Fixstars

Basic Information

Stock Code
3687
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Systems & Software
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
August 2002
Listing Year
April 2014
Official Website
https://www.fixstars.com/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
BrainPad, TeraSky, Digital Information Technology, Japan System Technology, Base, Cresco, TDC Soft, Alpha Systems, Tokei Densan, NF HD, CEC, NSW, NSD

Overview

Fixstars, founded in 2002, is a software development company in the information and communications industry. It specializes in providing cutting-edge technologies by leveraging high-speed optimization techniques for diverse processors and quantum computing.

Current Situation

In the fiscal year ended September 2022, it recorded consolidated net sales of approximately 6.3 billion yen and operating profit of approximately 1.6 billion yen, establishing a stable financial foundation. Its core business is high-speed software development for embedded systems, GPUs, and FPGAs, with extensive achievements in the automotive, finance, and medical fields. In the quantum computing sector, it collaborates with D-Wave Systems to commercialize high-performance computing platforms and cloud services. It also focuses on promoting sustainability and technological innovation, expanding support for AI and deep learning, and enhancing cloud services to meet market needs. In the medium to long term, it aims to expand its quantum computing utilization business and increase its market share in autonomous driving-related software development through ongoing investments in new technologies. It strengthens its competitiveness through global technology collaborations and the recruitment of highly specialized engineers, while pursuing sustainable growth.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • One of Japan's pioneering companies providing commercial quantum computing cloud services.
  • Pioneering track record in software development for Cell Broadband Engine.
  • Capable of supporting diverse processor architectures domestically and internationally.
  • Long-term collaboration with financial institutions in high-speed FPGA design field.
  • Conducted joint research with Renesas on autonomous driving support software.
  • AI code evaluation technology highly regarded in the industry.
  • Successfully developed fusion of quantum annealing technology and cloud services.
  • Proprietary image processing technology adopted in international open source.
  • Focused on Cell/B.E.-centered technology development in early years.
  • Actively expanding into the US market through overseas subsidiaries.
  • Quantum computing-related business accounts for about 10% of sales.
  • Holds multiple patents in AI-supported medical image diagnosis.
  • Maintains high technological prowess with approximately 260 employees.
  • Domestic top-class performance in technology provision for ultra-high-speed trading at financial institutions.
  • Actively disseminates latest technology information via official Twitter and Facebook.

Hidden Connections

  • Leading Japan's quantum computer research through collaboration with D-Wave Systems.
  • Key partner in accelerating Mizuho Securities' derivative system technologies.
  • Jointly developing ADAS-targeted AI tools with Renesas Electronics.
  • Provided technical cooperation for US Air Force Research Lab's large-scale PS3 cluster construction.
  • Officially provided proprietary image processing technology to OpenCV project.
  • Deepening collaborations with medical institutions domestically and internationally in AI breast cancer diagnosis support business.
  • Entry into autonomous driving field keyed by establishment of joint venture with NexyTech Electronics.
  • Strengthening international expansion with US subsidiary Fixstars Solutions in Colorado.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Technological advancements in quantum computing practicalization
  • Expansion of autonomous driving market and increasing ADAS demand
  • Multi-field applications of AI and deep learning technologies
  • Advanced communication networks via 5G/6G
  • Continued expansion of cloud service utilization
  • Deepening of global technology collaborations
  • Stabilization of semiconductor and electronic component supply-demand
  • Promotion of industrial digital transformation
  • Expanding adoption of energy-saving and environmentally considerate technologies
  • Evolution of new materials and hardware technologies
  • Aggressive R&D investments
  • Strengthening of highly specialized talent acquisition

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve over 5 billion yen in sales from quantum computing business
  • Establish position as major supplier in autonomous driving field
  • Capture top industry share in AI technology-related services
  • Build business model considerate of sustainability
  • Improve brand recognition in global markets
  • Enhance multifunctionality and convenience of cloud services
  • Create innovations through new technology development
  • Establish organization respecting diversity
  • Continuously expand social contribution activities
  • Improve employee satisfaction and strengthen talent development

