Sharp

What Sharp does

Sharp Corporation is a Japanese electronics manufacturer founded in 1912 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, operating as a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Securities Code 6753) under the controlling ownership of Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry) since 2016. The company organizes its operations into three business groups — Smart Life (consumer appliances, mobile devices, wearables), Smart Workplace (MFPs, POS systems, enterprise solutions), and Display Devices (LCDs, ePaper, solar cells) — serving global markets across Japan, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, India, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

The company's product portfolio spans AQUOS-branded smartphones and televisions, Plasmacluster air purifiers, Healsio/Celerity cooking appliances, Karada Mate health wearables, Poketomo AI companion robots, LEO satellite communication terminals, space-qualified solar cells, automotive cockpit solutions, and B2B equipment including digital MFPs. Core proprietary technologies include CE-LLM edge AI with Environmental Prompt, Plasmacluster ion technology, Texture/Click haptic displays, ePaper image processing, and lightweight NTN antennas. Sharp holds over 8,500 communication standard-essential patents across 50+ countries, including a top-tier 5G SEP portfolio in Japan, and monetizes IP through the Access Advance Video Distribution Patent Pool.

Sharp's revenue model combines consumer hardware sales, enterprise/B2B solutions, recurring subscriptions (e.g., ¥600/month health coaching for Karada Mate Watch), patent licensing royalties, and emerging AI data center services. Go-to-market spans direct-to-consumer (AQUOS R11 launch at ¥179,000), retail partnerships (Currys UK, ElAraby Egypt), telecom carrier distribution (KDDI/au for wearables, NTT Docomo for XR glasses), automotive OEM supply (Honda, Toyota, Nissan), and government/defense contracts (Japan MOD, JAXA). Recent strategic moves include the June 2026 Foxconn MOU for AI infrastructure collaboration, the Synapse Innovation ERP acquisition, conversion of the Sakai plant to AI data center capacity, and entry into pharmaceutical contract manufacturing via the Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing acquisition.

Name

Sharp

Legal name

Sharp Corporation

Website

https://global.sharp/

Company type

Public

Founded year

1912

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Sharp Corporation, founded 1912 and Foxconn-controlled since 2016, manufactures consumer electronics (AQUOS TVs/smartphones), AI-powered appliances, wearables, satellite terminals, and space solar cells for global B2B and B2C markets, monetizing through hardware sales, licensing of 8,500+ patents, and emerging AI data center services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Consumer Electronics

NAICS

Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing (335), Household Appliance Manufacturing (3352), Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing (334210)

SIC

Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651), Household Appliances (3630), Telephone & Telegraph Apparatus (3661)

akta.pro primary industry

Television Retail (LED/LCD/OLED/QLED/Mini-LED) (CRACAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Smartwatches & Connected Wearables (CRAKADAC), Optoelectronics & Photonics (LED/Laser/Optical ICs) (HDAHAAAH), Smart Fitness & Training Devices (Connected Fitness Sensors, Smart Jump Ropes, etc.) (CRACAQAH)

Keywords

• Consumer electronics manufacturing
• Smart home appliances
• Mobile devices wearables
• Display technology solutions
• Solar cell production

Headquarters

HQ city

Sakai

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Consumer Electronics Hardware: Sales of TVs (AQUOS), smartphones (AQUOS R series), wearable devices (smartwatch, smart ring), home appliances (microwaves, air conditioners, air purifiers, refrigerators, washing machines)
2. Enterprise/B2B Solutions: MFPs (multifunction printers), business displays, digital signage, enterprise software (ERP systems), industrial solutions, and B2B service contracts
3. Subscription Services: Monthly subscription services for health coaching and lifestyle guidance (600 yen/month for dietitian-supervised programs)
4. Patent Licensing: Licensing of communication patents (5G, Wi-Fi, video codecs HEVC/VVC) through Access Advance Video Distribution Patent Pool and direct licensing agreements
5. AI Data Center Infrastructure: Conversion of former LCD manufacturing facilities (Sakai plant) into AI data center infrastructure; involvement in AI server products with Foxconn

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Sharp Corporation manufactures and sells consumer electronics including AQUOS TVs, AQUOS smartphones, wearable devices (Karada Mate Watch and Ring), home appliances (air conditioners, microwaves, air purifiers, refrigerators, washing machines), as well as B2B products such as digital MFPs, professional LCD monitors, ePaper displays, and solar cells. The portfolio is integrated through Sharp's proprietary CE-LLM edge AI technology and spans three business groups: Smart Life, Smart Workplace, and Display Devices.

