【KOSEN】"Command Center for Semiconductor Human Resource Development" Officially Launched: 200 Industry, Government, and Academia Representatives Gather for the Opening Ceremony of the "Semiconductor Human Resource Development Center (S-PORT)"

Officially Launched as a Core Hub for Semiconductor Human Resource Development: Sasebo KOSEN's "S-PORT" Opening Ceremony and Commemorative Symposium

The National Institute of Technology (Headquarters: Hachioji City, Tokyo; President: Eiji Nakajima, hereinafter "KOSEN Organization") and Sasebo National College of Technology (Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture; Principal: Sadayuki Shimoda, hereinafter "Sasebo KOSEN") held the opening ceremony and commemorative symposium for the "Sasebo National College of Technology Semiconductor Human Resource Development Center (S-PORT)" at Arcus SASEBO on Tuesday, March 17, Reiwa 8 (2026).

Approximately 200 representatives from industry (45 semiconductor-related companies, 4 financial institutions), government (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, local governments), and academia gathered in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, engaging in enthusiastic discussions aimed at fostering "immediately effective human resources" to support Japan's semiconductor industry. S-PORT has officially commenced operations as the "command center" for the national network of 51 National KOSENs.

Panel Discussion Scene

Hiroto Yasuura, Emeritus Professor, Kyushu University

■ Why "S-PORT" now? – The Challenge of Semiconductor Talent Shortage and KOSEN's Answer

Amidst the ongoing global semiconductor supply instability, a critical shortage of highly skilled personnel in the semiconductor field has emerged as an urgent issue in Japan. What is needed are not just individuals who understand manufacturing technology, but those with an integrated perspective. S-PORT was established to meet this societal demand.

S-PORT is an acronym for Semiconductor education Platform for Orchestrating Resources & Talents, signifying an educational platform that harmoniously brings together "people, things, talents, and wisdom."

S-PORT was officially established as a core hub for semiconductor human resource development within the KOSEN Organization, inheriting and developing the achievements and knowledge from the "COMPASS 5.0" project, which Sasebo KOSEN has been promoting in collaboration with Kumamoto KOSEN and others since FY2022.

■ Mr. Matsumoto of MEXT: "This center will be a crucial key to the nation's semiconductor human resource development."

At the opening ceremony, key figures from industry, government, and academia took the stage to express their expectations for S-PORT.

・Sadayuki Shimoda, Principal, Sasebo KOSEN

"From here, semiconductor talent will soar to the world."

This center was opened based on the achievements of the COMPASS 5.0 project. By fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government, we will build an open educational ecosystem and cultivate practical engineers who can oversee the entire supply chain, incorporating on-site demands. Human resources are the treasure of the region, and education is the hope of society. We aim for Sasebo to become a "port" that connects regions and creates the future, from Kyushu to the world.

Principal Shimoda of Sasebo KOSEN

・Hidetaka Matsumoto, Director, Professional Education Division, Higher Education Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

"This center will be a crucial key to the nation's semiconductor human resource development."
Sasebo KOSEN has been fostering human resources who support the region and our nation's industries for over 60 years. From FY2025, we will strengthen information education through the University/KOSEN Function Enhancement Support Project, further accelerating the development of advanced information human resources in conjunction with the COMPASS 5.0 project. Furthermore, this center is expected to lead semiconductor education across all 51 KOSENs nationwide, promote the integration of KOSENs and industry, and function as a hub for the semiconductor education network, serving as a base for many innovations.

Mr. Matsumoto of MEXT

・Shinji Kusunoki, Director, Regional Economy Department, Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

"From Kyushu to the whole country. Semiconductor human resource development pioneered by KOSEN."
Kyushu is a region that supports Japan's semiconductor industry. With the entry of TSMC, the "Kyushu Semiconductor Human Resource Development Consortium" was established in 2022 to secure talent and promote the region's appeal. In Kyushu, where many material and equipment companies are concentrated in addition to semiconductor manufacturing, we strongly expect that Sasebo KOSEN's educational model, which produces many core personnel responsible for the social implementation of semiconductors, will spread throughout Kyushu and indeed across Japan.

