Toru Awashima built his career on deep technical work in computer science and chip design, earning a doctorate in engineering and leading R&D at NEC and Renesas before spending over a decade at Toyota Tsusho running its Quantum Computer Business Group, where he also helped apply quantum computing to real problems like traffic-signal optimization using Azure Quantum. He now works as part of the founding leadership of Silicon Catalyst Japan while also serving as an adjunct professor at Osaka University's Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology, giving him a rare combination of hands-on technical depth, quantum industry experience, and involvement in bringing new chip and computing ventures to life.
About their Fund
Silicon Catalyst is the only accelerator focused exclusively on the global semiconductor industry, giving startups working on chips, chiplets, materials, silicon photonics, MEMS, sensors, life science, and quantum access to a semiconductor-specific stack of foundry access, EDA tools, IP, packaging, and testing worth millions of dollars, plus a 24-month incubation program, strategic partners like TI, Arm, and NXP who help select and work with startups, and its own investment arms, Silicon Catalyst Angels and Silicon Catalyst Ventures. It operates this model through localized programs in the UK, EU, Israel, Japan, Australia, and Malaysia, connecting local startups to Silicon Valley networks and mentors, and has built an ecosystem that has engaged with over 1,500 semiconductor startups, admitted more than 150, and facilitated over $150 million in in-kind support, $600 million in venture investment, and $100 million in grants.















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