Product overview

Sharp Corporation offers a diverse portfolio spanning consumer electronics, AI-powered appliances, mobility solutions, and B2B services organized into three business groups: Smart Life (home appliances, mobile devices, wearables), Smart Workplace (MFPs, POS systems, enterprise solutions), and Display Devices (LCDs, ePaper, solar cells). The product ecosystem centers on proprietary AI technology CE-LLM enabling edge-based generative AI across devices, integrated through AIoT connectivity. Key consumer products include AQUOS smartphones (R11, sense10) with Leica cameras, AQUOS TVs including 8K and Roku-integrated models, Plasmacluster air purifiers, Healsio cooking appliances with COOK TALK AI, and the Celerity smart oven. Emerging offerings include the Karada Mate health wearables (Watch and Ring), Poketomo AI companion robot, and Xrostella VR1 headset. B2B solutions encompass LEO satellite communication terminals, ePaper digital signage displays, space solar cells, smart home energy management (Eee Connect), and enterprise AI services (eAssistant meeting support, eAssistant Concierge). Sharp's differentiation stems from integrating AI across its ecosystem through CE-LLM edge AI technology, enabling products to share contextual environmental data while maintaining privacy through edge-cloud optimization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AQUOS: Sharp's flagship brand for TVs and smartphones
• AQUOS R11
• AQUOS sense10
• Karada Mate Watch
• Karada Mate Ring
• Healsio
• Plasmacluster
• RoBoHoN
• Poketomo
• Xrostella VR1
• todokuto
• COOCORO
• Celerity
• CE-LLM
• Click Display
• AI SMART LINK
• AI Partner
• dynaEdge

