NNPP was incorporated in 1989 and quickly emerged as a leader in the new technology of diamond deposition for electronic and protective coating applications. It completed a $5 million initial public offering (IPO) in1993 under its previous name, SI Diamond Technology, Inc.

In 1993, upon discovery that their thin film diamond provided an excellent cathode for Field Emission Displays (FED's), NNPP acquired Plasmatron Coatings & Systems, Inc. to support development of production equipment for diamond field emission.

In 1995, NNPP further expanded by acquiring Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation's (MCC) diamond field emission intellectual property and fabrication facility. The facility supported SIDT's diamond field emission development and provided semiconductor wafer bumping and packaging services under the name of Diamond Tech One, Inc. (DTO).

During 1996, SIDT demonstrated high brightness field emission picture elements. The elements have shown great potential in applications of large outdoor displays and specialty lighting. This technology is currently being commercialized by Applied Nanotech Inc. (ANI).

In 1996 SIDT also demonstrated a complementary technology for large outdoor displays using liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. This technology provides a dynamic product for outdoor advertising and features a low price and excellent picture quality. This technology was developed and patented by EBT.

To better focus on its core areas of research at ANI and EBT, NNPP divested itself of Plasmatron, Inc. in 1997 and Diamond Tech One, Inc. in 1998.

To facilitate the electronic billboard development work at EBT, NNPP acquired Sign Builders of America, Inc., a small manufacturer of outdoor signage, in 1999. From 1999 through 2001, EBT developed a sun-visible outdoor electronic billboard, as well as indoor point-of-purchase display products.

In 2002, as the result substantial progress at ANI, a decision was made to focus the majority of our effort and resources on the intellectual property at ANI. NNPP sold the operations of Sign Builders of America, and restructured EBT to focus on licensing its technology, rather than continued development, marketing and sales of products.
Effective July 1, 2003, SI Diamond Technology, Inc. changed its name to Nano-Proprietary, Inc.