MICLEDI Microdisplays

What MICLEDI Microdisplays does

MICLEDI Microdisplays BV is a fabless semiconductor company, spun out of IMEC in 2019 and headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, that designs microLED display modules for augmented reality (AR) and adjacent applications. The company's core technology is the industry's first 300mm CMOS manufacturing platform purpose-built for microLED-for-AR, combining III-V materials processing (GaN and AlInGaP), a proprietary wafer reconstitution procedure, and 3D integration on silicon carrier wafers. Its portfolio includes blue (465nm), green (520nm), red GaN (620nm), and red AlInGaP (653nm) microLED arrays; pixel-by-pixel microlenses; and complete RGB display modules in both 3-panel and quantum-dot color-conversion configurations. Demonstrated performance metrics include pixel density above 9,150 PPI, brightness up to 10 million nits, sub-3 micron sub-pixel pitch, and system power consumption below 1W.

MICLEDI operates a B2B enterprise go-to-market, selling microLED display modules and proprietary active-backplane ASICs directly to Tier 1 OEMs, defense contractors, and AR headset manufacturers through co-development agreements. Manufacturing is outsourced to GlobalFoundries' CMOS fab on the 22FDX platform, with materials supplied by IQE and color-conversion technology from QustomDot. The customer base is anchored by Kopin Corporation (which combines MICLEDI arrays with its own backplane technology for defense and enterprise AR, including US Army XR HUD programs) and Kura (consumer AR glasses). Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; the company has no self-serve or transactional channel.

The company employs 11-50 staff and has raised nearly $30 million in total funding as of the March 2024 Series A first closing, with investors including imec.xpand, PMV, imec, KBC, and SFPIM, alongside non-dilutive grants from VLAIO. Full-color modules with active backplane and first demo glasses were targeted for 2024 delivery, marking the transition from technology validation toward volume production for consumer AR glasses, defense HUDs, automotive displays, and microprojectors.

Name

MICLEDI Microdisplays

Legal name

Micledi Microdisplays BV

Website

https://micledi.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

MICLEDI Microdisplays is a fabless semiconductor company, spun out of IMEC in 2019 and based in Leuven, Belgium, that designs microLED display modules on a proprietary 300mm CMOS platform for augmented reality headset manufacturers, defense contractors, and Tier 1 OEMs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

MicroLED Display Modules for Augmented Reality

NAICS

Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing (334413), Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (3344)

SIC

Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674), Electronic Components, Nec (3679)

akta.pro primary industry

Display & Illumination Components (MicroLED/OLED Drivers/Backlight Optics) (HDAHALAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Audio, Imaging & Multimedia SoCs (ISP/Codec/Display) (HDAHABAH), Sensor Fusion, Interface ICs & Modules (AFE/Readout/Packaging/Calibration) (HDAHALAO)

Keywords

• MicroLED display modules
• Augmented reality microdisplays
• GaN AlInGaP LED arrays
• 300mm CMOS fabrication
• Active backplane ASICs

Headquarters

HQ city

Leuven

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. MicroLED Display Module Sales: MICLEDI sells microLED display modules as components to AR headset manufacturers and defense contractors. The company operates as a fabless semiconductor designer, with manufacturing performed at GlobalFoundries CMOS fabs. Modules are sold as monochrome or full-color RGB configurations for integration into AR glasses and headgear.
2. ASIC / Active Backplane Sales: Proprietary ASIC designs for microLED backplane control and driving, sold alongside display modules or as standalone components for customers who manufacture their own microLED stacks.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

MICLEDI Microdisplays designs and supplies microLED display modules for augmented reality applications, built on a proprietary 300mm CMOS manufacturing platform. The product portfolio includes discrete RGB microLED arrays (blue GaN at 465nm, green GaN at 520nm, red GaN at 620nm, red AlInGaP at 653nm), monochrome and full-color 3-panel RGB display modules, quantum-dot color-conversion modules, and an active backplane ASIC produced in GlobalFoundries' 22FDX process. Modules deliver pixel densities above 9,150 PPI, brightness up to 10 million nits, sub-3µm sub-pixel pitch, and sub-1W power consumption for AR/XR, defense, automotive HUD, and microprojector use cases.

Product overview

MICLEDI Microdisplays is a fabless semiconductor company that designs and manufactures microLED display modules for augmented reality (AR) applications. The product portfolio centers on RGB (Red, Green, Blue) microLED arrays manufactured on 300mm CMOS platforms using III/V materials processing and 3D integration. The core offerings include: (1) discrete Blue, Green, and Red microLED arrays (with two red variants: GaN at 620nm and AlInGaP at 653nm), (2) full-color display modules combining three monochrome panels or using quantum dot conversion, and (3) supporting components including active backplane ASICs and pixel-by-pixel microlenses. The company's Magic 5 technology parameters define performance across resolution (FHD to 8K, >9K PPI), brightness (up to 10Mnits), power efficiency (<1W), image quality, and low-cost manufacturing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Blue GaN microLED Arrays Blue GaN-based microLED arrays at 465nm wavelength with FWHM approximately 20nm, manufactured on 300mm CMOS, with pixel-by-pixel microlens integration for AR display applications.
• Green microLED Arrays Green microLED arrays at 520nm wavelength with FWHM approximately 30nm, available as LED and Display Die variants with pixel-by-pixel microlens integration for AR displays.
• Red GaN microLED Arrays Red GaN-based microLED arrays centered at 620nm wavelength with FWHM <50nm, CMOS compatible, offering an alternative red solution for AR microLED displays.
• Red AlInGaP microLED Arrays Red AlInGaP-based microLED arrays at 653nm wavelength with FWHM <9nm (Ferrari-red color), arsenide-free, CMOS-compatible, manufactured on 200mm EPI with no bow and low defectivity.
• Full-Color 3-Panel RGB microLED Display Modules High-performance full-color RGB display modules integrating three separate monochrome arrays (R, G, B) with individual collimation lens assemblies and 3-layer waveguides for outdoor AR applications requiring large FOV and maximum brightness.
• Monochrome microLED Display Modules Monochrome display modules in blue or green, with or without microlenses, with device architecture tuned per color to achieve maximum light extraction efficiency and optimized beamshape.
• Quantum Dot RGB microLED Display Modules Medium performance full-color RGB displays using quantum dot color conversion on brilliant green and blue arrays, targeting narrower-FOV indoor AR, viewfinders, and head-up displays (HUD).
• Active Backplane ASIC Custom ASIC designed using GlobalFoundries' 22FDX advanced CMOS process to control and drive microLED arrays, enabling integration of the controller ASIC and emitter module on a 300mm wafer.