Products and services

• AQUOS R11 Smartphone High-end smartphone with AI-powered camera functions including Smart Fit Zoom and triple camera system co-developed with Leica Camera AG (50.3MP standard, 50.3MP wide-angle, 38.5MP telephoto), featuring Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor and 6.5-inch 1-240Hz Pro IGZO OLED display. Priced at 179,000 yen in Japan.
• AQUOS TV Line of televisions delivering high-definition images including AI-equipped AQUOS smart TVs, 8K models, and Roku TV QLED variants with 4K resolution and quantum dot color technology.
• Karada Mate Watch Sharp's first smartwatch with bioelectrical impedance sensor that estimates calorie intake from food and drink in real time using HEALBE Corporation's patented FLOW Technology, featuring 1.32-inch OLED display and 600 yen monthly subscription for dietitian guidance. Priced at 59,400 yen.
• Karada Mate Ring Smart ring with titanium design and 14-day battery life, launching alongside Karada Mate Watch in Japan through KDDI partnership.
• Poketomo AI Companion Robot Pocket-sized AI companion robot with emotion-sensing technology and cloud-connected AI that enables empathetic conversation based on images recognized by camera, location information and generative AI.
• 28.6" ePaper Display EP-CA22 Color electronic paper display using E Ink Spectra 6 technology combined with Sharp's proprietary color management from LCD displays and pseudo-tone reproduction technology from MFPs, achieving 0W power consumption when maintaining images.
• Celerity High-Speed Oven High-speed oven featuring 'Golden Heater' technology that combines microwave, convection and infrared heating to cook food faster — roasts chicken in 30 minutes and bakes cookies in 9 minutes.
• Ryohu Inverter Air Conditioner Window air conditioners with integrated Plasmacluster air purification technology, inverter series with 3-star and 5-star energy ratings, designed for Indian conditions with cooling performance up to 52°C using eco-friendly R32 refrigerant. Starting at ¥34,490.
• LEO Satellite Communication Terminal Flat panel LEO satellite communication terminal prototype with dimensions approximately 446 x 446 x 66mm, weight 7.0kg, IP66 dust/water resistance, designed for maritime and mountainous regions with high-speed communication capability.
• Xrostella VR1 Slim and light PC VR headset weighing 198g with dual 2,160 x 2,160 per eye LCD displays at 90Hz with pancake lenses and 90-degree field of view, connecting to Windows 11 PCs or select smartphones.
• Plasmacluster Air Purifiers Air purifiers featuring Plasmacluster ion technology for air purification, available in various models including FXJ80UW, with integration into smart home ecosystems.
• Healsio Superheated Steam Oven Superheated steam oven series with AI cooking support through COOK TALK service, enabling natural conversation with generative AI during cooking.
• RoBoHoN Humanoid robot phone with conversational companion capabilities, featuring AI-powered interaction for elderly care and various assistance applications.
• Todokuto Sanitary Product Dispenser IoT-powered touchless sanitary product dispenser with automatic stock alerts and usage tracking, developed for public facilities, schools and companies.
• Digital MFPs/Printers Multi-function printers with improved cloud connectivity, security features and eco-friendly materials, including new A3 MFPs lineup.
• Solar Cells Space-qualified compound solar cells with over 50 years of experience supplying to JAXA; plans for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells mass production by fiscal 2027.
• Space Solar Cells High-efficiency compound solar cells for space applications including satellites, with lightweight flexible IMM sheet technology for satellites.
• Eee Connect Home energy management system integrating solar power generation with storage batteries, EVs and household appliances for optimal AI-controlled energy usage to achieve household carbon neutrality.
• eAssistant Minutes Meeting minutes support solution using unique edge AI that instantly handles voice recognition to summary generation, generating meeting minutes from recorded data.
• eAssistant Concierge AI concierge service assisting guests by answering questions and providing guidance around facilities using generative AI.

Quantifiable outcome

• 47% weight reduction in NTN planar antenna (from 5.5 kg to 2.9 kg)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability11 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and major.