Business Segments

Embedded Software Development

Overview
Provides safe and high-speed embedded software development for automotive and industrial equipment.
Competitiveness
Optimization technology for diverse processors and high reliability
Customers
  • Automotive manufacturers
  • Industrial equipment manufacturers
  • Financial institutions
  • Medical equipment manufacturers
  • Semiconductor companies
  • Machinery manufacturers
Products
  • Embedded system acceleration services
  • In-vehicle software development
  • Firmware development
  • Distributed processing systems
  • FPGA design support

Quantum Computing Utilization Support

Overview
Support services to promote the introduction and utilization of quantum computing.
Competitiveness
Advanced service deployment through collaboration with D-Wave
Customers
  • Advanced research institutions
  • Venture companies
  • Financial institutions
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Information and communications companies
Products
  • Quantum algorithm development support
  • Quantum computing cloud provision
  • Hybrid computing platform
  • Quantum software development environment

AI and Deep Learning Support

Overview
Deploys services specialized in AI development efficiency and medical field support.
Competitiveness
Highly specialized AI evaluation and medical technology
Customers
  • Software development companies
  • Medical institutions
  • Financial institutions
  • Autonomous driving-related companies
Products
  • AI code automatic evaluation tool
  • Medical image analysis AI
  • AI model development support

Autonomous Driving Software Development

Overview
Provides advanced software development for ADAS and autonomous driving areas.
Competitiveness
Optimal technology through joint development with Renesas
Customers
  • Automotive manufacturers
  • Autonomous driving technology developers
  • Public transportation operators
Products
  • Autonomous driving software development
  • ADAS-compatible AI tools
  • Sensor integration systems

Cloud Service Provision

Overview
Deploys cloud services in quantum computing and AI fields.
Competitiveness
Diverse service lineup and technology collaborations
Customers
  • Research institutions
  • Financial industry
  • IT companies
Products
  • Quantum computing cloud
  • AI code evaluation platform
  • Medical image diagnosis cloud

FPGA Design and Development Support

Overview
Provides FPGA technology support for acceleration in finance and HPC fields.
Competitiveness
High-performance design expertise and track record
Customers
  • Financial institutions
  • HPC system companies
  • Semiconductor manufacturers
Products
  • FPGA accelerator design
  • High-speed trading system support

Image Processing Algorithm Development

Overview
Supports the development and application of advanced image analysis technologies.
Competitiveness
Track record of implementation in OpenCV
Customers
  • Video-related companies
  • Medical institutions
  • Manufacturing companies
Products
  • High-performance image processing software
  • AI image recognition support

Software Development Management Support

Overview
Provides support for software development efficiency using AI.
Competitiveness
Advanced evaluation technology through Sider business
Customers
  • IT companies
  • Software development companies
Products
  • AI code evaluation
  • Development progress management tools

Firmware Development for Flash Memory

Overview
Supports high-performance and highly reliable firmware development.
Competitiveness
Specialized flash memory technology
Customers
  • Flash memory manufacturers
  • Electronic equipment manufacturers
Products
  • Firmware development framework
  • Optimization technology

Consulting Services

Overview
Provides comprehensive consulting on the introduction of high-performance technologies.
Competitiveness
Support by technical experts across multiple fields
Customers
  • Corporate IT departments
  • Research institutions
Products
  • High-performance computing consulting
  • Quantum technology introduction support

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • High-speed optimization technology for diverse processors
  • Leadership in quantum computing
  • Abundant engineers and R&D capabilities
  • Diverse customer base including automotive industry
  • Business diversification through cloud services
  • International technology collaboration framework
  • High number of patents held
  • Versatility in applying AI and deep learning technologies
  • Dissemination power of in-house developed tools
  • Stable financial base
  • High product quality
  • Rapid technology response capability
  • High market share in niche markets
  • Track record in commercial use of quantum computers
  • Competitive edge through proprietary technologies

