A South Korean optics startup is positioning itself at the heart of the emerging AI‑enabled smart‑glass market. LetinAR, backed by LG Electronics and recently funded with $18.5 million from Korea Development Bank and Lotte Ventures, is developing the tiny optical module that projects digital images into a wearer’s field of view. The company plans to list on the Korean stock exchange in 2027 after raising a total of $41.7 million since its founding in 2016.

LetinAR does not produce complete glasses; instead it manufactures the core lens component that makes a pair of smart glasses practical for everyday use. The module must be lightweight, thin, and power‑efficient while delivering a bright, sharp image. To meet these demands, the firm has created a technology called PinTILT, which arranges microscopic optical elements inside the lens to channel light directly into the eye. This approach aims to overcome the inefficiencies of the widely used waveguide design, which scatters light and drains batteries, and the bulkiness of mirror‑based “birdbath” systems.

The startup already supplies its modules to Japanese firms NTT QONOQ Devices and Dynabook, giving it production experience at scale. It is also working with a Swiss deep‑tech company, Aegis Rider, to integrate its optics into an AI‑powered AR motorcycle helmet that overlays navigation and safety alerts onto the road ahead. The helmet is slated for launch in Europe and Switzerland in 2026.

Industry analysts note that global shipments of AI glasses are expected to exceed 15 million units this year, a three‑fold increase from the previous year. With major players such as Meta, Google, Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi racing to bring consumer‑ready products to market, LetinAR’s focus on a slimmer, brighter, and more energy‑efficient lens could become a critical enabler for the next wave of wearable AI devices.