• NTT DocomocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026Joint venture NTT Konokyu Devices (NTT Docomo and Sharp) showcasing MiRZA XR glasses at Manufacturing World Tokyo 2026 and Maintenance Resilience Tokyo 2026. Partnership focuses on workplace productivity and worker fatigue reduction in manufacturing environments.
• Foxconn (Hon Hai Technology Group)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026Foxconn and Sharp signed Memorandum of Understanding on June 24, 2026 establishing strategic collaboration combining Foxconn's global manufacturing and AI capabilities with Sharp's brand recognition and market channels. Partnership focuses on AI infrastructure, energy and ESG applications, robotics, next-generation communications, smart cities, and AI server products under Sharp brand.
• Leica Camera AGcoreTechnology or Integration · 23 June 2026Co-development of triple camera system for AQUOS R11 smartphone featuring 50.3MP standard lens, 50.3MP wide-angle lens, and 38.5MP telephoto lens with Leica optical technology and tuning.
• HEALBE Corporation (California-based)coreTechnology or Integration · 17 June 2026Partnership for calorie intake estimation technology using HEALBE's patented FLOW Technology that monitors body water and sugar level changes to calculate food/drink consumption against calories burned without manual logging. Applied to Karada Mate Watch smartwatch.
• KDDI (and Okinawa Cellular Telephone)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 June 2026KDDI launching Sharp Karada Mate Watch and Karada Mate Ring through au +1 collection accessory range on July 9, 2026 with pre-orders opening June 16. Products sold exclusively through au Online Shop.
• Roku, Inc.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 May 2026Launch of first Sharp Roku TV QLED model for UK market combining 4K UHD resolution with QLED quantum dot color technology and Roku TV operating system. Available at Currys retail stores.
• Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 April 2026Collaboration with JRC and SKY Perfect JSAT for Ministry of Defense project developing multi-orbit satellite communications system. Sharp developing multi-orbit-capable user terminals for GEO, MEO, and LEO satellite switching. Project runs through March 31, 2028.
• SKY Perfect JSAT CorporationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 April 2026Collaboration for seamless network development in next-generation multi-orbit satellite communications system under Japan's Ministry of Defense program.
• Access Advance LLCcoreOthers · 16 March 2026Sharp joined Access Advance Video Distribution Patent Pool as licensor for modern video codec technologies including HEVC, VVC, VP9, and AV1.
• Synapse Innovation Inc.majorOthers · 2 March 2026Acquisition of all shares of Osaka-based SaaS ERP provider for 3,801 million yen to strengthen Sharp's ERP proposals to B2B customers and accelerate expansion across office, retail, and robotics fields.
• NTT DatacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 24 February 2026Joint development of UA-P20NA PIN pad payment terminal for self-checkout environments and labour-saving retail operations. Planned for deployment during 2026 to improve cashless payment usability.
• Kyushu Electric Power Co.majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2026Demand response demonstration project using Sharp Energy Solutions home storage batteries to address renewable energy curtailment issues. Project launching March 1, 2026.
• ElAraby GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2025Strategic alliance with Egyptian manufacturer for home appliances, electronics, and components production. Part of ElAraby's nearly $500 million investment in partnerships with Japanese and global companies.
• European Space Agency (ESA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2025World's first successful trial of 5G-Advanced Non-Terrestrial Network technology over OneWeb LEO satellites in collaboration with ESA, MediaTek, Eutelsat, Airbus, ITRI, and Rohde & Schwarz.
• MediaTek Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2025Trial of 5G-Advanced NTN technology over LEO satellites demonstrating satellite-terrestrial interoperability for global 5G connectivity.
• EutelsatcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2025OneWeb LEO satellite connectivity trial for 5G-Advanced NTN technology demonstrating seamless global connectivity capabilities.
• Airbus Defence and SpacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2025Collaboration on 5G-Advanced NTN trial over OneWeb satellites demonstrating satellite-based broadband for 5G devices.
• ARAV CorporationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 October 2025Development of satellite communication remote control solutions for construction machinery to improve connectivity in remote locations. Demonstration scheduled for spring 2026 in Japan testing remote control from Taiwan.
• InterDigital, Inc.coreTechnology or Integration · 21 October 2025Renewal of patent license agreement covering wireless and video standards including 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, HEVC, and EV charging technologies. Part of ongoing IP collaboration.
• Mitsubishi Chemical CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2025Collaborative development of lightweight NTN planar antenna achieving 47% weight reduction using carbon fiber reinforced polymer heat dissipation technology. Part of multi-partner effort for satellite communication terminals.
• NICT (National Institute of Information and Communications Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2025Government research institute funding and collaborating on lightweight NTN antenna development and satellite communication user terminals for mobility applications.
• TECHLABcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2025Partner in collaborative development of ultra-compact and lightweight satellite communication user terminals for mobility, contributing to weight reduction innovations.
• Tottenham Hotspur FCmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2025Official partnership with AQUOS brand for Pre-season Tour 2025 effective July 1-September 30, 2025. Promotion across Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia featuring player video content and brand visibility.
• Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2024Partnership to develop lightweight communication antennas for MEO and LEO satellites aimed at enhancing maritime connectivity.
• Berkshire Sterile ManufacturingcoreOthers · 1 October 2023Sharp acquired Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing in October 2023 to enhance capabilities in sterile fill-finish pharmaceutical contract manufacturing operations.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AQUOSPHONESharp
• Facebookfacebook.com/sharp.japan
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sharp
• Instagraminstagram.com/sharp_global
• Xx.com/sharp_jp

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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

M&A1 record

Investments5 records

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

Frequently asked questions about Sharp