Competitive Advantages

  • Differentiation from competitors through optimization technology for diverse processors
  • Advanced quantum computing provision via collaboration with D-Wave
  • Broad service deployment from embedded to AI and cloud
  • Track record of joint development with Renesas in autonomous driving technologies
  • Improved development efficiency with proprietary acceleration tool suite
  • Provision of highly specialized AI diagnostic solutions
  • Contributions to multiple industries through high-performance FPGA and GPU development support
  • Commitment to high reliability and safety
  • Rapid response by compact and powerful technical team
  • Broad partnerships within the IT industry
  • Technology leadership in specific niche fields
  • Driving innovation through continuous R&D investment
  • Flexible responsiveness enhanced by enriched cloud infrastructure services
  • Customization capabilities tailored to customer needs
  • Building of quantum computing utilization ecosystem

Threats

  • Uncertainty in the practical implementation timeline for quantum computing
  • Accelerating technological innovation by competitors
  • Risk of outflow of highly skilled engineers
  • Regulatory changes in global markets
  • Sudden fluctuations in customer demand
  • Suppression of IT investments due to economic downturns
  • Increasing cybersecurity risks
  • Risk of delays in new technology development
  • Intensifying competition with major IT companies
  • Rapid changes in technology trends
  • Potential for patent disputes
  • Barriers to entering overseas markets

Innovations

2023: Launch of Quantum Computing Cloud Fixstars Amplify

Overview
Commercial launch of cloud service compatible with D-Wave's quantum annealing.
Impact
Expands practical utilization of quantum computing

2022: Release of AI Code Evaluation Service Siderscan

Overview
Developed and provided an AI-based software code quality analysis tool.
Impact
Contributes to improved development efficiency and quality

2021: Deployment of Breast Cancer AI Diagnosis Support Platform Smart Opinion

Overview
Advanced commercialization of AI-based breast cancer image analysis service.
Impact
Contributes to diagnosis support in medical settings

2020: Development of ADAS Software Optimization Tool for Autonomous Driving

Overview
Developed autonomous driving AI software optimization technology in collaboration with Renesas.
Impact
Shortens autonomous driving system development period

2024: Provision of GPU-Based Quantum Annealing Interoperability Platform

Overview
Launched high-performance computing platform integrating GPU and quantum annealing technologies.
Impact
Enables high-speed analysis of complex problems

2023: Enhancement of High-Speed FPGA Design Support Framework

Overview
Expanded FPGA development support for ultra-high-speed trading systems.
Impact
Contributes to improved market competitiveness

2022: Provision of Image Processing Technology to OpenCV Standard Implementation

Overview
Officially implemented proprietary image information software into OpenCV.
Impact
Promotes dissemination of image processing technology

2021: Enhancement of Quantum Computing Development Environment

Overview
Expanded quantum algorithm development support environment to improve usability.
Impact
Improves developers' work efficiency

2020: Expansion of GPU High-Speed Parallel Computing Technology

Overview
Commercialized GPU-based distributed computing optimization technology.
Impact
Improves performance of large-scale computing processes

2023: Expansion of Cloud-Based AI Code Evaluation Service

Overview
Expanded coverage areas through functional enhancements to Siderscan.
Impact
Enables support for diverse AI development

Sustainability

  • Promotion of energy-efficient software development technologies
  • Promotion of commuting reduction through remote work environment
  • Participation in sustainable social contribution programs
  • Provision of low-environmental-impact cloud services
  • Support for solving social issues through technology dissemination
  • Respect for diversity and creation of comfortable workplaces
  • Introduction of sustainable procurement standards
  • Promotion of renewable energy utilization
  • Implementation of environmental education programs internally
  • Activities to reduce waste and promote recycling