Dr. Sachio Semmoto has a special relationship with the Warren B. Nelms Institute for the Connected World—he was instrumental in its creation and has continued to support it with a generous gift of $1.5 million, creating the Semmoto Professorship of IoT. The Semmoto Professor also serves as the Director of the institute.
Dr. Semmoto earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Kyoto University, Japan, in 1966, and his master’s and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Florida in 1968 and 1971, respectively.
Dr. Semmoto began his career as a serial entrepreneur at Nippon Telegraph & Telephone (NTT), where he led the development of Japan’s first optical fiber system. He went on to co-found DDI Corporation, the first privately-held telephone company in Japan, and then founded eAccess Ltd., a mobile network operator. In 2005, Semmoto founded his fifth start-up company, eMobile.
With a propensity to create new systems for future generations, Semmoto is a founder of Eco-Power Co., Ltd., Japan’s first wind-power generating company, and has helped lead the movement for eco-friendly technology in Japan. Semmoto’s entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to co-found the Japan Academic Society of Ventures and Entrepreneurs so he could help others commercialize their inventions.
A distinguished alumnus, Semmoto generously supports the next generation of Gator engineers, including through the Dr. Sachio Semmoto Professorship in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He has served as a member of the UF Foundation Board of Directors, UF Alumni Association, Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board and as founding member of the Japan Gator Club. The institute thanks Sachio and Frances Semmoto for their generosity and their bold leadership.
