Kopin Corp. has created a joint venture company to conduct LED operations in Asia. Besides the Taunton, Mass., company, the principal investors are WK Technology Fund, a venture capital firm, and KTC, a III-V semiconductor manufacturer, both in Taiwan, and an LED packaging manufacturer with facilities in Taiwan and mainland China.

Called Ko-Brite Corp., the new entity will combine Kopin's InGaN LED production expertise, cost-effective Taiwanese manufacturing and capital from strategic partners to establish capabilities for GaN material growth in Taiwan and LED die production in China. Kopin, which will contribute $3 million in funding and obtain an interest of about 20 percent in the company, intended to cease its own LED operation in March.