Quantifiable outcome

• Pixel density of 9,150+ PPI demonstrated in passive matrix LED display test devices with and without microlenses
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.

• Kopin CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 January 2024Strategic agreement to co-design, develop, and manufacture advanced full-color microLED displays for AR applications in high-brightness conditions. The partnership combines MICLEDI's unique CMOS production flow with Kopin's superior backplane control, driving capabilities, and system integration experience. Targets defense, enterprise, consumer, and medical systems. Kopin's US Army contract for XR HUDs incorporates MICLEDI microLEDs. Kopin invested $15M in THEON alongside the MICLEDI partnership.
• QustomDotstrategicTechnology or Integration · 1 August 2022Partnership with QustomDot (MicroLED Industry Association member) to develop full-color microLED microdisplays with quantum dot color conversion, enabling medium performance full-color RGB displays using quantum dot filtering on MICLEDI's green and blue arrays.
• GlobalFoundriescoreTechnology or Integration · 1 March 2022Manufacturing collaboration to transfer MICLEDI's microLED manufacturing flow into GlobalFoundries' CMOS fab, combined with GlobalFoundries' 22FDX platform to enable mass production. MICLEDI's unique microLED manufacturing is done in conjunction with backplane ASICs designed in GF's advanced CMOS process nodes - the first in the microLED industry. Enables cost and volume production for the AR market.
• IQEstrategicTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Partnership with IQE, a supplier of compound semiconductor wafer products and advanced material solutions, to develop microLEDs for AR products. IQE provides advanced III-V materials as starting wafers for MICLEDI's microLED manufacturing process.
• IMECcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019MICLEDI was spun out from IMEC in 2019 based on unique microLED technology developed in partnership with IMEC. MICLEDI leverages IMEC's 300mm cleanroom facilities and maintains ongoing healthy collaboration with IMEC and other fab partners for technology development. IMEC is also a financial investor in the company.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Jade Bird Display (JBD): China-based developer of microLED microdisplays for AR/MR applications using GaN-on-silicon technology. Direct competitor to MICLEDI in supplying microLED arrays to AR headset manufacturers, though using a smaller wafer scale (typically 100–150mm) than MICLEDI's 300mm platform.
• VueReal: Canada-based microLED display technology company with proprietary micro-printing processes for integrating microLEDs into displays. Competes with MICLEDI in AR/microdisplay applications and is also a MicroLED Industry Association member alongside MICLEDI.
• Plessey Semiconductors: UK-based compound semiconductor manufacturer developing native InGaN-based monolithic microLED displays for AR/VR applications. Directly competes with MICLEDI in the AR microLED space with its own GaN-on-silicon approach.

Broad incumbents

• Kopin Corporation: US-based microdisplay and AR systems company that is both a customer/partner of MICLEDI (for backplane integration) and a potential competitor with its own microLED roadmap through the THEON/Kopin subsidiary. Operates broadly across military, enterprise, and consumer AR display systems.
• eMagin Corporation: US-based designer/manufacturer of OLED microdisplays for AR/VR, military, and industrial applications. Now a subsidiary of Samsung Display. Competes with MICLEDI in supplying high-brightness microdisplays for AR headsets, though with OLED rather than microLED technology.
• Sony Semiconductor Solutions: Major Japanese semiconductor and display manufacturer producing OLED microdisplays and investing in microLED development. Broad incumbent in microdisplays serving AR headset manufacturers; significant scale and capital advantage over MICLEDI.
• Samsung Display: Global leader in display technology with significant investments in microLED (via its eMagin acquisition) and QD-OLED. Serves as a broad incumbent with the resources to outpace MICLEDI in scale if it commits to AR microdisplays.
• BOE Technology Group: Chinese display giant actively developing microLED technology for AR and large-format displays. As a broad incumbent with massive manufacturing scale, BOE is a long-term competitive threat if it chooses to enter the AR microdisplay market.

Emerging players

• Sitan Semiconductor: China-based GaN microLED startup developing monolithic full-color microLED displays for AR applications. An emerging competitor pursuing a similar monolithic microLED integration approach as MICLEDI but at an earlier commercialization stage.
• Compound Photonics (CP Display): US-based developer of microLED and LCoS microdisplays for AR/MR applications. Competes with MICLEDI in the AR microdisplay space with a different integration approach but similar target customer base of AR headset OEMs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors9 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MICLEDI Microdisplays