Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC and Sony Group have announced plans to establish a joint venture and begin developing and producing next-generation image sensors in Kumamoto, Japan. Total investment will amount to approximately $4.69 billion, with mass production targeted to begin in 2029.
TSMC and Sony Group have announced plans to establish a joint venture to develop and produce next-generation image sensors. Total investment will amount to approximately $4.69 billion, with Sony holding a majority of the voting rights. The new company will be based in Kumamoto Prefecture and is expected to utilize the existing JASM plant.
The new company will be named Advanced Vision Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp, with Sony and TSMC each responsible for different roles. Sony will oversee the development of core technologies, product planning and design, while TSMC will provide advanced manufacturing processes and production expertise.
As for the investment breakdown, Sony will contribute approximately ¥465 billion in cash and assets, including a semiconductor plant to be newly built in Kumamoto Prefecture. TSMC will contribute approximately ¥282 billion, bringing total investment to ¥747 billion. Support from the Japanese government is also being considered to help establish production capacity.
Mass production is scheduled to begin in 2029, with the aim of strengthening production capabilities in Japan. The new company is expected to serve as a core development and production base for image sensors used in smartphones.