Material Concept Inc., a pioneering startup spun off from Tohoku University in Sendai, is preparing to begin mass production of a groundbreaking copper paste for solar cells. This innovation could significantly reduce manufacturing costs and accelerate the adoption of affordable renewable energy.

The company is headquartered on Tohoku University’s Aobayama campus in a region deeply affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. It plans to invest several hundred million yen by the end of 2025 to build new production facilities at its headquarters. This expansion will boost its current output from 10 kilograms per month to 4 tons.

Traditionally, solar cells have relied on silver paste for wiring because of its excellent conductivity. However, silver is expensive, accounting for nearly 30 percent of solar panel material costs. The solar industry currently consumes about 10 percent of the global silver supply. This reliance increases production costs and exposes manufacturers to price volatility and supply chain risks.

Copper has long been considered unsuitable for solar cell wiring because it tends to bond with silicon and degrade performance. Material Concept has successfully overcome this challenge with a patented process that disperses copper powder in an alcohol-based solution. The resulting paste offers high performance at about half the cost of silver paste. Solar cells using this copper paste have already achieved a power conversion efficiency of 24.8 percent, making them competitive with silver-based alternatives.

Material Concept was founded in 2013 by CEO Miho Koike. The company was inspired by the vision of Tohoku University professor Junichi Koike, who aimed to support regional recovery through the development of low-cost, high-efficiency solar technology. It is a strong example of academic-industry collaboration and benefits from the university’s leading-edge research in materials science.

To support its scale-up, the company has secured funding from JX Advanced Materials Corporation, a major player in the non-ferrous metals industry. This strategic partnership will help enable full-scale production and expand commercial reach.

As global demand for renewable energy continues to grow, the need for stable and cost-effective supply chains for raw materials becomes increasingly urgent. Material Concept’s copper paste technology provides a solution to this challenge and may also reduce pressure on global silver demand. The technology offers both economic and environmental benefits that align with the shift toward a more sustainable future.