1. About WPM-c
The Wireless Power Management Consortium (WPM-c) was established in 2013 with the aim of promoting wireless power supply, based on the concept of co-creation through trust and cooperation. Initially, the consortium mainly provided information on wireless power supply and pursued its applicability to applied products, focusing on the “DC resonance type wireless power supply” developed by Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Since 2017, the consortium has been focusing on creating new application fields using wireless power supply and examining specific applied products.
After 10 years of activity, the consortium established the Co-Creation Business Development Association (CBDA) in 2023, based at Kyoto University, and relocated WPM-c under its umbrella to invigorate its activities under a new structure. CBDA promotes the development of new businesses through co-creation activities in which people and organizations from different positions and industries work together to create new value and products, contributing to the development of industry, academia, and science. Under the new structure, WPM-c business planning is promoting three major projects: 1) WPM-c Profile, 2) WPM-c Product Teardown Investigation, and 3) WPM-c Cafeteria.
WPM-c forms a single team to create the society of the future. We will tackle a wide range of issues, from materials and devices to circuit systems, business, and new services, and contribute to the sustainable development of a prosperous society. We will increase our number of colleagues, promote the development of co-creation projects that create new value and products, and work to promote the development of member companies and strengthen their international competitiveness, acting with passion.
2. Purpose
To build a “co-creation space” based on mutual trust and cooperation among members, and promote the spread of wireless power supply, including DC resonance technology. To promote the development of co-creation projects related to wireless power supply, and contribute to the development of industry, academia, and science. To envision the future society, and promote the development of member companies and strengthen their international competitiveness.
3. WPM-c’s strengths and member recruitment (initial year membership fee 30,000 yen, annual membership fee 200,000 yen)
WPM-c has been active for over 10 years. It has a wealth of information and data, including 1) WPM-c system specifications, 2) WPM-c design data (circuit diagrams of prototypes, bill of materials, CAD data).
The keys to success in wireless power supply business are ① feasibility, ② business viability, and ③ intellectual property rights. The burden and risk are too great for a single company to proceed with it. WPM-c handles ① numerous development cases, ② business track record, and ③ abundant intellectual property rights. A diverse range of companies with strengths, including members with excellent technology and businesses, members who are using WPM-c to start and develop wireless power supply businesses, members who hold basic patents and over 300 registered patents related to wireless power supply, members who are conducting clinical trials using the industry’s first medical wireless power supply, and members who are engaged in disassembly analysis of electric vehicles, 5G base stations, and electronic devices, are gathering together and co-creating to expand their businesses.
WPM-c aims to achieve business success for member companies by utilizing the strengths of WPM-c, the strengths of member companies, and the management of intellectual property funds originating from Japan. Let’s promote co-creation business development, expand our business, and contribute to our company.
4. Main business activities
(1) Interaction between members (general meeting lectures 3-4 times/year, networking event and tour 1 time/year)
(2) Implementation of wireless power supply projects
① “WPM-c Profile” project: Creation and use of business aggregation files such as prototypes, development, and products.
② “WPM-c product disassembly investigation” project: Carrying out product disassembly investigation and analysis and sharing benchmark information.
③ “WPM-c Cafeteria” project: Social demonstration and exhibition. Support for startups and ventures.
(3) Implementation of wireless power supply events (special joint projects with academic societies) (approximately once/year)
(4) Implementation of wireless power supply technology seminars and preferential treatment
(5) Operation of website
(6) Co-hosting, sponsorship, and support with related academic societies and associations
5. Benefits for Members
■ New business development can be promoted through co-creation business development that creates new value and products.
■ Promotion of co-creation business development can contribute to the development of industry, academia, and science and technology.
■ Envisioning the future society, and promoting the development of member companies and strengthening their international competitiveness.
■ Members acquire the right to and assume responsibility for the “co-creation space” (co-creation and trust) among members.
■ Can participate in the three major WPM-c wireless power transfer projects.
■ Can obtain important information on technologies, products, markets, etc. related to wireless power transfer.
■ Can participate in working group activities (smart products, mobility, medical, space, etc.).
