Sony and TSMC Sign Deal for Kumamoto Image Sensor Joint Venture
The joint venture formalizes a partnership announced in May 2026, turning Sony's existing Kumamoto factory into a shared hub that pairs Sony's sensor design with TSMC's manufacturing process for smartphone image sensors.
Reporting from 1 source: GIGAZINE.
Sony Semiconductor Solutions and TSMC signed a definitive agreement to establish Advanced Vision Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Sony will be the sole controlling shareholder and contribute about 465 billion yen in assets, while TSMC contributes roughly 282 billion yen in cash. Mass production of smartphone image sensors is scheduled to begin in 2029.
The definitive agreement follows the partnership the two companies announced in May 2026. Sony Semiconductor Solutions will hold sole controlling shareholder status, and the representative director will come from Sony's side.
Sony contributes approximately 465 billion yen through a company split that transfers the new factory's assets and cash. TSMC's contribution is about 282 billion yen in cash. Discussions continue on a funding plan that assumes Japanese government support to reach production capacity.
The Koshi City factory is planned as the core hub for smartphone image sensor development and manufacturing using advanced processes. Sony leads core sensor technology, product planning, and design, while TSMC contributes process technology and manufacturing expertise. Mass production is scheduled to begin in 2029.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.