Kopin Corp. (NASDAQ: KOPN), a developer of advanced microdisplays and optical systems, has received a $15.4 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense to accelerate the development and domestic production of full-color MicroLED technology for augmented reality systems used by ground soldiers.
The award, structured as an Other Transaction Agreement under the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program, was issued through the U.S. Army Contracting Command on behalf of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The funding will support Kopin’s work on ultra-bright, full-color MicroLED microdisplays designed for the Army’s Integrated Visual Augmented Reality platforms.
MicroLED displays are considered a critical technology for next-generation defense applications, offering greater brightness, energy efficiency, and durability compared with traditional display systems. Kopin said its technology will provide soldiers with clear visuals in both bright daylight and low-light conditions, improving situational awareness, reducing fatigue, and enhancing combat effectiveness. Unlike liquid crystal or organic light-emitting diode displays, MicroLED technology eliminates temporal artifacts that can hinder performance during extended use.
The contract also underscores a broader push to strengthen U.S.-based manufacturing for defense-critical technologies. Kopin operates a Class 10 cleanroom facility in the United States and has supplied more than 400,000 defense vision systems over the past four decades. By scaling domestic production of MicroLED displays, the company aims to ensure a secure and reliable supply chain while reducing dependence on overseas suppliers.
“This is a transformative moment in Kopin’s history and growth trajectory,” said Michael Murray, Kopin’s president, chief executive officer, and chairman. “This contract and the expected follow-on non-dilutive infrastructure investment contracts will be the bedrock upon which we build the next decade of foundational innovations. Kopin’s expertise in MicroLED technology, coupled with our domestic manufacturing capabilities, is transforming how America’s warfighters see and interact with the battlefield.”
The company’s latest award builds on earlier U.S. Army contracts, including a Soldier Display Trade Study and a Small Business Innovation Research Phase 2 award for an Off-the-Visor extended reality prototype. These initiatives have helped establish Kopin’s position as a frontrunner for future defense programs that prioritize augmented reality solutions.
The Defense Department’s recognition of MicroLED as a critical technology highlights its growing strategic value for the U.S. military. Kopin said the technology not only strengthens its innovation pipeline but also lays the groundwork for scalable, high-volume manufacturing in the U.S. The advancements are expected to extend beyond defense, with potential applications in commercial augmented reality systems.
