Investment in Patentix Inc., a Developer, Manufacturer, and Seller of r-GeO2 (Rutile Germanium Dioxide) Expected as a Next-Generation Power Semiconductor Material
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital has invested in Patentix Inc., a Ritsumeikan University startup. Patentix develops r-GeO2, a promising next-generation power semiconductor material, contributing to decarbonization and the resurgence of Japan's semiconductor industry.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 6, 2026 at 15:30
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 01:58 (346h 28m after Collected)
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Takuro Kojima) announces that it has invested in Patentix Inc. (hereinafter "Patentix") through a fund it manages (Mitsubishi UFJ Capital No. 10 Investment Business Limited Partnership).
## About Patentix
Patentix is a startup originating from Ritsumeikan University that researches, develops, manufactures, and sells epi-wafers (substrates) of next-generation power semiconductor r-GeO2 (rutile germanium dioxide). Power semiconductors play a role in converting and controlling electrical power in all kinds of electrical equipment essential to daily life, such as home appliances (TVs, air conditioners, IT equipment), automobiles, EVs, and industrial machinery.
To promote decarbonization and energy saving, there is a demand for power semiconductors with higher performance, greater efficiency, and more affordable prices. To meet these societal needs, Patentix aims to play a key role in next-generation power semiconductors with germanium dioxide (GeO2), which is theoretically predicted to be capable of having both P-type and N-type characteristics and has a wide bandgap.
## Background of the Investment
One of the factors that propelled Japan as a technology powerhouse until the "lost 30 years" after the war was delivering high-quality products at affordable prices to people around the world. Recently, Patentix has successfully fabricated rutile germanium dioxide (r-GeO2) thin films on inexpensive Si substrates, taking a significant step toward social implementation. We hope that the company's technology will contribute to bringing back a vibrant Japan in the semiconductor industry once again. As a member of MUFG, we will fully support the development of this company originating from Ritsumeikan University.
### [Patentix Overview]
Company Name: Patentix Inc.
Location: Ritsumeikan University BKC Incubator, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture
Representative: Toyohiro Ibi, Representative Director
Established: December 2022
Business Description: Manufacturing and sales of new functional materials, social implementation business of various research results
URL: https://www.patentix.co.jp/
### [About Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd.]
Since its establishment in 1974, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital has provided industry-leading expertise as the venture capital arm of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, investing across a wide range of industries. It has an industry-leading track record with approximately 930 client companies achieving IPOs across diverse sectors.
## About Patentix
Patentix is a startup originating from Ritsumeikan University that researches, develops, manufactures, and sells epi-wafers (substrates) of next-generation power semiconductor r-GeO2 (rutile germanium dioxide). Power semiconductors play a role in converting and controlling electrical power in all kinds of electrical equipment essential to daily life, such as home appliances (TVs, air conditioners, IT equipment), automobiles, EVs, and industrial machinery.
To promote decarbonization and energy saving, there is a demand for power semiconductors with higher performance, greater efficiency, and more affordable prices. To meet these societal needs, Patentix aims to play a key role in next-generation power semiconductors with germanium dioxide (GeO2), which is theoretically predicted to be capable of having both P-type and N-type characteristics and has a wide bandgap.
## Background of the Investment
One of the factors that propelled Japan as a technology powerhouse until the "lost 30 years" after the war was delivering high-quality products at affordable prices to people around the world. Recently, Patentix has successfully fabricated rutile germanium dioxide (r-GeO2) thin films on inexpensive Si substrates, taking a significant step toward social implementation. We hope that the company's technology will contribute to bringing back a vibrant Japan in the semiconductor industry once again. As a member of MUFG, we will fully support the development of this company originating from Ritsumeikan University.
### [Patentix Overview]
Company Name: Patentix Inc.
Location: Ritsumeikan University BKC Incubator, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture
Representative: Toyohiro Ibi, Representative Director
Established: December 2022
Business Description: Manufacturing and sales of new functional materials, social implementation business of various research results
URL: https://www.patentix.co.jp/
### [About Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd.]
Since its establishment in 1974, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital has provided industry-leading expertise as the venture capital arm of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, investing across a wide range of industries. It has an industry-leading track record with approximately 930 client companies achieving IPOs across diverse sectors.