NanoBridge Semiconductor (NBS), which manufactures circuits and conducts IP-licensing sales using NanoBridge, a switching technology for semiconductors, has raised approximately 130 million yen by issuing series A preferred stock to Japan Industrial Partners, NEC Corporation, and other companies.
NBS is a venture company established by NEC researchers in September 2019.
NanoBridge is a technology to control the creation or destruction of nanometer sized metal bridges in a solid electrolyte through the application of voltage, thereby realizing on and off-switch status. It is attracting attention as an ideal technology for FPGA and memories that can repeatedly rewrite circuits. This is because NanoBridge consumes less power, as it does not require power to maintain an on or off status, and is highly resistant to both radiation and extreme temperatures.
NEC has an established history of promoting the commercialization of NanoBridge, and decided to transfer NanoBridge-related intellectual property to NBS and conduct a spin-off in order to further drive the growth of this business.
Through this fundraising, NBS will demonstrate its technologies in areas where radiation resistance is essential, such as aerospace and communications infrastructure. At the same time, NBS will develop a broad range of NanoBridge businesses for domestic and international manufacturers, such as IoT device and automobile manufacturers, while aiming to achieve sales of 5 billion yen in 2025.
Under the Mid-term Management Plan 2020, NEC is strengthening its business development capabilities and commercializing competitive technologies, said Osamu Fujikawa, senior vice president of NEC Corporation.
