Throughout the history of semiconductors, the manifestation of new materials has always been accompanied by a major paradigm shift. The potential of germanium dioxide (GeO₂) as a power semiconductor has largely been overlooked. However, its ability to form substrates cost-effectively, is control p- and n-type carrier types, and its substantial band gap of 4.6 eV make it a promising candidate. These properties offer a well-balanced combination of key elements necessary for high-performance power semiconductors, supporting its potential for industrial applications.

Japan’s semiconductor industry has declined markedly since the period when I joined a laboratory as a fourth-year undergraduate student. However, the field of semiconductor material development is a treasure trove where undiscovered and unrevealed materials still lie dormant. I founded a new power semiconductor material startup when I was a student and continued research as a university instructor and joint founder. At Ritsumeikan University, I hope to create the new power semiconductor material GeO₂ and work on both fundamental research and industrial applications.

Implementing the newly created GeO₂ in real-life situations and contributing to energy reductions worldwide is my main dream. Through my research and development, from fundamental studies at the university to real-life implementation, I aim to demonstrate to today’s young people that semiconductor research remains a field full of exciting and ambitious opportunities. Moreover, I believe that sharing my experience of founding a semiconductor venture as a graduate student and achieving real-world applications is an important role I can play for future generations.

The research and development of a new material through to its real-life implementation demands the collective efforts of a vast array of people. In addition to researchers like myself, who synthesize thin films and evaluate their properties, the process involves companies capable of manufacturing large crystal bulk, experts who develop semiconductor installation technologies, and professionals who patent our findings and safeguard intellectual property. Particularly, in the initial years following the fundamental development of a material, securing intellectual property and advancing fundamental research and development are crucial. Therefore, I plan to prioritize these aspects as I move forward.

While it may seem ambitious, I hope to demonstrate that university instructors can play a central role in leading research and development through to real-world implementation. In the United States, it has long been common for university instructors to establish companies for their own research, but this practice has not yet become widespread in Japan. I am confident that it will become more common in the next generation of Japanese universities and society, and I am committed to working hard to serve as a role model in this regard.

Partnerships:
I want to work with people who are interested in and passionate about new semiconductor materials. They need not be researchers, companies, or intellectual property specialists; they could also include individuals from government institutions and investors. This is very important because semiconductor research is a highly competitive field. In addition, while the material originated in Japan and working within an “all-Japanese” structure is valuable, research transcends borders. I hope to collaborate with people from around the world to exchange and advance new ideas.

Research collaborations:
A single laboratory can only achieve so much on its own, so I aim to move forward by sharing findings with a broad range of researchers from various fields and disciplines. I value and seek to promote diversity in both research and researchers.