Cellid and SB C&S Form Business Alliance to Accelerate Commercialization of AR Glasses
TOKYO, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellid Inc., a developer of displays and spatial recognition engines for next-generation augmented reality (AR) glasses, and SB C&S Corp. have formed a business alliance to accelerate the commercialization of AR glasses in the Japanese market.
AR glasses are transitioning from the proof-of-concept stage to market launch, with adoption beginning to expand among both businesses and consumers in Japan. In addition to device performance, establishing a support system that covers everything from product development and sales to post-deployment support is crucial for widespread adoption.
Cellid has established a strong track record of providing reference designs—built around its proprietary optical technology—that enable device manufacturers to bring AR glasses to market quickly. These reference designs serve as verification models for AR glasses, integrating a wide-field-of-view waveguide, display module, optical engine, proprietary software technology, housing and mechanical design, and an SDK (Software Development Kit) for developers. Combining stylish design with practical functionality, these models streamline design and verification processes that device manufacturers would otherwise need to conduct independently, supporting faster, lower-cost productization and market launch. Under this partnership, Cellid will be responsible for designing and providing the reference designs, as well as offering technical support.
SB C&S operates the IT distribution business that serves as the foundation of the SoftBank Group and provides support ranging from product planning and sales to implementation through its nationwide network of sales partners. SB C&S, in turn, will be responsible for procuring products based on Cellid's reference designs, selling them through its nationwide sales partners, providing proposal and implementation support for corporate and consumer customers, providing ongoing support, and planning and executing marketing initiatives.
The two companies will combine Cellid's technology with SB C&S's distribution infrastructure to drive the market adoption and widespread use of AR glasses.
Comment from Satoshi Shiraga, CEO, Cellid, Inc.
As AI significantly transforms the way people interact with information, we believe AR glasses have the potential to become a next-generation computing platform that naturally overlays necessary information onto the real world. In addition to superior technology, a system that connects product development, sales, and implementation support is essential for their widespread adoption. Together with SB C&S, we will build a foundation to support the commercialization and adoption of AR glasses in the Japanese market and create new value across a variety of settings. We aim to leverage the insights gained through this initiative to expand into the global market in the future.
Comment from Jun Suzuki, Senior Vice President & Head of Consumer Business Unit, SB C&S Corp.
Through our IT distribution business, our mission has always been to deliver new technologies to our customers as quickly as possible. AR glasses are truly next-generation devices with the potential to enrich people's lives. Through this partnership, we will combine Cellid's technology with our nationwide network of sales partners to bring the value of AR glasses to a wide range of customers.
About Cellid
Cellid focuses on developing displays and spatial recognition engines for next-generation AR glasses. For AR glasses displays, we manufacture cutting-edge optical see-through displays using the waveguide (DOE) method. Leveraging Cellid's proprietary optical simulation and production technology, we offer display module products that achieve the world's widest viewing angle in waveguide technology, while maintaining the thinness, lightness, and sharp image quality equivalent to standard eyeglass lenses. Additionally, Cellid develops and provides industry-specific solutions utilizing spatial recognition software technologies such as Cellid SLAM. By integrating AR display hardware technology with real-world spatial recognition software technology, Cellid promotes the fusion of the physical and digital worlds ("Blending the Physical and Digital Worlds") and leads the realization of information tools that are more human-centric and dramatically more convenient. Visit: https://cellid.com/en
About SB C&S Corp.
We inherited the IT distribution business, which is where it all began for the SoftBank Group, and continue to swiftly generate new business models in response to changes in the market environment. For corporate clients, we provide product solutions by leveraging advanced technologies, including cloud computing and artificial intelligence, through the largest sales network in the country. For consumers, we harness our own planning and development capabilities to expand a product lineup that consists of everything from software and mobile accessories to AI products and services. Please visit our website for more information.
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SOURCE Cellid, Inc.
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