Today, we often take innovations for granted—from the powerful multimedia computers in our pockets to the battery systems driving the transition to a low-carbon society. However, each of these advancements has been driven by years of cutting-edge research in fields such as materials science, computer science and notably, semiconductors. This is where NTT Advanced Technology Corporation (NTT-AT) plays a pivotal role.
Founded in 1976 as the technology development support division of NTT, the largest telephone company in Japan, NTT-AT focuses on providing solutions to real-world challenges through pioneering research. Originally engaged in the technology transfer business, NTT-AT is now tackling today’s most demanding engineering feats under the leadership of President Tadashi Ito. “These days, it has become increasingly important for businesses to be agile and profitable even in times of VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complexity and Ambiguity),” Ito said. Leveraging its experience in the optical communications field, NTT-AT aims to support clients using its niche technical capabilities, including the production of complex mirrors contributing to various areas related to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, vital to the production of leading-edge semiconductor chips. Against the backdrop of ever smaller process sizes, Ito said, “To enable the complex calculations required for AI, next-generation semiconductor circuits with even finer structures are essential. Our technology is indispensable for fabricating these advanced circuits.”
The company is also committed to solving challenges facing Japanese society, particularly regarding its declining population, with current projections estimating a 30% fall over the next 50 years. One solution often touted is boosting AI integration. While Ito admits that AI uptake has been slow in Japan, he also said, “Many companies in Japan feel that digital transformation is becoming increasingly important to improve productivity.” With AI showing promise in fields ranging from precision medical diagnoses to streamlined agriculture, Ito also stressed the importance of tailoring solutions to individual client needs. “In the area of AI, it may be difficult for us to lead a large language model (LLM) platform. However, we believe that we can provide unique value to users by selecting several LLMs according to their applications, combining them optimally, and arranging them as a single service. In order to do so, it is important to know our users’ issues, and it is also essential to analyze the market from multiple perspectives,” Ito said.
With its global operations, including key hubs like Silicon Valley, NTT-AT is poised to work on impactful projects as we move toward a data-driven world. “In particular, we expect Singapore to play an increasingly larger role in the overall data ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, we would like to deploy various technologies utilized in the data center field as a member of the NTT Group,” said Ito.
