The story of why Kyocera acquired the Finnish startup Kyocera Technologies (at the time called Tikitin) and how the startup became the global leader in the MEMS resonator R&D in the global timing and frequency control market is a very Espoo-type of engineer-driven startup story.
We talked with Antti Jaakkola, co-founder and CTO of Kyocera Technologies, about the startup's journey and what makes Espoo's deep tech community a unique destination for international talents.
The story of how a small Finnish MEMS startup convinced a Japanese giant
The background and beginning of Kyocera Technologies's story are set at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, one of Europe's leading research institutions. From there, with decades of scientific research in silicon MEMS for timing applications, the newly established company embarked on its startup journey. After venturing through obstacles with the calmness of a bunch of Finnish engineers, the startup's story reached its climax as it met the Japanese ceramics and electronics giant at an industry event.
The Japanese corporation acquired Tikitin in 2019 after the startup convinced Kyocera that its silicon MEMS innovations can disrupt the timing product market. A transformation ensued as the small startup became Kyocera Technologies. With access to new major end customers, manufacturing capabilities, and personnel, Kyocera Technologies then went on to become the leader in its field.
The end? Not by a long shot. Kyocera Technologies continues its mission to revolutionise every electronic device with its MEMS design and silicon wafer process development and is always looking for new talents to join its multinational team.
[Please continue reading the article after the item below to learn what makes Espoo, Finland, an excellent place for Japanese talents.]
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Innovation, infrastructure, honesty
So, what makes Finland, and Espoo in particular, a great place for Japanese talents? According to Jaakkola, the innovation ability, world-class infrastructure, hardworking engineering culture, honesty, and cultural alignment make Espoo's deep tech community a well-suited location for Japanese tech talents to work and live. For example, the engineering mindset is strong in both countries, and people share a focus on resolving engineering problems.
"We have already our second set of expats from Japan, and they have all been key contributors in our development projects," Jaakkola says.
"Kyocera Technologies has successfully demonstrated that people hungry for cool things to work on can come to Finland and make a career for themselves."
Jaakkola explains that Espoo is one of Europe's major semiconductor and quantum technology hubs. The ecosystem supports the growth of talents and companies like Kyocera Technologies. For example, connection with the Micronova ecosystem and access to equipment like a multi-user semiconductor R&D cleanroom and other services provided by VTT are essential for many companies and researchers. The coming Kvanttinova microelectronics and quantum technology piloting and development hub has been fundamental in creating the future vision for Kyocera Technologies. Meanwhile, fellow companies and research at Aalto University provide a constant source of inspiration.
"In the semiconductor business, Espoo's Otaniemi area is the hub where things happen," Jaakkola says.
"Our strategy is to continue working in the Micronova ecosystem and actively contribute to the coming Kvanttinova expansion. There are like-minded people and companies working close to each other."
The success story of Kyocera Technologies is a prominent example of how a small Espoo-based deep tech startup with a strong research background has grown rapidly after starting a successful strategic collaboration with a big Japanese company. However, many more potential opportunities await international deep tech talents and companies in Espoo.
Our other article about Kyocera Technologies discusses what makes Espoo's deep tech community a unique location for companies looking to expand their business to Europe.
