TOPPAN and UTokyo's Institute of Industrial Science Establish "Quantum Dot Innovation Lab (TOPPAN)" as a Sponsored Research Department

TOPPAN Holdings Inc.'s group company, TOPPAN Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Haruhiko Noguchi; hereinafter referred to as TOPPAN), and The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science (Head Office: Meguro-ku, Tokyo; Director: Masakazu Sugiyama; hereinafter referred to as UTokyo IIS), will establish a sponsored research department named "Quantum Dot Innovation Lab (TOPPAN)" for a period of five years starting from July 1, 2026.

This sponsored research department will be established through a donation from TOPPAN with the aim of industrial application and innovation creation in quantum dot technology. It will leverage the academic knowledge accumulated by The University of Tokyo in epitaxial quantum dots (*1) and colloidal quantum dots (*2), as well as quantum optical measurement technology, combined with TOPPAN's nanoparticle synthesis technology, particularly in colloidal quantum dots, and its applied development capabilities. The department will promote fundamental research on realization technologies and applications of nanomaterials and nanostructures, including quantum dots. Furthermore, by fostering researchers who will drive the development of this field, it aims to create knowledge that contributes to the creation of new industrial fields and social implementation.

Background and Objectives for Establishing the Sponsored Research Department

Quantum dots are currently being developed for market applications such as next-generation displays, quantum dot lasers, and highly sensitive sensors. The importance of colloidal quantum dots, which can be manufactured at low cost, is increasing for next-generation high-performance photonics elements and devices. For broader applications, the establishment of precise evaluation methods and the foundational technology for high-quality synthesis and coating processes are also required.

On the other hand, many challenges remain, including improving the quality of materials in compliance with environmental regulations, suppressing defects through surface ligand control, and ensuring stability in the atmosphere.

Against this backdrop, this sponsored research department is established with a fund provided by TOPPAN as basic expenses, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of Japan's quantum dot industry through the advancement and enrichment of education and research at The University of Tokyo, and the establishment of TOPPAN's next-generation device implementation technology and strengthening of its nanoparticle application business. The establishment period will be five years, from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031.

Donating Organization and Implementing Institution

・TOPPAN

TOPPAN has been advancing nanoparticle synthesis, particularly in colloidal quantum dots, which excel in mass production and low cost, and their application development for displays and other products. By incorporating the technology of high-performance epitaxial quantum dots, TOPPAN will proceed with the development of new quantum dot formations and novel functional devices. Furthermore, it will lead device implementation technologies for the realization of a sustainable society, not only in next-generation displays but also in energy generation and optoelectronic integration.

・UTokyo IIS

At The University of Tokyo, Professor Yasuhiko Arakawa has been pioneering crystal growth and process technologies for semiconductor nanostructures and researching their applications in the field of epitaxial quantum dots, while Professor Toru Tatematsu has been doing the same for colloidal quantum dots. This sponsored research department will utilize this academic accumulation, along with quantum optical measurement technology from Professor Yasuyuki Koseki, to conduct research focused on controlling quantum dot properties, exploring new quantum photonics elements, and developing optoelectronic integration technologies. It will also foster motivated researchers.

Future Goals

Over the next five years, this sponsored research department aims to deepen the systematic understanding of quantum dot science and technology, and to advance fundamental research that will contribute to the future industrial application of colloidal quantum dots and related nanomaterials. Through this, it will contribute to the creation of new industrial fields based on various colloidal nanomaterials.

*1 Epitaxial quantum dots: Semiconductor nanostructures measuring several to tens of nanometers that self-form on the surface of a crystal when materials are grown at the atomic layer level on a semiconductor crystal substrate, due to strain caused by differences in lattice spacing between materials. They possess high crystal quality and excellent optical properties, making them suitable for applications such as high-performance lasers. They are also used as single-photon emitters, which are important in the field of quantum information communication.

*2 Colloidal quantum dots: Semiconductor nanoparticles created through chemical reactions in a liquid, which were the subject of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Because they can be "coated" or "printed" like ink, they enable low-cost, large-area device manufacturing and are expected to be widely implemented in society for applications such as next-generation displays and solar cells.

* Product and service names mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

* The content of this press release is current as of the date of announcement. It is subject to change without prior notice.

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