Mr. Kusunoki of METI

・Jun Osera, Director, Prefectural North Development Bureau, Nagasaki Prefecture

"A hub for industry-academia-government collaboration supporting Nagasaki's semiconductor industry is launched."
Nagasaki Prefecture's semiconductor industry has grown into a core industry, accounting for approximately 20% (about 350 billion yen) of manufactured product shipments. As corporate attraction and supply chain development progress to expand the industry, the continuous cultivation of highly skilled engineers has become an urgent task. In this context, this center is expected to rapidly reflect industry needs in education and research, serving as a hub that brings together industry, academia, and government.

Mr. Osera of Nagasaki Prefecture

・Daisuke Miyajima, Mayor of Sasebo City

"Birth of a new hub for semiconductor human resource development that supports young people's challenges."
In the semiconductor field, which is the foundation of modern society, the shortage of human resources is becoming serious, and their development is an urgent issue. The establishment of this center creates an environment where students can acquire the skills to "create," "use," and "connect" from basic to applied levels, fostering value creation by students and ripple effects on local industries. We also want to further strengthen the collaboration between education and industry and support the creation of an environment where young people can challenge themselves with dreams.

Mayor Miyajima of Sasebo City

■ S-PORT's Human Resource Model: "Indispensable Human Resources 'Create,' 'Use,' and 'Connect'"

Takeshi Ihara, Director of S-PORT, outlined the core of the human resources required in the Society 5.0 era with three keywords.

Required Human Resources | Meaning
---|---
Create | Technical skills to design and manufacture semiconductor devices
Use | Practical skills to implement social applications such as AI and robotics
Connect | Integrated capabilities to create value across cyber-physical boundaries and overcome barriers

"What Japan needs now are human resources who can maximize the value of semiconductors within the broader context of society, not just those involved in manufacturing," said Takeshi Ihara, Director of S-PORT.

Director Ihara

■ "Sasebo KOSEN's 'Minimal Fab' Mechanism"

A crucial point that led to the establishment of S-PORT by Sasebo KOSEN is its "Minimal Fab." This environment allows students to quickly prototype and verify devices they have conceived and designed within the school, without the need for large-scale factory equipment. This enables the development of semiconductor engineers who can realize their ideas, not just "think" about them.

Practical training using Minimal Fab

Minimal Fab

■ S-PORT's Next Stage – The Future of the Region and Japan

① Nationwide Expansion and Deepening of Networks

Currently, the collaboration for semiconductor human resource development, involving 32 KOSENs of the KOSEN Organization, will be expanded to all 51 KOSENs. Knowledge, teaching materials, and practical training environments will be shared nationwide.

② Towards a Social Infrastructure for Reskilling

It will function as a place for re-learning not only for current students but also for corporate engineers and working adults. It will continuously supply "immediately effective human resources" tailored to industry needs.

③ Development as an Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration Hub

It will evolve into a strategic base that continuously contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of Japan's semiconductor industry through joint research with companies, commissioned projects, and human resource exchange.

Director Ihara explaining S-PORT

■ Lectures and Panel Discussions with Approximately 200 Industry, Government, and Academia Representatives

Following the opening ceremony, a commemorative symposium and panel discussion were held, featuring leading experts in the fields of semiconductors, AI, and robotics. Discussions focused on the "turning point" for Japanese industry and education.

