Semiconductor-related companies, universities and research institutions from the Netherlands’ Brabant region were invited to Hiroshima, where a seminar and business-to-business matching were held at the Fukuyama venue of TSUNAGU Hiroshima 2026.
JETRO and the Chugoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry held the Brabant-Hiroshima Innovation Bridge from 13 to 16 October, inviting 7 companies and institutions from the Netherlands’ Brabant region to Hiroshima to showcase Hiroshima’s semiconductor ecosystem and that of the surrounding area to the Netherlands.
On the first day, a seminar introducing the industrial characteristics of the Brabant region was held at the Netherlands booth at the Fukuyama venue. Companies including RORZE, headquartered in Fukuyama, highlighted the depth of the semiconductor-related supply chain.
The Dutch delegation visited sites operated by Micron Memory Japan, JEL, Sumitomo Machinery Material Solutions, Tokuyama and Hitachi High-Tech, examining the supply networks for equipment, components and materials in and around Hiroshima. Participants were told that R&D investment in the Brabant region is concentrated there, centered on ASML, and that more than 100 Japanese companies have operations in the region.
A Setouchi Semiconductor Consortium has been formed in Hiroshima, centered on Hiroshima University, and RISE is also involved in photonics research in the Brabant region. The Dutch participants recognized that a robust semiconductor ecosystem exists outside major urban areas as well, suggesting the potential for future collaboration.
(Miyazaki Marika (宮崎真里佳))
The two regions are expected to expand future collaboration in the semiconductor field.