• Okuma Diamond Device

  Participated · Equity · Oct 2024

  ODD develops "pure diamond" semiconductor devices and amplifiers designed for extreme temperatures and radiation levels that silicon cannot tolerate. The company was spun out of Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Hokkaido University and was founded in 2021. ODD built the world’s first practical diamond chip in 2021 and has prototyped diamond semiconductor amplifiers operating under 300°C. Its technology targets nuclear decommissioning, aerospace, telco (including 6G), space, and defense markets; the company says it is talking with more than 10 potential customers worldwide. ODD claims end-to-end expertise from substrate to packaging and highlights methane-based production potential as a domestic supply advantage. The startup has 27 employees and plans to build the world’s first diamond semiconductor manufacturing facility in Ookuma, Fukushima, starting January 2025 with operations targeted for Summer 2026. The diamond materials market is cited in the article as forecast to grow notably by 2032. 大熊ダイヤモンドデバイス was founded in March 2022 by researchers from Hokkaido University and AIST together with serial entrepreneur Hoshikawa. The company is developing diamond semiconductor technology and a diamond neutron detection element intended as a core component of a critical proximity monitoring system for reactor decommissioning. Its technology has reached a level suitable as an element technology for devices to be deployed at decommissioning sites, and the firm aims to test an initial pre‑prototype device at the Fukushima Daiichi site in the near term. The company has been selected for multiple national projects, including a Reconstruction Agency/Fukushima Prefecture practical development program, NICT’s Beyond5G R&D promotion program, and the Cabinet Office’s SIP/BRIDGE program. Going forward, the company plans to accelerate R&D and hiring to pursue social implementation not only in decommissioning but also in communications satellites and next‑generation base stations. Its cumulative funding since founding, including grants, now totals ¥1.92 billion. Ookuma Diamond Device was founded in March 2022 based on research from Hokkaido University and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). The company develops diamond semiconductors—positioned as an "ultimate" successor to silicon, SiC and GaN—and says it has reached practical amplifier‑level operation after more than a decade of research. Its technology was initially driven by needs arising from Fukushima Daiichi decommissioning and targets applications requiring tolerance to high temperatures and radiation. Expected use cases include beyond‑5G ultrafast communications infrastructure, electric aircraft, electric vehicles and electric ships as energy‑efficient power devices. The company was the sole startup selected for NICT’s Beyond 5G research promotion program and has received regional support from Fukushima prefecture programs. Following a ¥140M seed raise, the firm plans to accelerate R&D and ramp hiring to pursue social implementation of diamond semiconductor devices.

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