Corporate Blog Stories from inside TEL

Internal web magazine "AEOLUS": An Exclusive Report on the UPWARDS TEL Summer Camp

Culture

2026.02.24

Today, we’re excited to share an article from Tokyo Electron’s (TEL) internal web magazine “AEOLUS,” covering the UPWARDS TEL Summer Camp held from August 7 to 9, 2025, in Miyagi Prefecture. This unique training program is designed for students poised to lead the future of technology.

What is AEOLUS?

TEL group’s internal newsletter, AEOLUS, serves as a vibrant platform for open communication among employees, sharing authentic voices from the field, highlighting cutting-edge technology, and showcasing company events. AEOLUS fosters genuine connections and collaboration across the organization. Through this blog, we aim to convey the spirit of AEOLUS alongside the inspiring activities of the UPWARDS TEL Summer Camp.

What is UPWARDS?

Day 1: Orientation and Tour of Advanced Research Facilities at Tohoku University

On a warm summer day in Sendai, 23 students gathered at the Tohoku University campus. Participants came from all over Japan, as well as international students and those attending universities in the United States, creating a rich and diverse group. After self-introductions during orientation, the group moved to the cafeteria. Initially a bit reserved, the atmosphere quickly lightened when the AEOLUS mascot made an appearance (unfortunately, we can’t show it here!). Over lunch and casual conversation, participants bonded quickly. One student shared, “It was inspiring to meet female students from other universities whom I wouldn’t normally encounter.”

Comments from Participants

I found out about this summer camp at university while searching broadly for job opportunities in manufacturing and technical fields, and applied.

I knew TEL is a major semiconductor company. I hope to learn more about their business and interact with employees over these three days!

There are few women in my university lab, so this is a valuable chance to interact with female students from other universities.

Among the participants were students from Tohoku University.

Living in Sendai, I was familiar with the TEL name because of Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi. I’m grateful that the camp is being held in Miyagi this year.

Later, representatives from Tohoku University’s DEI Promotion Center, Science Ambassadors, and the ALicE office (Association of Leading Women Researchers in Engineering, Tohoku University) joined small group discussions on “Empowering Women Researchers.” Participants exchanged ideas about initiatives at their universities and discussed what systems could further support women in research careers.

One graduate student noted, “In some overseas universities, graduate students continue research while raising children, but this is rare in Japan. If there were more supportive systems for parenting researchers, women could thrive even more.” The conversation highlighted the importance of creating environments where researchers can flourish.

The day’s highlight was a lecture by Professor Shinada from the Center for Innovative Integrated Electronic Systems (CIES*), who spoke on “The Importance and Future of Semiconductor Technology.”

*CIES: A global hub for integrated electronics that drives innovation worldwide by seamlessly connecting multinational corporations with local businesses.

During the facility tour, participants asked insightful questions, impressing Professor Shinada with their curiosity.

Next, the group visited the μSIC (Micro System Integration Center) and the cleanroom. They donned dust-free suits and experienced the unique tension of the cleanroom environment firsthand, gaining a tangible sense of the semiconductor industry’s precision and rigor.

Participants attentively listened to an explanation about the equipment mechanisms and operations at each stage of the cleanroom process.

Day 2: Exploring TEL’s Cutting-Edge Manufacturing Site

The second day took participants to Miyagi Plant of TEL. Equipped with safety shoes, goggles, and helmets, they toured the expansive facility. They also engaged with VR technology and simulators, experiencing Tokyo Electron Miyagi’s advanced facilities through immersive, hands-on learning.

I’ve visited other companies before, and I was impressed by the scale and modernity of the plant. TEL’s hospitality towards visitors was also outstanding!

In the afternoon, the “Realities of Women Engineers” session brought female engineers from TEL into small groups. Participants asked candid questions, gaining valuable insights into the experiences and challenges.

I was very nervous about entering a field different from my major in school, so hearing you say that nothing you learn is wasted gave me courage.

I found it appealing as a workplace where female engineers can have successful careers while feeling a sense of fulfillment and growth.

Day 3: The Source of Innovation and Inspiration

The final day featured a semiconductor seminar led by Moriya, Vice President of the Software Engineering Planning Promotions at Tokyo Electron Technology Solutions.

For more details, please refer to the following article:
https://www.tel.com/blog/all/20251014_001.html

Mr. Moriya’s engaging questions sparked lively group discussions and creative thinking.

I gained a deeper understanding not only of semiconductor fundamentals, but also of Tokyo Electron’s overall initiatives. I was also able to relate the content to my own research, so it was a very meaningful learning opportunity.

The detailed, step-by-step explanation of semiconductor manufacturing methods helped me understand what I learned during the three-day UPWARDS camp more deeply. During the group work, I learned firsthand techniques for how to generate a large number of ideas within a limited time while encouraging and helping each other.

I was reminded that semiconductor technology can contribute to solving social issues from a cross-disciplinary perspective.

With the conclusion of the intensive three-day program, the 2025 UPWARDS TEL Summer Camp came to a successful close. This initiative offers future leaders a rare opportunity to connect with cutting-edge industry technology and real-world working environments, while fostering networks with peers and mentors.

TEL remains committed to supporting diverse talent and empowering the next generation of researchers and engineers. We look forward to continuing to nurture young professionals who will drive the semiconductor industry forward.

The following are comments from participants reflecting on their experiences after completing the three-day program.

Interacting with participants from diverse regions was incredibly stimulating. I want to apply this experience to my job search.

Interacting with participants from various countries and regions made me truly appreciate the importance of communication skills.

I was surprised to learn that semiconductor manufacturing equipment involves far more manufacturing processes than I imagined. I now understand the immense number of technologies and personnel involved.

We also received the following heartwarming feedback!

The female engineers at TEL and the summer camp staff were so approachable, cheerful, and kind. It changed my perception of TEL in a positive way and made me think, ‘I’d love to work for a company like this!