The 66th Battery Symposium in Japan
Symposium Chair　Nobuyuki Imanishi

I am truly delighted that we are able to hold the 66th Battery Symposium in Nagoya.

The symposium originally scheduled to take place in Nagoya in 2020 was, unfortunately, held online for the first time in its history due to the global spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, the pandemic has now subsided, and following the previous in-person conference in Kyoto, we are pleased to once again welcome participants face-to-face this year.

Battery technology is a vital foundation that supports our everyday lives, and its importance continues to grow each year. Its applications are expanding to include the realization of a carbon-neutral society, the efficient use of renewable energy, the promotion of electric mobility, and the advancement of the IoT society. The Battery Symposium aims to facilitate active discussions and the exchange of information on cutting-edge research findings and technological developments that address these evolving needs.

In recent years, the functions of this symposium have diversified. In addition to academic presentations, information sharing, and networking, the scale of exhibitions has grown annually. In fact, it has already exceeded the venue’s capacity, posing challenges for the organizing committee－yet this also reflects the increasing interest in battery technology. We hope that the introduction of new technologies and products will contribute to the practical application of research outcomes and the broader dissemination of technological innovations.

Furthermore, a job fair for students will be held concurrently. We strongly encourage students interested in the battery industry to participate, as we hope this initiative will foster stronger collaboration between academia and industry and support the development of the next generation of talent.

Aichi Prefecture, the host location, will establish the "Aichi Next-Generation Battery Promotion Consortium" at the end of 2024. This initiative will bring together industry, academia, and government to collaborate on research and development, human resource cultivation, and the concentration of manufacturing bases. This symposium is also supported by Aichi Prefecture and serves as a model case for promoting research and technological innovation through regional and academic collaboration.

The organizing committee is working diligently to ensure that this symposium becomes a meaningful platform for academic exchange and new partnerships. We look forward to welcoming many participants.