The core competence of the Japanese company, established in 1959 and headquartered in Kyoto, is its original product: technical ceramics. The founder of KYOCERA (Kyoto Ceramics), Dr. Kazuo Inamori, recognized the immense future potential of this highly versatile material. KYOCERA is now one of the world's foremost manufacturers of fine-ceramic components for the information and communications industries.

The activities of the KYOCERA Group, which currently comprises of 189 individual enterprises, are centered primarily on three areas: information and communications technology, environmental preservation and quality of life. This includes strategically important business units such as telecommunications, document management, products aimed at increasing the quality of life (in the medical sector, for example, fine-ceramic implants), and solar power systems. The company is also one of the world's leading producers of solar modules. Its corporate slogan, "The New Value Frontier", lends expression to KYOCERA's continuous commitment to maintaining innovative strength and forging ahead with technological development.

With consolidated net sales totaling to 1,290 billion YEN in fiscal year 2008 (7th April 2007 – 31st March 2008) and more than 66,000 employees on its payroll, KYOCERA is among the top 500 most valuable companies worldwide (Business Week). The numerous subsidiaries in Europe are dedicated to the sales and marketing of laser printers and copier / multifunctional products, as well as office document solutions, microelectronic components, fine-ceramic products and solar modules.

According to Dr. Inamori, a corporation should act eco-friendly and socially. KYOCERA supports this by many activities. The worldwide Kyoto Prize is one well-known example that derives from this philosophy: Founded by Dr. Inamori, the Kyoto Prize awards outstanding achievements in the categories advanced technology, basic sciences and arts & philosophy with 50 Million Yen (approx. 300,000 Euro) per category.