India has just taken a big step into the global optics and extended reality (XR) industry. Kaynes Technology launched the country’s first waveguide manufacturing line in Mysuru.
This facility, built with U.S.-based DigiLens, marks India’s debut in a market long dominated by the U.S., Europe, Japan, Taiwan, and China. It gives India a stronger foothold in the global supply chain and offers OEMs a new, reliable alternative for diversification.
Why Waveguides Are a Game-Changer for XR and Defense
Waveguides are high-precision optical components that project and manipulate light. They’re at the heart of XR headsets and heads-up displays (HUDs) used in defense and automotive sectors.
Manufacturing them isn’t easy. It demands advanced skills, tight tolerances, and deep technical know-how.
The Strategic Role of India’s First Facility
With the Mysuru waveguide line, Kaynes Technology has tackled these challenges head-on. India now stands as a new hub for advanced optics manufacturing.
This move gives global OEMs a *China plus one* option. Companies can lower their dependence on traditional markets without sacrificing quality or cost.
Himanshu Verma, Kaynes’ business head for XR/AI, pointed out that the facility blends defense-certified reliability with sharp pricing. That’s a big deal for high-stakes industries.
Global Supply Chain Implications
Until now, only a few places worldwide made waveguides. The Mysuru facility shakes up that map and brings new export opportunities for India.
With DigiLens’ process know-how, automation, and a focus on growing local optical talent, Kaynes wants to reach commercial-scale production in 12 to 24 months. They’re eyeing exports by 2026.
Defense and Early-Stage Production Stability
Kaynes plans to start with defense, aerospace, and automotive applications. These sectors need heads-up displays and visors with top-notch optical performance.
Defense contracts, with their steady demand and specific requirements, will help stabilize production in the early years. That should make it easier to scale up and move into broader XR markets.
Leveraging India’s Talent and Technological Growth
The Mysuru facility stands out for its focus on nurturing local talent in optics and photonics. These fields are crucial for pushing XR device technology forward.
By blending Indian expertise with global manufacturing processes, Kaynes is helping India innovate in specialized areas like:
- Advanced optical design for XR and HUD technologies
- Photonics and light manipulation for precise display systems
- Semiconductor-adjacent manufacturing to support nanometer-scale engineering needs
- Export-oriented production with built-in IP protection
Positioning India as a Global Alternative
This effort fits into a bigger push to make India a top choice in high-tech manufacturing. By meeting defense certifications and international standards, Kaynes boosts India’s credibility with OEMs around the world.
The “China plus one” approach matters more than ever for companies looking for supply chain resilience, especially with today’s geopolitical and trade uncertainty.
Looking Ahead: Broader Ambitions in Optics and Photonics
Kaynes Technology sees the waveguide line as just the start. The company wants to branch out into advanced optics, high-performance displays, and photonics-based systems.
There’s even talk of adding semiconductor-related manufacturing down the line. If that happens, Mysuru could become a real force in emerging tech.
Export Readiness by 2026
With automation on the horizon and more efficient production processes coming together, commercial-scale output in two years doesn’t sound far-fetched. If India hits that target, the country could jump into the export market for high-quality waveguides by 2026.
This new capacity might shake up the global XR ecosystem. Industries like gaming, aviation, automotive safety, and even military operations could see some real benefits.
The launch of India’s first waveguide manufacturing line feels like a big moment for the country in advanced optics. Kaynes Technology is mixing international know-how with local innovation, and honestly, that’s laying the groundwork for India’s future in XR and defense.
It’s a move that could nudge global supply chains and maybe even push tech competitiveness up a notch. Who knows where this leads next?
Would you like me to also suggest some **SEO keywords and meta description** so your blog post ranks higher in search results? That would make it fully optimized.
Here is the source article for this story: India joins XR optics race with Kaynes-DigiLens waveguide line