Okayama Semiconductor Promotion Committee Holds 2026 General Meeting to Accelerate Talent Development

On June 14, 2026, the Okayama Semiconductor Research and Education Promotion Committee, spearheaded by the Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology at Okayama University, held its fiscal year 2026 general meeting at the former administration building on the Tsushima Campus.

This committee was established with the goal of leading research and education in the semiconductor field within the Okayama region. Since the launch of its predecessor, the Okayama University Semiconductor Research and Education Promotion Working Group in 2023, the committee has driven regional semiconductor research and education for three years.

During the general meeting, Professor Kenji Tsuruta from the university's Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology was elected as the inaugural chairperson, and Professor Nobuyuki Kasa from Okayama University of Science was chosen as the inaugural vice-chairperson.

Chairperson Tsuruta reported on active achievements from the previous fiscal year, noting that semiconductor-related lectures registered over 400 total attendees, supported by faculty from participating schools, local enterprises in the Chugoku region, and the Chugoku Region Semiconductor Industry Promotion Council. He outlined plans to further deepen these activities and accelerate the cultivation of advanced talent capable of understanding the entire semiconductor supply chain. Additionally, reports were shared regarding new collaborations with 'Chugoku-Shikoku VISTA' (Value-Integrated Semiconductor Talent Acceleration)—a program selected under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's (MEXT) 'enSET' project in October 2025—and the 'Setouchi Semiconductor Consortium.'

Following these reports, active discussions took place concerning the current year's action plan among representatives from Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama University of Science, Chugoku Polytechnic College, and Tsuyama National College of Technology. Furthermore, to strengthen the overall semiconductor ecosystem in the region, the committee officially approved joining the 'Okayama Semiconductor Related Consortium,' which serves as a collaborative foundation with a broader range of related organizations.

The committee is currently recruiting participants for the open lecture 'Introduction to Advanced Semiconductor Technology' scheduled for August 7 and 10. The course systematically explains the basics and latest trends of semiconductors without relying on formulas, making it accessible to beginners, new employees, and companies looking to enter the semiconductor industry. Applications are accepted on the university's official website until July 10.