Sony and TSMC jointly develop and manufacture image sensors

TSMC and Sony Semiconductor Solutions will create a new joint venture for next‑generation sensor production

The company TSMC and Sony Group’s subsidiary Sony Semiconductor Solutions have announced plans to establish a new joint venture (JV) in Japan that will focus on the development and manufacturing of high‑technology imaging sensors.

Where will the JV operate?
The new plant will be located in Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It will serve as a site for both research and mass production of new sensors.

How roles and control are divided
Sony will hold a controlling stake in the new venture, while TSMC will bring its advanced manufacturing technologies to the table. This arrangement will combine Sony’s sensor design expertise with TSMC’s robust capabilities for large‑scale fabrication.

Current status of the agreement
The companies have signed an optional memorandum of understanding (MOU). They are considering future investment from the JV, but only after a definitive contract is finalized. Investments will be made incrementally and based on market demand, provided there is support from the Japanese government.

Additional focus areas
The partnership plans to explore the application of artificial intelligence in the automotive industry and robotics, opening new markets for sensors.

Existing joint venture
TSMC and Sony already have a JV – Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM), established in 2021. In JASM, TSMC holds the controlling stake. The first plant of this venture began serial production at the end of 2024.

Thus, the new joint venture will continue the successful collaboration between the two companies and pave the way for new imaging sensor technologies.