Kumamoto University Launches Academic Venture 'Kumadai Research Institute' to Boost Semiconductor Management Ecosystem
Kumamoto University has announced the establishment of the Kumadai Research Institute (KURI)—a university-launched venture named after "Kumadai," the common Japanese abbreviation for Kumamoto University. A press conference detailing the company’s vision and its collaborative future with Taiwan was held at the university on March 17th, 2026.Driven by TSMC’s expansion into Kumamoto, Kumamoto University has aggressively scaled its semiconductor education. Key initiatives include launching a dedicated undergraduate program in Semiconductor Device Engineering, a specialized graduate department, and the School of Informatics—the university’s first new faculty since 1949. Backed by the Japanese government’s J-PEAKS program, Kumamoto University is actively establishing a premier semiconductor research and reskilling hub in collaboration with domestic corporations and partner universities in Taiwan.
"Kumadai Research Institute" will translate this momentum into industrial action. Utilizing the extensive expertise of Distinguished Professor Hideki Wakabayashi, a leading expert in technology management, the venture will offer specialized research, corporate consulting, and Management of Technology (MOT) education.
"This initiative plays an important role in rapidly delivering the university’s knowledge to society," stated Hisao Ogawa, President of Kumamoto University.
The startup aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and industrial execution. Company President Toshihiko Tanaka emphasized that the institute will actively partner with stakeholders through project execution rather than just offering conceptual advice.
By integrating MOT education and corporate support, the venture aims to build a sustainable global ecosystem where talent, technology, and industry continuously circulate, positioning Kumamoto at the center of the global semiconductor stage.
President Hisao Ogawa of Kumamoto University, Advisor to KURI
Distinguished Professor Hideki Wakabayashi of Kumamoto University, Outside Director of KURI
Toshihiko Tanaka, President of KURI