Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corp. (AKM), which operates the Asahi Kasei Group's business for semiconductor devices (electronic components), opened the “AKM Co-creation & Technology Center” in June 2024. To understand the expectations of this new center, let's look at how the company and its business have evolved.

The huge contributions of tiny circuits

After starting in the fields of synthetic ammonia and manmade fibers, Asahi Kasei branched into petrochemicals, medical products, and homes. Then in 1980 it launched a magnetic sensor business, and in 1983 an LSI business. This was a challenging leap into the completely unrelated field of semiconductors. As personal computers and mobile phones became widespread in the early 2000s, the use of digital information technology accelerated dramatically both in industry and private life. During this period Asahi Kasei honed its core technologies of Sensors, Analog Signal Processing, and Software Algorithms, achieving business growth by meeting various specific needs of individual customers.

Asahi Kasei's magnetic sensors have gained a leading market share in image stabilization applications for smartphones and digital cameras. Most people will never realize that it may be an Asahi Kasei technology that allows them to easily take high-quality photos. And it could be an Asahi Kasei electronic compass inside the smartphone that lets the map app align with the direction you're facing. Many other sensors and sensor modules from Asahi Kasei—including CO₂ sensors, flammable gas sensors, and alcohol sensors—contribute to the safety and comfort of buildings and vehicles.

Audio ICs from Asahi Kasei featuring low power consumption, high speed, and high precision, are used in portable devices such as smartphones and various audio products ranging from headphones to vehicle infotainment systems. Asahi Kasei's ultrahigh resolution 32-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs) essential for high-quality audio playback, and digital signal processors (DSPs) capable of high-quality audio processing are well regarded among high-end audio equipment manufacturers. Working together with major electronics manufacturers, Asahi Kasei continues to expand its market share in audio applications.

Asahi Kasei has continually contributed to life and living in a broad range of fields with tiny sensors and circuits.

Semiconductor devices from Asahi Kasei

A unique corporate culture to heighten adaptability and technology

Asahi Kasei has taken an unusual path in the semiconductor industry, gaining recognition through outstanding adaptability and technology that have emerged from a unique corporate culture.

"When we first started the semiconductor business, we would develop products in accordance with customer requests," recalls Satoshi Takehara, Executive Officer of AKM, who has worked in this business for nearly three decades. "Our business model was simply to meet the needs that arose. That made us persistent, and highly client-centric. If a development was difficult, we wouldn't give up, but kept on going until we succeeded. This mindset remains part of our corporate culture today."

Takehara also describes how the roots and corporate culture of this business resulted in exceptional technology. "Since it was the semiconductor business of a diversified chemical manufacturer, we had to start on a small scale. It was like we were working at a startup company, hungry for new challenges and eager to please our clients. Everyone encouraged each other, and the company gave us wide latitude. We enjoyed learning and growing on the job, and I think that let us raise our technology to a higher level." When there's an environment that accepts and respects new ideas and concepts, the level of technology rises. "I was still designing circuits myself until just recently," intones Takehara.

Corporate culture is an intangible asset that's difficult to identify, but which makes the business competitive with exceptional adaptability and technology.

Enhancing co-creation in the semiconductor business

It hasn't all been smooth sailing since Asahi Kasei launched its semiconductor business more than 40 years ago. Recent years have seen a succession of setbacks, including the fire that destroyed a plant and the Covid pandemic that restricted communication among personnel.

In the midst of a challenging environment, the semiconductor business formulated a philosophy focused on the theme "Be a Connector" and established the new AKM Co-creation & Technology Center in Shin-Yokohama—consolidating the product development, design, and R&D functions previously located at sites in Jinbocho and Atsugi—incorporating ideas from employees, with updates applied continually.

The new center not only facilitates lively communication among personnel, but also serves as a venue for co-creation with clients and external partners. In the demonstration car display area, clients can provide feedback that is quickly applied to product development and design. Its "proof of concept" (PoC) area allows visitors to experience Asahi Kasei's technologies and solutions in person, while its audio room enables immersion in high-fidelity sound generated with Asahi Kasei's latest audio ICs.

Co-creation at the center can be internal as well as external. Business idea competitions are held for personnel from electronic materials and other divisions of Asahi Kasei. Going forward, the center will propel co-creation together with clients, external partners, and colleagues from Asahi Kasei's diverse business units.

Even in an era of dramatic change, with the advent of paradigm shifts such as CASE,* Asahi Kasei's approach to business by gaining recognition in specific fields of specialty remains unchanged. Takehara emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Asahi Kasei way. "Working at Asahi Kasei is enjoyable when people take the initiative to open a new path. I expect that the new business philosophy and the new AKM Co-creation & Technology Center will rekindle our ambition. It has always been our strongest motivation, and our greatest strength, to create new innovations and persistently see them through until clients are satisfied. This will never change."

There's little leeway when targeting a narrow application in a specific field. Many tough challenges will need to be overcome. But as long as there's a client whose needs are unmet, Asahi Kasei's semiconductor business will reach out and find a way.

• *Acronym for "connected, autonomous, shared, and electric" as key concepts for the future of mobility.

• Note:Titles and contents are current as of the interview date.