance Patent successes Global Graphics Software was granted three US patents during the year covering multiple inventions that maximise efficiency and quality for OEM customers, one of which was for technology that underlies PrintFlat™. Meteor Inkjet was granted a US patent for an invention that determines, in real-time, the operational status of a nozzle in a piezoelectric industrial inkjet printhead. Overcoming chip shortages Meteor Inkjet fast-tracked the development of a new electronics platform to avoid reliance on key computer chips that were in worldwide short supply. Their new platform brings with it increased speed as well as the potential for future functionality enhancements. iC3D software acquisition In March the Company acquired the iC3D business whose software generates photorealistic 3D virtual mock-ups, of cartons, labels, flexibles, bottles, shrink sleeves and point of sale displays. Pictured are Trevor Haworth (centre), Managing Director of iC3D with Mike Rottenborn and Guido Van der Schueren. Meeting investors Executive Chairman Guido Van der Schueren and CEO Mike Rottenborn represented the Company at the annual VFB Happening in Antwerp in April. VFB is the Flemish Federation of Investors. 20th anniversary ColorLogic GmbH celebrated its 20th anniversary in March. Starting out in a basement, ColorLogic is now a global leader in colour management technology. Teamwork on show! Ready for action, Hybrid Software team at LabelExpo Americas. Global Graphics’ Hagiwara-san presents the Company at the Japan Inkjet Technology Fair, Tokyo. New CFO Joachim Van Hemelen was appointed CFO and Company Director on 1st September. He was formerly the CFO of HYBRID Software. Quadraxis acquisition HYBRID Software closed the year by acquiring the technology and intellectual property of Quadraxis, a French company which developed pioneering technology in 3D scanning and image processing. Xitron celebrates 45 years In 2022 Xitron celebrated 45 years of supplying innovative tools to the printing industry. Xitron started in newspapers in 1977 and evolved to develop solutions for almost all printing markets, including RIPs, workflows, computer-to-plate interfaces, DFEs, and machine controls for high-speed inkjet presses.
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