Introduction
Founded in 1876 as the Sapporo Agricultural College, Hokkaido University pioneered the development of agriculture in cold climates as its first major challenge. Today, as a second ambitious challenge, the university is working toward the establishment of an integrated hub for semiconductor manufacturing, research, and human resource development.
About Us
As the headquarters for promoting semiconductor education and research at Hokkaido University, we design university-wide policies, effectively integrate educational and research resources within the university, and strengthen collaborative ties with external organizations. We also advance the development and management of educational and research infrastructure to strengthen our educational and research capabilities.
We contribute to the enhancement of practical education and research through collaboration with semiconductor-related companies, universities, and research institutions both domestically and internationally. By strengthening cooperation among higher education institutions in Hokkaido, with our university at the epicenter, we aim to secure sustainable human resources, advance research and development, and promote industrial policies to revitalize the regional community in Japan and the Hokkaido area.
Vision & Mission
In June 2026, Hokkaido University formulated the Semiconductor Vision, outlining our aspirations for education, research, and community engagement. It aligns with the university’s broader HU VISION 2030 and seeks to realize a wellbeing-oriented society in which semiconductors play a vital role. At the same time, we launched the IFERS Mission through three pathways.
Hokkaido University Semiconductor Vision
Realizing a well-being society where semiconductors with a human touch play an active role
– Breathing Life into Semiconductors to Shape the Future –
Built on the three pillars of “Create,” “Activate,” and “Integrate,” the new initiative outlines the university’s ambition to become a central hub for Hokkaido’s growing semiconductor industry. These three paths are: “creating” high-performance semiconductors (Create); using them to introduce new ideas to society (Activate); and “integrating” the discoveries from education and research into communities, industry, and the natural environment (Integrate).
Learn more
For more details, please refer to our Semiconductor Vision brochure.
Our Activities
Enhancing the Capabilities of Semiconductor Education
We promote the development of human resources who “create” and “use” semiconductors by leveraging our strengths in “AI, data science,” and “field science.” Our goal is to produce human resources who:
- Seek to create semiconductors while enhancing their own expertise and contributing to value creation through free thinking.
- Strive to integrate new uses of semiconductors, as well as the use of semiconductors combined with digital technology, into daily life and contribute to the sustainable development of society.
Strengthening the Capacity of Semiconductor Research
In addition to research contributing to the development of semiconductors, we promote research to explore new uses and applications for semiconductors (use case development) and to contribute to the creation of new industries and economic and social systems by solving problems in semiconductor manufacturing.
