[Report] JETRO San Francisco and California GO-Biz Host Japan–U.S. Semiconductor Collaboration Forum 2026

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — On October 13, 2026, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) San Francisco and the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) co-hosted the Japan–U.S. Semiconductor Collaboration Forum 2026 during SEMICON West 2026 in San Francisco.

Approximately 250 participants from semiconductor companies, startups, government agencies, research institutions, and business organizations attended. The program included opening remarks, keynote presentations, a panel discussion on Japan–U.S. collaboration, technology pitches from six companies, and networking.

Japan–U.S. Semiconductor Collaboration Forum 2026, held during SEMICON West in San Francisco.

 

Opening Remarks

Opening remarks were delivered by Mio Kawada, Executive Vice President of JETRO; Kotaro Otsuki, Consul General of Japan in San Francisco; and Emily Desai, Chief Deputy Director of GO-Biz.

Kawada emphasized cooperation in semiconductor innovation, supply chains, and next-generation technologies, as well as JETRO’s role in connecting businesses across borders. Consul General Otsuki highlighted the longstanding economic relationship between Japan and California. Desai noted the alignment between Japan’s 17 strategic priority sectors and California’s industries, including fields that rely on semiconductor technologies.

 

Keynote Presentations

Maria Onorato, Associate Deputy Director for Industry Engagement and Development at GO-Biz, introduced California’s semiconductor and innovation ecosystem, including its semiconductor businesses, universities, research institutions, startups, and venture capital network. She discussed opportunities to connect California’s strengths in design and AI with Japan’s expertise in materials, manufacturing equipment, and precision technologies.

Hidemichi Shimizu, Special Advisor for Semiconductor Policy at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), discussed Japan’s semiconductor strategy and the complementary strengths of the two countries. He introduced bilateral cooperation examples, including Resonac’s US-JOINT advanced packaging research and development facility in California.

 

Panel Discussion

The panel, “Building Practical Partnerships Across the Ecosystem,” was moderated by Paul Pickering, Managing Partner at Silicon Catalyst, a U.S. organization that supports semiconductor startups. Representatives from Advantest, Resonac, and Diamond Quanta shared their experiences with Japan–U.S. collaboration.

Colin Ritchie, Senior Vice President, Office of the CEO at Advantest, discussed the Japanese semiconductor testing equipment manufacturer's decades of experience working with U.S. customers. Advantest established its U.S. subsidiary in 1982. Drawing on this experience, Ritchie emphasized the importance of close cooperation between engineers and understanding customer needs early in product development.

 

Tomohiko Kotake, Technical Director at Resonac America and Head of US-JOINT, introduced the company's recently launched research and development facility in Union City, California. The facility began full-scale operations in April 2026, bringing together 12 Japanese and U.S. companies to develop and test advanced semiconductor packaging technologies with customers. Kotake highlighted early technical discussions, shared goals, and hands-on testing as keys to successful collaboration.

Adam Khan, Founder and CEO of Diamond Quanta, discussed the California startup’s partnership with Japan-based ExtenD. Diamond Quanta was founded in 2024, and ExtenD was established in Japan in 2022. The two startups signed an agreement in October 2025 to develop diamond optical products using their complementary technologies, with equipment integration support from U.S.-based Heller Industries. Khan emphasized how their shared vision, mutual visits, and ongoing communication helped build the partnership. Separately, Diamond Quanta announced in October 2026 the establishment of Diamond Valley, a new operations and process development center in Petaluma, California, to support customer testing and preparations for pilot manufacturing.

Panel discussion moderated by Paul Pickering, with Tomohiko Kotake, Adam Khan, and Colin Ritchie.

 

Company Presentations

Six Japanese and U.S. companies introduced their technologies and potential areas for business collaboration.

Nitto — Takakazu Ito, President of Nitto Innovations and General Manager of the New Business Transformation Department at Nitto Denko Corporation, introduced materials for semiconductor manufacturing and potential new applications in advanced packaging.

Chiptip Technology — Eric Fukuda, Founder and CEO, presented technology for connecting and managing specialized semiconductor devices in cloud and data-center environments.

Niterra — Yutaka Takagi, Technical Specialist, PKG Marketing at Niterra North America, introduced ceramic components and substrates for semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging.

 

Vellex Computing — Jason Poon, Co-Founder, presented analog computing technology designed to reduce the energy needed for AI training.

Microsanj — Dr. Mo Shakouri, Co-Founder, President and CEO, introduced high-resolution thermal measurement technologies for semiconductor devices and advanced packaging.

NextSet Materials — Dr. Yasmeen AlFaraj, Founder and CEO, presented technology to improve the recyclability of thermoset composite materials and recover valuable resources.

 

SEMICON West Exhibition

The forum took place during SEMICON West 2026 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Advantest, Nitto, and Microsanj also exhibited at the show.

Exterior of the Moscone Center during SEMICON West 2026.

 

Microsanj booth at SEMICON West 2026

Following the presentations, participants exchanged information with speakers and other attendees and discussed potential research, technology, and business partnerships. JETRO San Francisco will continue supporting connections between Japanese and U.S. companies, startups, and research institutions.

Participants networking following the presentations

 

 

About JETRO’s Invest Japan Services

JETRO’s Invest Japan services support overseas companies interested in establishing or expanding business in Japan. JETRO provides information on the Japanese market and business procedures, individual consultations, and connections to relevant organizations and potential business partners. The services also support collaboration between overseas and Japanese companies. Learn more: https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/invest/

Report by Shiori Takeda, Startup & Innovation Program Coordinator, JETRO San Francisco

 

Event Information

Date: October 13, 2026  |  Location: Moscone Center South

Co-hosts: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) San Francisco; California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)

Supporting Organizers: Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco; NEDO Silicon Valley Office; Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC); Japan Society of Northern California (JSNC); RISE-A; Japan Materials Network, Silicon Valley (Sozai-no-Kai); and CHIP-J (Silicon Valley Semiconductor Study Group).