[Okayama University] Experience the World of Semiconductors through Smartphone "Dissection"! - Held "Next-Generation IT Human Resource Development Seminar - Smartphone Structure and the Current State of the IT Industry -"

June 7, 2026
National University Corporation Okayama University

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆Overview

National University Corporation Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu) held the "Next-Generation IT Human Resource Development Seminar - Smartphone Structure and the Current State of the IT Industry -" at the Co-Creation Innovation Lab KIBINOVE on the Tsushima Campus as part of an industry-academia collaboration project aimed at developing next-generation IT talent. The seminar was planned and operated proactively by students of the DS (Data Science) department together with the Nogami Laboratory.

This event invited lecturers from Advantest Corporation, a major manufacturer of electronic measuring instruments and semiconductor manufacturing equipment boasting the world's top share (40-50%) in the semiconductor tester market. As a result, the program went beyond simple disassembly work to provide practical knowledge leading to an understanding of the current state of the semiconductor industry and career formation.

On the day, 31 students, including 26 new students, participated, along with Associate Professor Yuta Kodera of the Academic Research Institute of Environmental, Natural Life Sciences and Engineering, Professor Yasuyuki Nogami, and Mr. Yasushi Nagashima of Advantest Corporation as lecturers, and the event concluded successfully.

Lecturer Nagashima provided lectures not only on the technical aspects of how functions mounted in smartphones are realized by components, but also on the industry's background and economic perspectives, such as the specific scale of investment in the semiconductor equipment industry.

At the post-event reception, conversations between Lecturer Nagashima and the students introduced the unknown corporate world and the depth of the semiconductor industry, making it a meaningful time.

The Okayama Semiconductor Research and Education Promotion Committee, which realized this event, will continue to develop practical initiatives for students like this one. We look forward to your continued expectations for the efforts of Okayama University, a regional core and distinctive research university, and the Okayama Semiconductor Research and Education Promotion Committee.

○ Student Comments
・"I'm surprised that chips come from all over the world. I want to be able to make something like this."
・"I was amazed that such small parts have such great performance."
・"There are functions inside the board too. I want to know the mechanism of the 'paper-like' thing inside the LCD screen."
・"Disassembling was trial and error, but when assembling, I understood the flow of electricity and it was interesting."
・"I was surprised at the many parts. I was amazed at how small the LED volume is and how much space the battery occupies."

○ Summer Intensive General Course "Science of the Obvious"
This is a 1-credit course scheduled for September 8-10. In addition to smartphone disassembly experience, the course includes visits to semiconductor factories. Applications are currently being accepted, so interested students are encouraged to apply.

https://kyomu.adm.okayama-u.ac.jp/Portal/Public/Syllabus/DetailMain.aspx?lct_year=2026&lct_cd=2026912033&je_cd=1

○ Open Lecture "Introduction to Advanced Semiconductor Technology"
This is an open lecture available to members of the public outside the university. It systematically explains the basics to the latest trends in semiconductors in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners without relying on mathematical formulas. The content is also valuable for new employees and companies considering new entry into the semiconductor industry. We sincerely look forward to the participation of motivated individuals who want to learn together about the technologies that will support the future of local industries.

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/society/koukaikouza.html

Students researching parts using the web

Lecturer Nagashima going around tables to deepen students' understanding

Disassembled smartphone

Co-Creation Innovation Lab KIBINOVE, the venue

◆References
・Okayama University Vision 3.0 / Okayama University Long-Term Vision 2050

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/profile/ou-vision.html

・National University Corporation Okayama University Research University Declaration

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003808.000072793.html

・Okayama University Co-Creation Innovation Lab (KIBINOVE)

https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/kigyo/kibinove/

・Okayama University Regional Core and Distinctive Research University Strengthening Promotion Project (J-PEAKS)

https://j-peaks.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

・Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization
https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

・Okayama University Academic Research Institute of Environmental, Natural Life Sciences and Engineering (Engineering) Information Security Engineering Laboratory

https://isec.ec.okayama-u.ac.jp/home/index.html

・Okayama University Data Science (DS) Department

https://okadai-dsc.studio.site/

・Advantest Corporation

https://www.advantest.com/ja/

◆Reference Materials

・[Okayama University] Dive into the Most Advanced Factory! Experience Future Semiconductor Technology ~Visit to Micron Memory Japan Factory~

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003841.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] FY2025 "Semiconductor Talent Development" Related Courses: Over 400 Participants Achieved in 5 Courses! ~Contributing to Recurrent Education for Working Adults and Meeting the Expectations of Local Industries~

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003494.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Summer Intensive Liberal Arts Education Course "Science of the 'Obvious' - Semiconductors and Society Reflected in Smartphones" Held ~Deepening New Perspectives for Students and Collaboration with Industry~

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003460.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Okayama University Semiconductor Open Lecture ~Over 100 Diverse Learners Gathered, Including Students, Working Adults, and Seniors~

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003400.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] FY2025 Okayama University "Semiconductor Talent Development" Related Courses Launched! Over 180 Participants in the First Lecture

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003321.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Making Use of On-site Manufacturing Voices for Learning! Over 90 Students Participated in Practical Lectures by Corporate Lecturers

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003299.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Okayama University FY2024 "Semiconductor Talent Development" Related Courses: Over 150 Attended in 4 Courses

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002931.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Launch of "Semiconductor Technology" Course Learning from the Forefront of Companies and Universities

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