Sony Semiconductor Solutions Co., Ltd. and Taiwan Semiconductor
Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) has announced that they have signed a basic agreement that is not legally binding for a strategic partnership in the development and manufacture of next-generation image sensors.
Under this partnership, Sony and TSMC are joint ventures in which Sony holds a majority of the shares and becomes a controlling shareholder. The companies are considering the development and construction of a production line for the newly built Sony factory in Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Through this joint venture, the two companies plan to utilize Sony’s knowledge of image sensor design and TSMC’s strengths in process technology and advanced manufacturing capabilities as part of a broader collaboration to improve the performance of image sensors.
Based on this agreement, Sony and TSMC are discussing future investments through this partnership. The investments are being considered on the premise that they will be implemented in stages according to market demand and will receive support from the Japanese government, along with Sony’s new investment in the existing factory in Nagasaki.
In addition, this partnership will explore and respond to new opportunities in the field of physical AI applications, such as automotive and robotics, and aims to lay a foundation for future innovation and further technological development.
Sony and TSMC already have a separate joint venture called Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM) that was established in 2021 and is majority-owned by TSMC. JASM’s first fab plant, which is in Japan, started volume production in late 2024.
“Based on the relationship of trust we have cultivated through many years of collaboration with TSMC, I feel very encouraged that we have reached an agreement to advance the partnership between the two companies to a new level. This JV is an important initiative that combines the strengths of the two companies and aims to further evolve the technology and business in the next-generation image sensor field.
Starting from this JV, Sony will further strengthen its business operations with a high value-added orientation. Under the “Sony Spirit” that Sony has cherished since its founding, we will challenge the formation of a new market with unprecedented ideas and unique technologies.”
Shinji Sashida, President and CEO of Sony Semiconductor Solutions Co., Ltd.
“Sony is a long-standing partner of TSMC in the CMOS image sensor business. As an important step in driving next-generation sensing technology in the AI era, we are very pleased to have raised the collaboration between the two companies to the level of cooking. This partnership demonstrates the common commitment and vision of both companies to leverage cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to provide industry-leading sensing technologies and products.
We look forward to working closely together to deliver solid results and sustainable value to all stakeholders.”
TSMC Senior Vice President and Deputy Co-Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Kevin Jean