■ Keynote Speech I: "Human Resource Development and Higher Education Reform for the Semiconductor Industry"

Hiroto Yasuura (Emeritus Professor, Kyushu University / Deputy Director, National Institute of Informatics)

Mr. Yasuura stated that "the semiconductor industry is a comprehensive industry involving diverse fields beyond electrical and electronic engineering, such as materials, information, data science, management, and medical-engineering collaboration, making broad human resource development indispensable." He pointed out that while horizontal specialization, separating design and manufacturing, is mainstream globally, Taiwan has promoted industrial agglomeration under a national strategy, whereas Japan is in a transitional phase. He emphasized the importance of integrally developing the abilities to "create, use, and connect." He also stated that "KOSENs are crucial for supporting Japan's engineering foundation" and touched upon the agile educational reform progressing through information sharing and trial-and-error in the COMPASS 5.0 project, leveraging the integrated operation of the National KOSEN Organization and the agility of each school. He expressed great expectations for KOSENs' pioneering efforts in advanced engineering education, looking ahead to the next generation amidst the advancement of AI and changes in industrial structure.

Hiroto Yasuura, Emeritus Professor, Kyushu University

■ Keynote Speech II: "AI Foundation Models for Robots"

Tetsuya Ogata (Professor, Waseda University / Chairman, AI Robot Association)

Professor Ogata stated that "the advancement of 'Physical AI,' which integrates AI and robots, is opening up new industrial domains in close connection with semiconductor technology." Based on his research experience spanning mechanical engineering, brain science, and information engineering, he emphasized the importance of human resources who can handle AI and hardware integrally. In particular, he introduced that "initiatives combining deep learning with real-world robots and aiming for social implementation are creating value different from traditional research-centric approaches." He pointed out that in these fields, the cycle of simulation and real-world data, and semiconductor technology are key, and it is necessary to foster interdisciplinary skills from the educational stage. He evaluated KOSENs as having strengths in education that spans mechanics, electricity, and information to "first create something that works," and an educational environment that can naturally connect AI and robots. He expressed his expectation that "KOSEN's initiatives through S-PORT and the COMPASS 5.0 project, promoting practical human resource development and connection with industry, will become an important foundation supporting the coming era of Physical AI."

Tetsuya Ogata, Professor, Waseda University

■ Panel Discussion: "Building a 'Semiconductor Human Resource Development Ecosystem' at KOSENs"

In addition to Mr. Yasuura and Professor Ogata, the panelists included Akio Tanaka (Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sasebo KOSEN alumnus) and Professor Kenichiro Takakura (Kumamoto KOSEN). The discussion was moderated by Ryutaro Okada (Executive Director, Japan Deep Learning Association) and Director Ihara, leading to a lively exchange.

The discussion began with the globally trending topic of Physical AI, moving on to the importance of KOSEN education, which exposes young people to manufacturing technology alongside their communities, and the increasing demand for semiconductors linked to the fusion of sensing, data, and robotics. Finally, the discussion concluded with the expectation that education focusing on manufacturing from an early stage will broaden the pool of future talent, and that S-PORT will become a port for industry, government, academia, and finance, with strong involvement from financial institutions, to rebuild Kyushu as a "Silicon Island" on par with Taiwan, through collaboration between Sasebo KOSEN, other KOSENs and universities in Kyushu, and industry.

Panel Discussion Scene

Moderators: Director Ihara (left), Mr. Okada (right)

Panelists: Mr. Yasuura (left), Professor Ogata, Mr. Tanaka, Professor Takakura (right)

■ "KOSEN Future Co-creation Session" Led by Students – Next-Generation Vision Born from Research Results, Practical Education, and Dialogue with Companies –

One of the highlights of this symposium was the "KOSEN Future Co-creation Session" (poster session). Students from KOSENs nationwide, KOSEN alumni entrepreneurs, various associations, and participants from private companies presented their learned content, research results, and training reports as posters. The participating students fully demonstrated the potential of next-generation engineers through direct dialogue with industry leaders.

Furthermore, in a talk session by three Sasebo KOSEN graduates with entrepreneurial experience, they delivered powerful messages to their juniors:
"There are still amazing people overseas. I want you to go out and connect with them."
"First, don't be afraid to raise your hand. If you raise your hand, someone will surely help you."
"KOSEN students are expected to 'be able to make this' when they enter society, and opportunities naturally come their way. I want you to seize those opportunities without fail."

