Press Release

Silicon Catalyst Announces the Launch of Silicon Catalyst Japan to Accelerate Semiconductor Innovation

New incubator to nurture deep tech startups addressing AI-driven semiconductor challenges across Japan and Korea

TOKYO and Silicon Valley – November 3, 2025 – Silicon Catalyst, the world's only accelerator focused on the global semiconductor industry, today announced the formation of Silicon Catalyst Japan, a new entity dedicated to accelerating semiconductor and microtechnology startups across Japan and Korea. The organization is being led by Mr. Kay Enjoji, who serves as the CEO and co-founder. Co-founders Asuka Sato and Toru Awashima will share in the leadership of the organization. Paul Pickering, Managing Partner of Silicon Catalyst and Director of Silicon Catalyst Angels, will support the Silicon Catalyst Japan team. Paul has over 40 years in the Semiconductor industry and has led numerous startups.

The semiconductor industry is experiencing an unprecedented inflection point driven by the rapid adoption and expansion of AI applications and supporting technologies. Addressing critical challenges such as miniaturization, power efficiency, advanced packaging, and environmental impact requires innovative deep tech solutions, not simply extensions of existing approaches.

Silicon Catalyst Japan will nurture startups originating in Japan and Korea, accelerating their path to commercialization and market success. The organization will offer a comprehensive range of services for startup companies in the semiconductor and microtechnology industries, working closely with the Silicon Catalyst global ecosystem to efficiently accelerate companies from disruptive product ideas to successful mass production enterprises.

The founding team has a broad range of experience in the complementary areas of semiconductor technology, corporate leadership, strategic planning, and finance. In addition to the full-time staff, Silicon Catalyst Japan also expands its team with industry experts who will serve as advisors to startup companies and work closely on accelerating technology development and strategy.

Kay Enjoji was with Tokyo Electron Limited (TEL) for many years and held various roles within the organization. Most recently, he served as president of TEL Ventures for 14 years, making more than 50 investments across 12 countries with a high success rate. He also served as Vice President of TEL for corporate development and new biz/product creation. He has been a member of the Board of Directors for numerous companies.

Ms. Asuka Sato has built her career in corporate development and finance in Japan. As a former Managing Director at INCJ, Ltd. (formerly the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan), the country’s public-private investment fund, she played a key role in investments and cross-border initiatives across multiple sectors, including semiconductors, served on corporate boards, and worked extensively with investment organizations both in Japan and abroad.

Dr. Toru Awashima has over 35 years of experience in technology development and product strategy. He has been the project general manager of the quantum computer business group at Toyota Tsusho since 2015, following senior R&D roles at Renesas and NEC. From 2021 to 2024, he worked at the Toyota Research Institute in Los Altos.

Paul Pickering, Managing Partner of Silicon Catalyst and Director of Silicon Catalyst Angels, will support the Silicon Catalyst Japan team. Paul has over 40 years in the Semiconductor industry and has led numerous startups.

"Silicon Catalyst played a significant role in the development of the semiconductor industry for more than ten years," said Kay Enjoji, CEO of Silicon Catalyst Japan. "We are pleased to expand the support structure to Japan and other areas to help accelerate the technology growth and build high-value companies."

"The successful development of disruptive technology companies is driven by vision, ingenuity, and experience," said Pete Rodriguez, CEO of Silicon Catalyst. "We are thrilled to see the launch of Silicon Catalyst Japan with a seasoned team that embodies these characteristics and can offer early-stage companies the insight and direction to navigate the challenges of building a global enterprise. The replication of the Silicon Catalyst model for startup companies in Japan and Korea is a significant step forward for the organization."

Silicon Catalyst Japan will provide startups with access to the proven Silicon Catalyst model, which includes world-class mentorship, design tools, silicon devices, networking opportunities, and pathways to funding, banking, and marketing expertise. This comprehensive support system has been proven over the past decade to accelerate startup trajectories while dramatically de-risking investments.

“In the age of edge AI, ‘catalysts' that promote the reaction between AI and Si will accelerate innovation. It is important to use the power of semiconductors to solve social issues. I support the activities of Silicon Catalyst Japan,” said Tadahiro Kuroda, University Professor, The University of Tokyo, and Chancellor, Prefecture University of Kumamoto.

Silicon Catalyst Japan will host a launch event in Tokyo on the evening of December 16, 2025. The goal of the event is to engage the local community of technology companies, semiconductor stakeholders, and investors in the vision for incubating technology development. The evening reception will provide a time for industry networking and endorsements from industry veterans in Japan and the US. For more information about the event, please email contact@sicatalyst.jp.

Silicon Catalyst Japan is currently accepting applications from startups developing semiconductor and deep-tech products. The incubation program will screen applicants and select the first candidates for Cohort One, who will start in January 2026. Please email contact@sicatalyst.jp for additional information about the application and screening process.