Announcement of the Establishment of the Secretariat for the Full-Scale Launch of the "Biwako Semiconductor Concept"

【Overview】

The "Biwako Semiconductor Concept Secretariat (hereinafter, this Secretariat)" has been established to fully launch a consortium aimed at the commercialization and widespread adoption of "Germanium Dioxide (GeO₂)," which is expected as a next-generation power semiconductor technology.

This concept aims to rapidly establish a supply chain for GeO₂ power semiconductors, an innovative technology originating from Japan, thereby strengthening international semiconductor competitiveness and contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society.

1. Background of Establishment

With the global progress towards a decarbonized society, the importance of "power semiconductors," which handle power conversion in fields such as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and data centers, has dramatically increased.

Currently, in addition to the mainstream Si (silicon), the use of SiC (silicon carbide) and GaN (gallium nitride) is advancing. However, GeO₂ (germanium dioxide) possesses physical properties that surpass these, attracting global attention as an "ideal switch" that can significantly reduce power loss.

To rapidly implement this cutting-edge material into society, we determined that cross-industry vertical and horizontal integration, from material development to device manufacturing and integration into final products, is indispensable, and thus launched this concept.

2. Objectives and Core Technologies of the Biwako Semiconductor Concept

This concept aims to create technological innovations that contribute to energy saving by collaborating with participating organizations and research institutions for the commercialization and widespread adoption of GeO₂ power semiconductors.

Furthermore, companies and research institutions from various industrial fields, including device manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Minebea Power Device Inc., and Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc., are participating, promoting commercialization through a strong industry-academia collaboration system.

・Core Technology: Next-generation power semiconductor material GeO₂ (Germanium Dioxide) that surpasses conventional semiconductors.

・Main Goals:

　　　〇Establishment of a GeO₂ wafer supply chain

　　　〇Commercialization and widespread adoption of GeO₂ power semiconductors

　　　〇Promotion of joint development of products equipped with GeO₂ semiconductors

3. Main Activities and Future Developments

This concept will contribute to strengthening international semiconductor competitiveness and solving economic security issues by promoting the commercialization and widespread adoption of GeO₂ power semiconductors and addressing societal challenges through industry-academia collaboration and cooperation among companies from diverse industrial fields.

【Participating Organizations】

Patentix Inc., Aisin Corporation, Izumi Sangyo Co., Ltd., Inabata & Co., Ltd., Iwatani Corporation, OPI Corporation, Okuno Chemical Industries Co., Ltd., Caliber Interconnects Private Ltd., Kimura Shoji Co., Ltd., Komatsu NTC Ltd., CKD Corporation, CBC Co., Ltd., Cima Electronic Co., Ltd., Schaeffler Japan Co., Ltd., JTEKT Thermo System Corporation, JTEKT Machine System Corporation, Shirai Electronics Industrial Co., Ltd., Shinko Seiki Co., Ltd., Shin Nippon Air Technologies Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd., Taiwa Electric Industry Co., Ltd., Tsubakimoto Chain Co., TMH Co., Ltd., Toray International, Inc., Toray Research Center, Inc., Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc., Nidec Seimitsu Corporation, Nippon Express Co., Ltd., Hayashi Repic Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Minebea Power Device Inc., Yasunaga Corporation, Yamashina Seiki Co., Ltd.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　※In alphabetical order

【Supporting Organizations】

Shiga Prefecture, Kusatsu City, Koka City, Kansai Mirai Bank, Kyoto Chuo Shinkin Bank, Shiga Bank, Chushin Venture Capital Co., Ltd., Mizuho Bank, Ritsumeikan University

【Contact for this matter】

Biwako Semiconductor Concept Secretariat

Location: Ritsumeikan University BKC Incubator, Patentix Inc., 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu City, Shiga 525-8577, Japan

E-mail: semi.biwako@patentix.co.jp

Website: https://www.biwakosemiconductor.org