Japan Display Inc. (JDI) has recently announced the signing of a Master Supply Agreement (MSA) with Kymeta, a global leader in metamaterial technology for mobile satellite communications, to jointly develop and mass-produce glass substrates suitable for multi-band metasurface antennas operating in the Ku and Ka frequency bands, which can support simultaneous multi-band operation. This agreement signifies high recognition for JDI's glass substrate technology in meeting the performance and mass-production quality demands of next-generation satellite communication, while also representing a major step in JDI's global market expansion.
This collaboration is a key milestone in Kymeta's multi-band product roadmap. The jointly developed Ku/Ka multi-band metasurface terminal, leveraging the fusion of both companies' technologies, will be launched as the core inaugural product of the next-generation lineup. This terminal is expected to create a truly seamless satellite communication environment for users, enabling easy use without concern for frequency band or satellite orbit differences, thereby becoming new communication infrastructure supporting future market growth.
The project will integrate Kymeta's advanced metasurface antenna technology with JDI's long-accumulated expertise in high-precision thin-film transistor (TFT) flat-panel manufacturing and mass-production, aiming to develop a next-generation terminal featuring exceptional performance such as high-speed beam switching, compact and lightweight design, low power consumption, and low cost, along with strong resistance to interference from radio waves and infrared detection.
Furthermore, Kymeta plans to accelerate the practical application of the industry's first multi-band metasurface terminal through this partnership — starting with the initial deployment of a product for defense applications and gradually expanding into commercial markets. Mr. Manny Mora, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kymeta, stated: "This collaboration is a significant turning point for Kymeta, marking our transition from the technology development phase to formal product development and mass production. By partnering with JDI, a world-leading electronics manufacturer, we can mass-produce and bring to market a Ku/Ka band-compatible terminal for next-generation defense and autonomous systems."
"The core objective of this jointly developed Ku/Ka band terminal is to meet the high demands of the defense sector, including those of the U.S. Department of Defense, while ensuring the reliability and security of this critical technology's supply chain. In the future, we also plan to expand its application to scenarios with stringent requirements for reliability, low power consumption, and cost control, such as unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous systems," Mr. Mora added.
Mr. Koji Yoshida, Division Manager of the Sensor Business Division at JDI, commented: "This partnership is a significant step for JDI in extending our flat-panel and TFT manufacturing technologies into the cutting-edge field of satellite communications. JDI will provide glass substrate support for Kymeta's antenna technology. By combining Kymeta's innovative antenna technology with our high-precision mass-production capabilities, we aim to contribute to the widespread adoption of multi-band satellite communication terminals."
"Product development is currently underway, with a product demonstration planned for the first half of 2026 and the global market launch of this Ku/Ka band-compatible product scheduled for 2027," Mr. Yoshida further noted.
Mr. Jun Miyama, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of JDI, stated: "Leveraging the glass thin-film wiring technology accumulated through our display business, JDI has successfully achieved a crossover application into the field of advanced antenna components. Through synergistic innovation with Kymeta, a global leader in industrial satellite antennas, we will pioneer the future of next-generation communication infrastructure and lead development in the global market."
About Kymeta: Kymeta is a company bringing innovation to the satellite communication sector through its Intelligent Communication Platform (ICP). Founded in 2012 in Redmond, Washington, USA, it focuses on the development and manufacturing of electronically controlled flat-panel antennas based on metamaterial technology. Kymeta's solutions provide stable communication environments and enhanced situational awareness for mobile scenarios in government defense, maritime, transportation, and public safety sectors. Supported by a technical portfolio of over 150 patents, Kymeta is advancing the realization of highly reliable next-generation communications for an increasingly mobile and hyper-connected world.
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