Integrated electronics underpin virtually all industrial products and social infrastructure, and constitute a core technology that determines the quality of our daily lives. In response to global-scale demands such as the realization of carbon neutrality by 2050 and the advancement of an AI/DX-driven society, there is a strong need for innovative integrated electronic systems capable of achieving dramatic improvements in energy efficiency.
The Center for Innovative Integrated Electronics (CIES), in collaboration with a wide range of domestic and international companies as well as local governments, operates the CIES Consortium, which comprises industry–academia collaborative research, large-scale national projects, and regional collaboration projects spanning materials, devices, integration technologies, circuits, architectures, and systems. This year marks the 14th anniversary of its establishment.
In 2024, our university became the first institution to be certified as an International Research Excellence, committing to three core principles: (1) Impact—Creating social value for the future; (2) Talent—Fostering brilliant talent for the future; and (3) Change—Governance to accelerate reforms. With semiconductors as its primary domain, our Center contributes comprehensively to all commitments.
Specifically, in addition to international industry–academia research and development activities, we are advancing the development of wide-bandwidth buffer memory under the NEDO Post-5G Project related to NTT IOWN initiative, focusing on Photonics-electronic convergence interface memory module technologies. Under the NEDO AI Semiconductor Project, we have successfully developed the world’s first demonstration chip for edge AI utilizing CMOS/spintronics hybrid technology. Furthermore, through the JAXA Project, we are pursuing demonstrations of standby-power-free systems and resistance to space radiation aboard the ISS. In the MEXT Power Electronics Project, we have successfully developed ultra-compact double-sided cooling power modules, thereby further advancing core technologies in integrated electronics. In addition, as a MEXT X-nics project "Innovative spintronics X semiconductor research hub"—we are promoting advanced human resource development in collaboration with 14 universities across Japan. We also participate as a core hub in the UPWARDS for the Future, working with industry and universities in both countries on innovative semiconductor research and development, manufacturing, supply chains, and human resource development. Moreover, we serve as an advisor to the T-Seeds, collaborating with industry, universities, colleges of technology, and government organizations to strengthen the foundation of Japan's semiconductor-related industries, foster human resources, and enhance supply chain resilience. In 2025, the Tohoku University Semiconductor Creativity Hub (S-Hub) was established, and I have been appointed as Head of the Global Frontier Human Resource Development Division.
Through these activities, we are committed to contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society, the achievement of economic growth and economic security, and the development of advanced human resources who will lead these efforts.
The growth and success of our Center to date would not have been possible without the continued support and cooperation of many stakeholders. We would like to express our sincere gratitude and respectfully ask for your continued support.

March 2026