The sight of executives from industry, government, and academia listening to student presentations and deepening discussions embodied S-PORT's goal of an "ecosystem where people and technology circulate."

Poster Session Scene

Talk session by Sasebo KOSEN alumni entrepreneurs: From left, Shunsuke Michigami, CEO of wavelogy Inc. (Graduated from undergraduate in March 2020, completed advanced course in March 2022); Akio Tanaka, Senior Manager, toio Business Promotion Office, Sony Interactive Entertainment, toio Developer (Graduated from undergraduate in March 2002); Fumihito Imura, CEO of Hundred Semiconductors Inc. (Graduated from undergraduate in March 2000).

■ Comment from Eiji Nakajima, President, National Institute of Technology (KOSEN Organization)

Since its establishment in 1962, National Colleges of Technology (KOSENs) have supported the development of Japan's industry and society by fostering engineers with a solid academic foundation and practical skills.

In recent years, as the demand for human resources in the semiconductor field has rapidly increased, 32 KOSENs nationwide are currently collaborating with industry, government, and local authorities to promote semiconductor human resource development.

The Semiconductor Human Resource Development Center will contribute to the sustainable development of Japan's semiconductor industry by fostering value-creating human resources who solve regional societal issues and building an ecosystem where technology and people circulate through open innovation in collaboration with industry, government, academia, and finance.

President Nakajima of KOSEN Organization

【School Overview】

■ Sasebo National College of Technology

Sasebo National College of Technology was established in 1962 as one of the first 12 National KOSENs nationwide and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022. Approximately 10,000 graduates have been active as engineers and researchers in society. Their reliable practical skills have earned high praise from various sectors. Since FY2022, along with the GEAR Project, the school has been promoting semiconductor human resource education as COMPASS 5.0 (curriculum development for next-generation foundational technology education). Especially in Kyushu, where the formation of global semiconductor hubs is progressing, Sasebo KOSEN is closely collaborating with Kumamoto KOSEN as a "hub school in the semiconductor field" and is fully committed to fostering advanced semiconductor engineers who support Japan's industrial foundation.

Location: 1-1 Okinoshima-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 857-1193 Japan

Principal: Sadayuki Shimoda

URL: https://www.sasebo.ac.jp

Exterior view of Sasebo KOSEN

■ National Institute of Technology (KOSEN Organization)

Establishes and operates 51 National Colleges of Technology nationwide.

Accepts junior high school graduates and provides a consistent five-year engineering education. Through specialized education emphasizing experiments and practical training, graduates acquire knowledge and skills equivalent to or higher than university graduates by the age of 20. Graduates play a central role in the development of Japan's industry and society, supporting Japan as a manufacturing powerhouse for approximately 60 years.

Location: 701-2 Higashiasakawa-machi, Hachioji City, Tokyo, 193-0834 Japan

President: Eiji Nakajima

URL: https://www.kosen-k.go.jp/

Exterior view of KOSEN Organization Headquarters building

■ Inquiries regarding the opening ceremony of Sasebo National College of Technology Semiconductor Human Resource Development Center

National Institute of Technology, Sasebo National College of Technology

Student Affairs Division, Semiconductor Section

1-1 Okinoshima-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 857-1193 Japan

TEL: 0956-34-8428

E-mail: s-semicon@sasebo.ac.jp

URL: https://www.sasebo.ac.jp/education/s-port/

■ Inquiries regarding the semiconductor field in general

National Institute of Technology Headquarters Secretariat, Academic Affairs Division, Curriculum Section

701-2 Higashiasakawa-machi, Hachioji City, Tokyo, 193-0834 Japan

TEL: 042-662-3143

E-mail: kyoiku@kosen-k.go.jp

URL: https://www.kosen-k.go.jp/

We are always accepting inquiries for interviews and industry-academia collaboration consultations.

【To Members of the Press】
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