Japanese Government Subsidizes Sony with 60 Billion Yen to Boost AI Image Sensor Production

Japan's government recently approved a subsidy of up to 60 billion yen (about 2.584 billion yuan) for Sony to produce AI image sensors (CMOS). The fund, issued by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry under the Economic Security Promotion Act, aims to expand domestic production of image sensors.

Sony Semiconductor will invest an additional 180 billion yen (about 7.751 billion yuan) to build a new factory in Kōshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Construction has already started; once completed, the factory will target monthly production of 10,000 300mm wafers, with supply expected to begin in May 2029. Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryōsei Akazawa stated that image sensors are key components for the AI industry, critical for fields like automated equipment and autonomous driving.