Akita University and TDK sign alliance agreement

• Akita University and TDK have signed an alliance agreement enabling them both to grow and contribute to society.
• In addition to the alliance agreement, TDK has acquired the naming rights (TDK Venture Spirit Hall) for Akita University’s Hall on the Tegata Campus.

April 22, 2025

Akita University (President: Yoshihiro Minamiya) and TDK Corporation (President and CEO: Noboru Saito; TSE: 6762; hereinafter "TDK") announce that they have signed an alliance agreement today. They will both actively use Akita University's academic knowledge, technologies and resources as well TDK's industrial technologies and practical resources to launch joint projects, work together in the area of education and research and provide support, training and exchange opportunities to students to enable both of them to grow and contribute to society. The alliance will focus on:

(1) Implementation of education and research activities using both parties' expertise and technologies
(2) Creation of new technologies and knowledge and their implementation in society through joint projects
(3) Provision of educational opportunities by supporting students and presentation meetings, workshops, symposia and other events
(4) Encouragement of practical studies and development of the next generation of personnel through internships, tours, training and student exchange programs
(5) Regional and industrial development using both parties' networks
(6) Other projects based on the spirit of mutual benefit in areas where mutual collaboration is possible

The origin of Akita University is in Akita Mining College, which was founded in 1910. The university was established as a national university in 1949. As of April 2025, it has five faculties: International Resource Sciences, Education and Human Studies, Medicine, Integrated Science and Engineering for Environments, and Informatics and Data Science. It continues to advance as a center for knowledge. It is also actively engaged in regional revitalization. Established in April 2025, the Regional Co-Creation Organization will promote measures and initiatives through collaboration with regional communities, studies for regional industrial development, and the development of personnel that will play key roles in the region to aid the industrial development and revitalization of the region.

TDK was established for the purpose of commercializing ferrite, magnetic material. Its founder, Kenzo Saito, was from Nikaho in Akita Prefecture. With a number of manufacturing sites in Akita Prefecture, TDK aims to contribute in social transformation through its global business operations while establishing close relationships with communities in the region.

Representatives from the two parties to the alliance agreement shared the following statements.

"The formation of the alliance with TDK Corporation is an important step opening the way to new possibilities for Akita University,” said Yoshihiro Minamiya, President of Akita University. “Amid the innovation and advancement of technology, the importance of integrating the knowledge and strengths of universities and businesses is increasing, as is the importance of returning their achievements to society. I hope that the combination of TDK's international perspective and superior technological skills, and our accumulated academic knowledge and locally based education and research activities will broaden the range of new initiatives for a sustainable society. I hope that this agreement will create opportunities for our students and teaching staff to engage in more practical and creative studies."

"We feel very honored to be able to conclude an industry-academia collaboration agreement with Akita University in Akita, where our founder and first president Kenzo Saito was from,” said Noboru Saito, Representative Director, President & CEO of TDK Corporation. “The new industry-university connection between Akita University and TDK has profound significance for us at TDK. I sincerely hope this agreement marks an initial step towards the development of both Akita University and TDK towards the brightening of the future of Akita Prefecture and the surrounding regions."

Akita University and TDK, as partners for mutual development and social contribution, will carry out initiatives in the six areas mentioned above in Akita from a global perspective.

TDK also signed an agreement with Akita University to acquire the naming rights for one of the university's facilities. Accordingly, TDK has provided Akita University’s Hall on the Tegata Campus with the additional name, “TDK Venture Spirit Hall.” It is used by around 1,700 students and teaching staff every day. TDK will use this opportunity to help students at Akita University to study and deepen their research in a better environment (during the three-year period starting in April 2025).

About Akita University

Since its foundation in 1949, Akita University has accumulated a long history of achievements in the fields of natural resources, education, medicine, and science and engineering. Today, Akita University continues to develop and evolve in the fields of education, research, and social contribution as a “center of knowledge that works with the region and communicates to the world.”
In April 2025, Akita University reorganized the Faculty of Engineering Science into the Faculty of Integrated Science and Engineering for Environments, and established the Faculty of Informatics and Data Science, which will focus on information technology, data science, and AI, in order to advance local industries and develop digital human resources. With these new faculties, Akita University is further strengthening the breadth and depth of its academics through a five-faculty structure that includes the Faculty of International Resource Sciences, the Faculty of Education and Human Studies, and the Faculty of Medicine.
Akita University is also actively engaged in research at the forefront of social issues, such as electrification technology, renewable energy, medical-science and engineering collaboration, and regional disaster prevention, as well as in recurrent education, and promotes regional revitalization and global outreach through collaboration among industry, academia, government, and financial institutions. While integrating global perspectives and local practices, the university will contribute to nurturing the next generation of human resources and realization of a sustainable society.

About TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately “Attracting Tomorrow.” It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK’s comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2024, TDK posted total sales of USD 14.6 billion and employed about 101,000 people worldwide.

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