TOKYO -- Japanese telecom carrier NTT and U.S. chipmaker Intel will jointly develop technology for mass-producing next-generation semiconductors that drastically reduce power consumption by utilizing optical technology, Nikkei has learned.

SK Hynix of South Korea is also expected to participate in the initiative, which eyes countering China by cooperating in research and development of cutting-edge strategic technologies. The Japanese government will provide about 45 billion yen ($305 million) in support.