2026

May 13, 2026

Minebea Power Semiconductor Device Joins
the "Biwako Semiconductor Initiative" to Drive Practical Application
and Widespread Adoption of Next-Generation Power Semiconductor Technology
- Endorsing a New Industry-Academia Collaboration
to Explore the Potential of Germanium Dioxide (GeO₂) -

Minebea Power Semiconductor Device Inc. (Head Office: Ibaraki Prefecture, President & CEO : Masahiko Suzuki, hereinafter "MPSD"), a consolidated subsidiary of MinebeaMitsumi Inc. (Head Office: Nagano Prefecture, Representative Director, Chairman CEO: Yoshihisa Kainuma), is pleased to announce its official participation in the "Biwako Semiconductor Initiative." Promoted by Patentix Inc. (Headquarters: Shiga Prefecture, President and CEO: Toyosuke Ibi), a startup originating from Ritsumeikan University, this initiative aims to foster inter-company collaboration. MPSD fully endorses this initiative and will participate in activities aimed at achieving energy savings and a greener society through power semiconductors utilizing the next-generation semiconductor material, Germanium Dioxide (hereinafter "GeO₂").

Background of Participation and Future Outlook

Today, as the realization of a global decarbonized society demands a dramatic improvement in power conversion efficiency, GeO₂ is attracting significant attention—alongside materials like Gallium Oxide—as a next-generation material capable of achieving higher breakdown voltage and ultra-low loss that surpass existing Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN).
MPSD has long supported social infrastructure by leveraging its core strengths in the design, manufacturing, and packaging of high-voltage, high-current, and highly reliable power semiconductors. Guided by the MinebeaMitsumi Group's growth strategy centered on "solving social issues," MPSD is driving aggressive technological development and business expansion as a cornerstone of the analog semiconductor business. Through its participation in this initiative, MPSD aims to accurately capture future technological trends and promote research and development to ensure the sustainable growth of the MinebeaMitsumi Group.

About the Biwako Semiconductor Initiative

The Biwako Semiconductor Initiative aims to establish a supply chain for Germanium Dioxide (GeO₂) power semiconductors at an early stage and contribute to enhancing international semiconductor competitiveness. Toward the practical application and widespread adoption of GeO₂ power semiconductors, this initiative aims to generate technological innovations that contribute to energy conservation through collaboration among participating companies and research institutions. the following three goals:

• Establishing a supply chain for GeO₂ wafers
• Commercializing and popularizing GeO₂ power semiconductors
• Jointly developing products equipped with GeO₂ power semiconductors

(Source: Biwako Semiconductor Initiative Website)

MPSD's Planned Role in the Initiative

1. Verification of Fundamental Characteristics for Device Application
   To maximize the potential of GeO₂ semiconductor devices, MPSD will contribute to the verification of fundamental characteristics and reliability evaluation from the perspective of a dedicated device manufacturer.
2. Examination of Device Requirement Specifications Key to Commercialization
   Drawing on the company's extensive track record, MPSD will feed back the required specifications and quality standards necessary for power semiconductors aligned with market needs into the material design process. This will actively support the formulation of guidelines for early practical application.

About Minebea Power Semiconductor Device

Minebea Power Semiconductor Device is a semiconductor manufacturer that provides power semiconductor products, which are key devices in the electrification and motorization of industries and social infrastructure. It has established a solid position in a high-growth end market with its highly competitive product portfolio by producing numerous cost-competitive products that achieve both miniaturization and high performance based on its advanced power semiconductor and module fabrication technologies. In particular, Minebea Power Semiconductor Device has superior technologies and products backed by its strong technological development capabilities in power semiconductors such as high-voltage SiC, high-voltage IGBT, SG (side gate)-IGBT for EV, high-voltage IC, and diodes for alternators.

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About MinebeaMitsumi

MinebeaMitsumi is an INTEGRATED^* precision components manufacturer. The company specializes in ultra-precision technologies, ranging from core products such as miniature and small-diameter ball bearings—which ensure smooth machine rotation—to protection ICs for single-cell lithium-ion batteries. The company's diverse portfolio includes motors, sensors, and semiconductors. While often unseen, MinebeaMitsumi's ultra-precision technologies support daily life across a wide array of fields, including home appliances (air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, and hair dryers), gaming consoles, IT devices like smartphones and PCs, as well as automotive, aerospace, and medical equipment.

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* This term was adopted with the intended meaning "to be combined" rather than "to sum up". Create new value through synergy by combining all the resources of our group.

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