Westborough-based Kopin Corp. has received a $21.5-million defense production order, coming a week after the company announced a $15-million agreement expanding it into AI data center infrastructure technology.
The company inked the $15-million initial order with New York-based Fabric.AI to collaborate on MicroLED-based optical technology utilised in processors at data centers, the company announced on April 28.
While Kopin has received multiple defense-related orders for its optical technology since 2023, the new agreement expands the company into the growing AI infrastructure market, CEO Michael Murray said.
“It’s the right technology at the right moment to power the next wave of AI acceleration,” Murray said in the announcement.
Kopin’s official move into AI comes after it initiated a $41-million raise in September to further develop its MicroLED technology and advance AI technology. That raise was successful, according to the company’s third quarter financial results.
The technology seeks to replace copper wiring used in data centers, reducing energy use and the need for cooling infrastructure at data center sites. It uses programmed MicroLED pixels to transmit data at ultra-high speeds while using less energy. The deal sees Kopin acquire 19.9% of Fabric.AI and will be the exclusive manufacturer of the product.
The $21.5-million order relates to a custom eyepiece module used as what Kopin described as a detachable, man-portable thermal weapons system, containing the company’s U.S.-manufactured microdisplay and other components in a combat-ready housing.
The equipment allows soldiers to detect threats in harsh environments regardless of the time of day, the company announced Tuesday. Including this latest order, Kopin has announced at least $87 million in orders relating to its weapon-focused optical and display technology since 2023.
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the real estate and banking & finance industries.
