Sony, TSMC Plan $6.3-Billion Image-Sensor Venture in Japan

Sony Group and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) are planning to invest about $6.3 billion in a joint venture to develop and manufacture next-generation image sensors in Japan, according to a report by Nikkei. Reuters also reported the planned investment. 

Sony and TSMC plan to develop next-generation image sensors at a new production facility in Kumamoto, Japan. [Photo: ykanasawa1999 Flickr)]

The proposed venture would be 60% owned by Sony and 40% by TSMC, with commercial production targeted to begin as early as 2029 at Sony Semiconductor Solutions' facility in Koshi, Kumamoto Prefecture. 

The partnership would combine Sony's expertise in image-sensor design with TSMC's advanced semiconductor manufacturing and process technology.

The companies are also expected to explore applications for physical artificial intelligence, including automotive and robotics technologies. 

Sony is a leading global producer of image sensors used in smartphones, automobiles and other devices, while TSMC is the world's largest contract chip manufacturer.

The two companies had previously announced a nonbinding memorandum of understanding in May to establish the strategic partnership. Sony said the proposed joint venture would be majority-owned and controlled by Sony.