TDK Corporation and QD Laser, Inc. have decided to enter into a business cooperation agreement that includes the joint development of next-generation RGB light source modules and optical engines for smart glasses using retinal projection technology. In addition, some of the patents related to retinal projection technology held by QD Laser will be transferred to TDK.
TDK is continuously strengthening its smart glasses-related technologies, and in June 2025, it acquired SoftEye, Inc. in North America. In January 2026, it launched TDK AIsight with the aim of accelerating its smart glasses solutions business.
The two companies have a track record of joint development since 2020. They have been working on the development of retinal projection smart glasses by combining TDK’s world’s smallest ultra-compact full-color laser module (FCLM) with QD Laser’s laser retinal direct projection technology.
Under this agreement, the two companies will continue their joint development of RGB light source modules and optical engines. TDK will acquire some of QD Laser’s patents related to retinal projection technology. QD Laser will continue to utilize these patents in fields such as vision support, healthcare, and medicine. In addition, TDK will foster technological advancements and establish a mass production system for optical design, electrical design, video system design, and safety standards (eye safety) through personnel exchanges with QD Laser.
The two companies plan to jointly evaluate prototypes, explore business models, and develop the market through exhibitions. They also intend to promote the provision of optical engines to smart glasses manufacturers, with a view to early mass production.
This article is an English translation of an original Japanese article, translated by the Mogura VR editorial team.
