Japan LED firms eye tech transfer JVs in Karnataka

Japan LED (light emitting diode) Association Vice President Atsushi Okuno, who held extensive discussions with State IT department officials on the sidelines of ISA Vision Summit, told Deccan Herald, that they are ready for sharing of technology transfer and manufacturing JV with local partners in Karnataka.

According to Okuno, these energy saving solar lamps which have twin chip embedded in them, costs around US$22-30 and is very ideal for Indian market. Incidentally, Okuno and his team demonstrated a range of light devices before the State IT officials who were much impressed by them.

Stating that it would cost around US$20 million for setting up an assembly and packing unit, Okuno said, the Japan LED Association, which has over 200 members, would be keen on technology transfer in assembly and packaging of chip & LED units but also train investors in the process of assembling these energy saving lamps. Japan LED Association, was formed in June of 2004 to promote and support technology development and standardisation for LED lighting.

Japan, he said, plays leading role in both production and use of high-brightness (HB) LEDs. Japan accounts for approximately 47 per cent of the worldwide HB LED supply. It is home to word’s largest HB LED manufacturer, as well as five of the world’s top 10 HB LED suppliers. Japan also accounts for about $1 billion in HB LED consumption, he explained. The range of technology transfer offerings, he said, include general lighting, illumination, mobile applications, automotive lightings and electronic equipment. 

State woos team
State IT officials, on their part, it is learnt to have invited the team to visit Tumkur, where the government is planning the Japanese township, as also Information Technology Investment Region corridor, to scout for possible land to set up units. The State team appraised the Japanese team on various policy initiatives the government has undertaken to encourage software, hardware and semiconductor industries in Karnataka.

Incidentally, the Japanese association is learnt to have had similar discussions with the Centre in December on the same lines. It is likely the team will be back in India and Bangalore on yet another recce mision with larger team sometime in March to firm up possible JV tie-ups.