What’s the story?
Haylo Labs acquires Plessey Semiconductors, committing £100M to UK microLED and optical computing expansion.
Why it matters
The deal boosts UK advanced manufacturing while advancing microLED and optical computing for next-gen devices.
XR industry context
Rising demand for AR/VR headsets and smart glasses is driving global growth in microLED and optical computing.
August 25, 2025 – Haylo Labs, a company focused on scaling and commercializing microLED and optical computing through manufacturing and ecosystem development, has recently announced that it has acquired UK-based microLED display manufacturer Plessey Semiconductors.
Haylo Labs stated it will invest more than GBP £100 million in the UK over the next five years to expand Plessey’s manufacturing capacity and grow its workforce. Plessey employs 270 people and operates a fully integrated platform for designing, engineering, and manufacturing microLED technologies in-house.
Keith Strickland, Chief Executive of Plessey Semiconductors, stated: “The Haylo Labs acquisition will accelerate Plessey’s commercial scaling, bringing transformative microLED and optical computing technologies to the global market. We are focused on expanding our manufacturing footprint here in Plymouth and strengthening our engineering talent pool.
What are MicroLEDs?
MicroLEDs are microscopic light-emitting diodes, small enough that around 50 can fit across a human hair, enabling displays that are brighter, sharper, smaller, and more energy-efficient than existing technologies, according to Plessey.
The same principles underlying microLED fabrication are also being applied to optical computing, where light-based chips (optical processing units or “OPUs”) promise faster, cooler, and more efficient performance for AI workloads compared to silicon devices.
Plessey added that it has been developing these technologies with an aim of delivering scalable, real-world solutions, particularly to address the growth of the international microLED market, which itself is being driven by rising demand for advanced displays and optical computing in AR and VR headsets, smart glasses, automotive displays, and consumer electronics.
What is Haylo Labs?
Haylo Ventures, which builds and scales deep tech businesses, created Haylo Labs to focus on microLED, optical computing, and interconnect technologies.
David Hayes, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Haylo Labs, said: “This is a defining moment for British tech. Plessey has built the world’s most advanced microLED platforms, with the highest efficiency to date, and is one of the only facilities in the world that can offer customers an end-to-end design and manufacturing facility with technology and talent that surpasses rivals anywhere globally.”
Claire Valoti, Co-Founder of Haylo Labs, also commented: “This acquisition is about enabling the future of AI-powered devices that are lightweight, energy-efficient, and wearable in the real world. The UK has the opportunity to lead, not follow, the next wave of global computing.”
Plessey added that local MPs also welcomed the investment as a boost for advanced manufacturing and skilled jobs in Plymouth and the South West of England.
For more information on Plessey Semiconductors and its microLED solutions, please visit the company’s website.
Image credit: Haylo Labs / Plessey Semiconductors
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Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.