Genies, an AI avatar technology company, announced a strategic partnership with Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand renowned for its iconic character portfolio, including Hello Kitty and gudetama. The collaboration, unveiled on March 20, 2026, aims to bring interactive AI-enabled digital experiences featuring Sanrio characters, creating personalized engagement opportunities for fans of all ages.
The initiative will see the creation of individual character models and expressions, overseen by human creators to maintain the authenticity and visual identity of each character. While Genies will utilize its AI technology to facilitate interactive experiences, it asserts that this approach will not replace the original creative works. Sanrio will retain full oversight throughout the development process to ensure that its beloved characters remain true to their roots.
“Sanrio has built something truly rare, a universe of characters that fans carry with them across every stage of their lives,” said Akash Nigam, CEO and Founder of Genies. He emphasized that the partnership will leverage Genies’ technology to transform iconic intellectual properties into interactive characters, thereby deepening the connection between fans and their cherished characters.
This collaboration will focus on creating personalized digital experiences, allowing fans to engage with Sanrio characters in innovative ways. The rollout of these experiences is anticipated later this year, with initial offerings set to highlight gudetama, whose humor resonates particularly well with Gen Z and Millennial audiences. Additional characters are expected to follow in subsequent phases.
“Sanrio has always believed in the power of our characters to bring people together,” said Craig Takiguchi, CEO at Sanrio, Inc. He expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it would enable the exploration of new technologies that bring characters to life interactively. He underscored the importance of maintaining authenticity while engaging with next-generation audiences, emphasizing a philosophy of “agency” that technology allows.
The partnership marks a significant step for both companies as they navigate the evolving landscape of digital engagement. As fans increasingly seek personalized experiences, this collaboration aims to bridge the gap between traditional character interactions and modern digital platforms. Genies has established itself as a leader in the AI avatar space, having raised $200 million from notable investors including Silver Lake and Bob Iger.
Founded in 1960, Sanrio has cultivated a rich legacy centered on the belief that small gifts can foster happiness and friendship. The brand has diversified into entertainment with various content series, gaming offerings, and theme park experiences, reaching fans in over 130 countries. This collaboration with Genies signals a forward-thinking approach to enhancing brand engagement in an increasingly digital world.
For more information about the collaboration and upcoming experiences, visit genies.com and sanrio.com.
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