[News] TDK and QD Laser enter into business cooperation agreement for retinal projection optical engines for smart glasses

• Accelerating the development of next-generation RGB light source modules and optical engines for smart glasses, which are expected to see mid-to-long-term growth within AI ecosystem.
• Drive transformation in the fast-evolving smart glasses industry

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762, hereinafter “TDK”) and QD Laser, Inc. (TSE:6613, hereinafter “QD Laser”) have decided to enter into a business cooperation agreement (hereinafter “the Agreement”) regarding the joint development of next-generation RGB light source modules and optical engines for smart glasses using QD Laser’s retinal projection technology, as well as the partial transfer of patent rights related to said technology to TDK.

Within the AI ecosystem, TDK provides a diverse range of existing products for the smart glasses market, which is expected to see mid-to-long-term growth. To further strengthen its technological capabilities in the smart glasses domain, TDK acquired SoftEye, Inc., a U.S.-based systems solution company developing custom chips, cameras, software and algorithms for use in smart glasses, in June 2025. Furthermore, in January 2026, TDK established “TDK AIsight” to accelerate its smart glasses solutions business, aiming to contribute to the realization of AI glasses with intuitive and compelling user experiences.

TDK and QD Laser have been collaborating on joint development since 2020, including the development of laser retinal projection smart glasses that combine TDK’s world-class ultra-compact Full-color Laser Module (FCLM) with QD Laser’s proprietary direct retinal projection technology. By signing this Agreement, TDK will fuse QD Laser’s unique retinal projection technology and patent portfolio with its own FCLM to accelerate the development of next-generation RGB light source modules and optical engines. TDK also aims to achieve early deployment of retinal projection optical engines to next-generation smart glasses suppliers, thereby contributing to the rapid growth and expansion of the market. The main details of the business cooperation agreement are as follows.

Main details of the business cooperation agreement

• Implementation of Joint Development
  Building upon their existing partnership, both companies will leverage the Agreement to further accelerate and continue the joint development of RGB light source modules and optical engines for smart glasses.
• Initiatives for Patent Utilization
  TDK will acquire certain patents related to retinal projection technology from QD Laser to facilitate broader adoption and promote the utilization of this technology through their collaboration. Meanwhile, QD Laser will continue to utilize these patents in the fields of vision support, healthcare, and medicine to work on the development and advancement of products and services that meet user needs.
• Technical Support
  Through personnel exchange with QD Laser, TDK aims to foster comprehensive in-house technical expertise in areas such as optical design, electrical design, video system design, and safety standards (eye safety), while establishing a robust framework for mass production.

Both companies will advance joint development based on the Agreement, collaborating on the evaluation of prototypes, exploration of business models, and market cultivation through exhibitions. With a view toward early mass production, TDK aims to contribute to the transformation of the rapidly growing and expanding smart glasses market by providing optical engines to smart glasses manufacturers.

TrendForce 2025 Near-Eye Display Market Trend and Technology Analysis

Publication Date : 29 August 2025

Language : Traditional Chinese / English

Format : PDF

Page Number: 168