November 28, 2024 –

U-MAP Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagoya, Japan; CEO: Kenji Nishitani), a startup specializing in thermal management materials, and Okamoto Glass Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, Japan; Chairman and CEO: Takeshi Okamoto) have announced the formation of a capital and business alliance focused on establishing a mass production system for aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic substrates. This partnership enables the production of 4.5-inch AlN substrates at a scale of 30,000 units per month, with shipments now underway.

Mass Production and Sale of AlN Ceramic Substrates through Collaboration

The two companies have collaborated to develop next-generation electronic AlN substrates using U-MAP’s proprietary Thermalnite® technology. By combining Okamoto Glass’s advanced ceramics manufacturing techniques with U-MAP’s innovative thermal management technologies, they achieved the mass production of electrically insulating AlN substrates with thermal conductivity equivalent to metallic aluminum. These substrates are expected to solve thermal challenges in the optical sector, including LEDs and laser diodes (LDs), as well as in power electronics.
Given the growing importance of thermal management in high-speed communication environments inside data centers, driven by the widespread use of generative AI, the new AlN substrate is also an ideal solution for thermal control in optical communication LDs. Its superior thermal conductivity and electrical insulation meet the stringent requirements of these applications.
Moving forward, the two companies will expand their product lineup and strengthen their supply system for the data center market.

Background of the Initiative

This initiative began with a matching program under the “Value Creation Challenge for Partnerships between Medium-Sized Enterprises and Startups” led by the Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade, and Industry and Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. In 2022, the project was selected for the “Growth-Oriented Small and Medium Enterprise R&D Support Program (Go-Tech Program),” accelerating advancements in performance and production technologies. With this support, the companies achieved mass production of AlN ceramic substrates within just three years.

>>For more information on past initiatives(Japanese), click here.

Development of Next-Generation AlN Substrates Using U-MAP’s Proprietary Thermalnite®

The companies are now targeting the mass production of next-generation high-strength AlN substrates, which feature nearly double the mechanical strength of conventional products. This new substrate is expected to address thermal challenges in next-generation power devices utilizing SiC/GaN, essential for 5G/6G communication modules and renewable energy applications.
Samples of the 4.5-inch substrates are already being provided to domestic and international electronics companies. With the established production and quality assurance systems, the companies are preparing for a full-scale market launch of the next-generation high-strength AlN substrates.

Comments from the Companies

Kenji Nishitani, CEO of U-MAP Co., Ltd.
“Through the fusion of our technologies, we have achieved mass production in just three years. We are committed to further contributing to solving thermal challenges in the electronics sector without being complacent about this achievement. Together with Okamoto Glass Co., Ltd., we plan to roll out various new products as we continue to move this initiative forward.”

Takeshi Okamoto, Chairman and CEO of Okamoto Glass Co., Ltd.
“Three years have passed since this collaboration began. This capital and business alliance will deepen our relationship and allow us to fully utilize the expertise we have honed over 96 years to continue evolving into the next century. Together with U-MAP, we will provide safety, security, and comfort in the digital transformation era by solving thermal management challenges.”

Company Profiles

・U-MAP Co., Ltd.
•Address: 6th Floor, Tokai Open Innovation Complex (TOIC), Industry-Academia Open Lab 601, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan 464-8601
•Website: https://umap-corp.com
Founded in December 2016 as a material startup from Nagoya University, U-MAP provides advanced thermal management solutions for electronics and high-tech industries through its development of proprietary fibrous aluminum nitride crystals and thermal materials.

・Okamoto Glass Co., Ltd.
•Address: 380 Toyoshiki, Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, Japan 277-0872
•Website: https://ogc-jp.com
Since its founding in 1928, Okamoto Glass has been a leader in specialty glass manufacturing, with world-leading products such as projector multi-lenses, dental mirrors, and reflective mirrors. The company also produces innovative products like the Edo-kko No. 1®, recommended by the International Seabed Authority, and glass polarizers, which are in high demand for digital transformation applications.

Inquiries

・U-MAP Co., Ltd.
General inquiries and product-related questions:
Tel: +81-52-783-0310

・Okamoto Glass Co., Ltd.
•Inquiries regarding the release:
IR Representative: Kazama
Tel: +81-4-7137-3111
•Product-related inquiries:
Manufacturing & Technology Headquarters
Tel: +81-4-7137-3128