■ Can share information related to wireless power transfer with other members, and confidential information disclosed will be protected.
■ Can receive cooperation and support from other members for the development of member companies and problem solving.
■ Can obtain advice and support from experts and scholars to solve problems faced by member companies.
■ Can attend seminars run by third-party organizations at a preferential discount as a “learning space.”
■ We can collaborate with the “Wireless Power Transmission Practical Application Consortium” (microwave power transmission).
6. Organizational Structure
Representative:
Masaki Shinohara
Professor, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University
Chairperson, Science and Technology Advisor:
Tatsuya Hosotani
Principal Researcher, Device Center, Technology and Business Development Headquarters, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.; Visiting Professor, Nagoya University
Chairperson:
Yoshinori Tsuruda
General Manager, Inverter and Charging Technology Development Department, Technology Development Headquarters, Daihen Corporation
Katsuyoshi Suzuki
Section Manager, I Project, Development Department, Ogino Memorial Research Institute, Nihon Kohden Corporation
(Contact Person)
Yukio Yokoi
Secretary, Wireless Power Supply System Technology Division Committee, Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan (public corporation)
7. Purpose of Establishment (Established in April 2013)
Establish a consortium with the aim of commercializing and standardizing wireless power supply, mainly the “DC resonance” method. We aim to develop products that are more valuable to users in response to various usage scenarios and applications where the value of “wireless” is high, propose solutions, and create new value in the electronics society. Together with members, we share information and integrate technologies through concrete activities. ① Analyze the market, ② Improve technology, and ③ Develop products. Build a “co-creation space” based on mutual trust and cooperation among members, and engage in ongoing activities with the aim of developing and growing the wireless power supply business.
8. Participating organizations in WPM-c to date (excerpt)
More than 60 companies and organizations have become members of WPM-c and have participated in its activities to date.
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Nihon Kohden Corporation, DAIHEN Corporation, Formalhaut Techno Solutions Co., Ltd., New Co-Creation Industry Technology Advancement Corporation (ITAC), Konishi Seiko Corporation, U-TECH Co., Ltd., Matsumura Electronics Co., Ltd., Dainichi Electronics Co., Ltd., Itochu Corporation, Andes Electric Co., Ltd., BB System Co., Ltd., Kyoso Co., Ltd., Funai Electric Co., Ltd., Shinohara Electric Co., Ltd., Sharp Corporation, Okamoto Wireless Electric Co., Ltd., Tokai Rika Electric Works, Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Honda Access Co., Ltd., Fujikura Ltd., Advantest Corporation, Enegate Corporation, Hosiden Corporation, Takatsuki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., Dentsu Inc., Ansys Japan Inc., Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Toda Construction Co., Ltd., NF Circuit Design Block Co., Ltd., Yokogawa Meter & Ink Instruments Inc., SoftBank Mobile Corp., KOKUYO Marketing Co., Ltd., Cosel Co., Ltd., Takechi Co., Ltd., Nittoku Engineering, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Mori Hajime Corporation, Shindo Electronics Co., Ltd., Tiger Corporation, Nabtesco Corporation, Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Ltd., Asahiko Electric Co., Ltd., B&Plus Co., Ltd., Power Supply Technology Co., Ltd., Tsukasa Electric Co., Ltd., Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd., Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., Universal View Co., Ltd., Audio-Technica Fukui Co., Ltd., TKR Corporation, Aiphone Co., Ltd., Nitto Denko Corporation, Takano Corporation, Oi Electric Co., Ltd., Totoku Magnet Co., Ltd., Fuji Fine Co., Ltd., NTN Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical, Amplet Communications Research Institute, High Frequency Neturen Co., Ltd.
*The name at the time of joining may be listed. Includes companies that have completed their purpose and withdrawn.
■How to apply
WPM-c contact details
Tatsuya Hosotani: hosotani@murata.com
Katsuyoshi Suzuki: Katsuyoshi_Suzuki@mb4.nkc.co.jp
Yukio Yokoi: yokoiyukio@jcom.zaq.ne.jp
