At the presentation of Chips-IT’s 2026-2028 strategic plan, EssilorLuxottica announced a major collaboration with the foundation aimed at revolutionizing connected eyewear.
The new alliance between the global optics giant and the Italian foundation specializing in advanced integrated circuit design marks a turning point for the development of wearable technologies and for the European semiconductor ecosystem.
A key alliance to propel EssilorLuxottica into connected eyewear
The partnership was announced during the presentation of Chips-IT‘s 2026-2028 strategic plan, highlighting the two organizations’ shared ambition to push the boundaries of wearable electronics. This partnership specifically aims to strengthen EssilorLuxottica‘s position in the emerging smart glasses market by developing customized electronic chips for innovative applications.
The alliance also comes amid increased competition in the smart glasses market, where global technology players are stepping up their investment in research and development. For EssilorLuxottica, the aim is both to accelerate internal innovation and to leverage the collaborative ecosystem offered by Chips-IT. The foundation enables various industrial and academic partners to design new cutting-edge technologies.
“Unlocking the full potential of connected eyewear means reimagining the electronics at the heart of how they work, so they better meet the unique needs of our industry. To realize this vision, we have invested over the years in advanced platforms, technologies, and sensor capabilities to design the fundamental components that enable glasses to deliver seamless and transformative experiences, ushering in a new era in healthcare, smart assistance, and immersive digital interaction,” commented Francesco Milleri, President and CEO of EssilorLuxottica.
A collaborative approach
The collaboration is based on a model of co-development and knowledge sharing : EssilorLuxottica has announced its intention to make certain components of its wearable platforms open source, thereby opening up a broader space for collaboration that promotes innovation on a large scale. This approach aims to stimulate technological advances in key areas such as ultra-low-power electronics, smart sensors, and embedded software, which are essential for future generations of connected eyewear.
For its part, Chips-IT is amplifying its mission to create a robust ecosystem capable of supporting cutting-edge technological developments in the semiconductor industry, a sector considered strategic for Europe’s digital future.
This opening should accelerate research and development efforts, inspire new design approaches, and enhance the user experience. By pooling knowledge and collaborative tools, the partnership aims not only to improve the technical performance of devices, but also to reinvent the way these technologies are integrated into everyday life.
Read also > EssilorLuxottica posts record third quarter results for 2025
Featured photo : © EssilorLuxottica
