TSMC and Sony Establish Joint Venture, Setting Up Image Sensor Production Line in Kumamoto
TSMC and Sony Semiconductor Solutions have signed an MOU to form a joint venture for R&D and manufacturing of next-generation image sensors. The JV will be located in Sony's new Kumamoto plant, with Sony holding majority ownership. This collaboration aims to leverage Sony's sensor design expertise and TSMC's process technology to enhance image sensor performance, targeting AI applications in automotive and robotics.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 8, 2026 at 17:06
- 🔍 Collected: May 8, 2026 at 17:32 (25 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 8, 2026 at 18:41 (1h 9m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Chang Chien-chung, Hsinchu, May 8) Wafer foundry TSMC announced today that it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sony Semiconductor Solutions (Sony) to establish a strategic partnership for the research, development, and manufacturing of next-generation image sensors. According to the intent of cooperation in the agreement, a joint venture company will be established, with Sony holding a majority stake and control.
TSMC stated in a press release that the joint venture with Sony is expected to establish R&D and production lines at Sony's newly built plant in Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. Both parties hope to expand cooperation by leveraging Sony's sensor design expertise and TSMC's process technology and excellent manufacturing advantages to enhance the performance of image sensors.
TSMC stated that it is discussing potential investments with Sony for the joint venture. These potential investments, along with Sony's new capital investment in its existing Nagasaki plant, will proceed in phases based on market demand and will be able to receive support from the Japanese government.
TSMC pointed out that this cooperation aims to explore and seize emerging opportunities in physical artificial intelligence applications, such as in the automotive and robotics fields, paving the way for future innovation and technological expansion. The establishment of the joint venture will still depend on the signing of a legally binding final cooperation agreement and the achievement of general transaction customary conditions.
Dr. Kevin Zhang, Senior Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of TSMC, said that Sony has been a long-term partner of TSMC in the CMOS image sensor (CIS) business, and he is very pleased that the two parties can further cooperate. This represents a key step in promoting future sensing technology in the era of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Zhang stated that this cooperation with Sony highlights the shared commitment and vision of both parties in providing leading sensing technology and products by utilizing advanced technology and innovative solutions. He looks forward to working closely together to achieve impactful results and create lasting value for all stakeholders.
Shinjii Tada, President and CEO of Sony, said that based on the trust built through long-term cooperation with TSMC, he is very pleased to have reached a consensus on advancing the partnership to a new stage. The joint venture is a key starting point, aiming to combine the strengths of both parties to promote further development of technology and business in the field of next-generation image sensors.
Shinjii Tada stated that, based on the joint venture, Sony hopes to further strengthen its business operations by focusing on creating high added value. Upholding the Sony spirit that has led the company since its establishment, he intends to continue to meet challenges and create new markets with unprecedented ideas and unique technologies. (Edited by Chang Chun-mao) 1150508
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(Central News Agency reporter Chang Chien-chung, Hsinchu, May 8) Wafer foundry TSMC announced today that it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sony Semiconductor Solutions (Sony) to establish a strategic partnership for the research, development, and manufacturing of next-generation image sensors. According to the intent of cooperation in the agreement, a joint venture company will be established, with Sony holding a majority stake and control.
TSMC stated in a press release that the joint venture with Sony is expected to establish R&D and production lines at Sony's newly built plant in Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. Both parties hope to expand cooperation by leveraging Sony's sensor design expertise and TSMC's process technology and excellent manufacturing advantages to enhance the performance of image sensors.
TSMC stated that it is discussing potential investments with Sony for the joint venture. These potential investments, along with Sony's new capital investment in its existing Nagasaki plant, will proceed in phases based on market demand and will be able to receive support from the Japanese government.
TSMC pointed out that this cooperation aims to explore and seize emerging opportunities in physical artificial intelligence applications, such as in the automotive and robotics fields, paving the way for future innovation and technological expansion. The establishment of the joint venture will still depend on the signing of a legally binding final cooperation agreement and the achievement of general transaction customary conditions.
Dr. Kevin Zhang, Senior Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of TSMC, said that Sony has been a long-term partner of TSMC in the CMOS image sensor (CIS) business, and he is very pleased that the two parties can further cooperate. This represents a key step in promoting future sensing technology in the era of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Zhang stated that this cooperation with Sony highlights the shared commitment and vision of both parties in providing leading sensing technology and products by utilizing advanced technology and innovative solutions. He looks forward to working closely together to achieve impactful results and create lasting value for all stakeholders.
Shinjii Tada, President and CEO of Sony, said that based on the trust built through long-term cooperation with TSMC, he is very pleased to have reached a consensus on advancing the partnership to a new stage. The joint venture is a key starting point, aiming to combine the strengths of both parties to promote further development of technology and business in the field of next-generation image sensors.
Shinjii Tada stated that, based on the joint venture, Sony hopes to further strengthen its business operations by focusing on creating high added value. Upholding the Sony spirit that has led the company since its establishment, he intends to continue to meet challenges and create new markets with unprecedented ideas and unique technologies. (Edited by Chang Chun-mao) 1150508
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force to protect press freedom.
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Without authorization, the text, images, and audio-visual content of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized.