Introduction
- Mojo Vision, also known as the Invisible Computing company, developed the first true smart contact lens, creates AR platforms for applications in vision health and real-time biometrics
- TDK Ventures’ first investment in the AR space
- TDK will assist in the acceleration of Mojo Vision’s global reach with its deep expertise in micro capacitors, solid-state batteries, motion sensors, magnetic sensors, low-power ASICs, precision manufacturing, and medical electronic
TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) announced today that subsidiary TDK Ventures, Inc. added Mojo Vision, a paradigm-shifting augmented reality-based smart contact lens company, to its growing investment portfolio. Mojo Vision’s revolutionary technology has the potential to alter the very fabric of digital interaction, with ground-breaking AR hardware and software solutions for consumer, enterprise, and health applications – fitting into TDK Ventures’ strategy of investing in startups that focus on digital and energy transformation and contribute to sustainability.
Mojo Vision’s proprietary smart contact lens technology delivers a hands-free computing experience with its high-density microLED display. Mojo’s technology, called Mojo Lens, combines advances in bio-compatible materials, built-in refractive error correction, and micro optics. Paired with an integrated image sensor and state-of-the-art eye-tracking capabilities, Mojo Lens will enable visually impaired users to better navigate the world with contrast and edge enhancement features. Mojo Vision’s platform exemplifies the nexus of hardware and software integration, clinical applications, and a compelling social mission to enhance the lives of its users.
“Mojo’s vision will be at the center of digital transformation, where our product seamlessly fuses digital information onto the world around us. We want to empower our customers to be their best selves in any situation, including in a meaningful way for those with vision impairment,” said Drew Perkins, CEO and co-founder of Mojo Vision. “We have been impressed with TDK Ventures, the product teams we met at TDK, their genuine excitement in our project, and how they can help us accelerate it. We look forward to bringing their expertise and passion to bear on the development and success of our Invisible Computing platform.”
“It is rare to come across an AR company that not only solves all the traditional pain points of AR headsets and AR glasses, but imagines an even better solution. By virtue of its contact lens form factor, Mojo Vision directly addresses the constraints and limitations of today’s headsets and tomorrow’s “normal-looking” AR glasses. Beyond that, Mojo’s on-the-eye AR lens is inconspicuous and seamlessly interacts with the user’s intent through innovative eye tracking and entirely new user interface,” said Nicolas Sauvage, Managing Director of TDK Ventures. “Their approach is the most attractive technology stack to unlock potential mass adoption, yet with a meaningful mission to help vision-impaired people first. All of this aligns with TDK’s focus and expertise – we have already identified various avenues in micro capacitors, solid-state batteries, next-generation motion sensors, and other exciting areas where we can bring value to Mojo’s product development.”
“Mojo Vision’s technology is reimagining a world where information is there when you need it, technology fades away, and you can freely connect with others in a more meaningful and confident way. Its Mojo Lens and Invisible Computing platform will deliver critical benefits ranging from vision assistance to enterprise productivity to an entirely new personal computing experience for consumers. This is one of those true game changers.” said Greg Papadopoulos, Venture Partner at New Enterprise Associates.
Mojo Vision has raised over $160 million from leading investors including New Enterprise Associates, Shanda Group, Khosla Ventures, Advantech Capital, Gradient Ventures, Liberty Global Ventures and more. Mojo is actively working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through its Breakthrough Devices Program, a voluntary program designed to provide safe and timely access to medical devices that can help treat irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions. Mojo also recently announced a joint development partnership with Menicon, one of the largest contact lens makers in the world.
To find out more about TDK Ventures, interested startups or investment partners may contact TDK Ventures: www.tdk-ventures.com or [email protected].
About
About TDK Corporation
TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately “Attracting Tomorrow.” It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK’s comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2020, TDK posted total sales of USD 12.5 billion and employed about 107,000 people worldwide.
About TDK Ventures
TDK Ventures Inc. invests in startups to bolster innovation in materials science, energy/power and related areas typically underrepresented in venture capital portfolios. Established in 2019 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDK Corporation, the corporate venture company’s vision is to propel the digital and energy transformations of segments such as health and wellness, next-generation transportation, robotics and industrial, mixed reality and the wider IoT/IIoT markets. TDK Ventures will co-invest and support promising portfolio companies by providing technical expertise and access to global markets where TDK operates. Interested startups or investment partners may contact TDK Ventures: www.tdk-ventures.com or [email protected].
About Mojo Vision
Mojo Vision is the Invisible Computing company, dedicated to developing products and platforms that re-imagine the intersection of ideas, information, and people. Mojo is developing Mojo Lens, the first true smart contact lens. Mojo Lens has a built-in display that gives people the useful and timely information they want without forcing them to look down at a screen or losing focus on the people and the world around them. Mojo calls this eyes-up experience Invisible Computing, a platform that enables information to be instantaneous, unobtrusive and available hands-free, and will allow people to interact with each other more freely and genuinely. Founded by technology experts with decades of experience developing pioneering products and platforms and backed by some of the world’s leading technology investors, including NEA, Shanda Group, Advantech, Khosla Ventures, Gradient Ventures, KDDI Open Innovation Fund and others. Mojo believes the future is invisible. Mojo Vision is based in Saratoga, CA.
Learn more about Mojo Vision online at https://mojo.vision.
