Month: 2025-04

TOKYO, Mar 31, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NTT Corporation, Biome Inc., NTT Com, NTT COMWARE, NTT DATA and NTT DOCOMO announced today that they have jointly begun developing technology enabling the large-scale estimation*1 of vegetation*2 and biological organisms through remote sensing*3. By combining NTT Group's assets, including satellite image data analysis technology,*4 with Biome's real-time “BiomeDB” database of organisms, one of the largest in Japan with over 8.5 million entries, they aim to establish comprehensive and continuous methods for collecting and analyzing data related to vegetation and organisms. This initiative will support biodiversity monitoring and contribute to achieving a nature-positive*5 society.1. BackgroundOf the total value added*6 within the global economy, some USD 44 trillion (almost half of global GDP), depends on natural capital*7 such as forests and soil. However, the degradation of biodiversity, which supports this natural capital, is progressing at an unprecedented rate*8. Against this backdrop, interest in biodiversity conservation and the nature-positive sector has been rising globally, especially following the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework*9 at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2022.In Japan, the government has formulated its Nature Positive Economy Transition Strategy*10, and there is an expectation for diverse stakeholders, including businesses, government, and citizens, to work towards realizing a nature-positive economy. To achieve this, companies need to understand and assess the current state of natural capital and engage in continuous monitoring and conservation activities based on international demands from bodies such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)*11. However, relying solely on open data for understanding and monitoring can sometimes be insufficient in terms of update frequency and accuracy, necessitating the continuation of resource-intensive on-site surveys. To address these challenges, the six companies behind this initiative are initiating a demonstration project.2. Project outlinea. ActivitiesIn addition to utilizing satellite image data, biological data held by Biome and actual field data, such as vegetation and biological data owned by local governments, the project will estimate the vegetation, species composition, and distribution in specific regions based on high-frequency, broad coverage across Japan, with a granularity aligned with international frameworks and standards.b. Field demonstrationsAt “Docomo Sennan Horigo no Mori” forest in Sennan City, Osaka managed by NTT Docomo starting in January 2025Objective: To verify the feasibility of using satellites to track the condition of forests and surrounding ecosystems.Through this demonstration, NTT Docomo will explore new methods of visualizing biodiversity and conducting long-term monitoring to promote the conservation of the forest, which has been certified as a “Nature Coexistence Site”*12 by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan. Additionally, they will evaluate the potential for utilizing these methods for future monitoring around Docomo's base stations.At the Asahi Forest in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, managed by Asahi Group Japan starting in April 2025Objective: To verify large-scale estimation technology and establish business use cases.Through this demonstration, Asahi Group Japan will conduct verification to explore new methods for the sustainable visualization of biodiversity and long-term monitoring of the forest based on Asahi Group Environmental Principles.3. Roles of each memberNTT Corp:Overall project managementBiome Inc.:Provision of ecosystem data, sharing of insights on biodiversity, and exploration of service commercializationNTT Com:Implementation of field demonstrations, exploration of business use cases, and consideration of service commercializationNTT COMWARE:Comprehensive data analysis and accuracy verificationNTT DATA:Provision of high-resolution satellite image data (AW3D)*13NTT DOCOMO:Provision of field sites and verification of business use cases4. Future developmentGoing forward, the participating companies will explore specific business use cases such as formulating “landscape strategies”*14 for local governments, supporting companies in transitioning to nature-positive management, and assisting in data collection for the preparation of companies' integrated reports. Additionally, they will conduct discussions with a wide range of local governments and companies with the aim of developing a high-coverage, high-accuracy biodiversity platform that can help support their biodiversity strategy development and quantitative evaluation of natural capital.In conjunction with the commencement of this development, NTT DOCOMO Ventures, an NTT Group corporate venture capital firm, has invested in Biome through a fund it manages*15. With this investment, the collaboration between Biome and NTT Group will be strengthened, creating new value through the exploration of nature-positive business opportunities and collaborative research.(1) Broad-area estimation involves analyzing data obtained from instruments such as satellites and aircraft to assess conditions over large areas.(2) Vegetation refers to the range of plant species in a particular area on the Earth's land surfaces, such as forests, grasslands, croplands, and wastelands.(3) Remote sensing is a technology used to measure the shape and characteristics of objects from a distance.(4) NTT Group provides satellite data under its space business brand “NTT C89,” which stands for the NTT CONSTELLATION 89 PROJECT, an initiative aimed at expanding its space-related business and contributing to the overall development of the space industry through the provision of solutions. NTT C89 is a trademark of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation.URL: New windowhttps://group.ntt/en/aerospace/(5) Nature-positive refers to the concept of halting biodiversity loss and stimulating recovery.(6) The total added value refers to the total amount of value created by companies through their business activities.(7) Reference: PDFNature Positive Economy Transition Strategy, Ministry of Environment, Government of Japan(8) Reference: PDFGlobal Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, IPBES(9) The “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework” is a new set of global biodiversity targets adopted in December 2022. Its mission for 2030 is to “halt and reverse biodiversity loss,” essentially aiming for a “nature-positive” outcome, which involves the restoration and enhancement of natural ecosystems.(10) Japan's “Transition Strategies toward Nature Positive Economy,” approved by the Cabinet in March 2024, outlines a vision and pathway for transitioning to an economy that conserves nature by changing the behaviors of businesses, financial institutions, and consumers.(11) TNFD is an international initiative aimed at developing a framework for companies and organizations to assess and disclose the impact of their economic activities on the natural environment and biodiversity.(12) Nature Coexistence Site is an area recognized by the Japanese government where biodiversity conservation is achieved through private initiatives and other efforts. These designated areas, excluding overlaps with protected areas, are registered in the international database as OECM (Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures). Source: Ministry of Environment of Japan.(13) AW3D: a 3D digital world map - see New window https://www.aw3d.jp/en/(14) A landscape strategy is an approach that comprehensively addresses various human activities and the natural environment within a specific region or space, based on land and spatial planning, to solve challenges.(15) Press release: March 27, 2025 NTT & NTT DOCOMO VENTURES “New window Investment in Biome Inc., Biodiversity Big Data Platform Operator”About NTTNTT contributes to a sustainable society through the power of innovation. We are a leading global technology company providing services to consumers and businesses as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications, and consulting provider. Our offerings include digital business consulting, managed application services, workplace and cloud solutions, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. We are over $97B in revenue and 330,000 employees, with $3.6B in annual R&D investments. Our operations span across 80+ countries and regions, allowing us to serve clients in over 190 of them. We serve over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, thousands of other enterprise and government clients and millions of consumers.About Biome Inc.Biome Inc., one of Japan's largest biodiversity databases, accelerates biodiversity data collection, real-time monitoring, and species conservation through an engaging and accessible gamified citizen science platform. Millions of data points are validated using state-of-the-art, AI-driven technologies, which are refined and verified by local biologists and experts.Our services connect species presence and distribution predictions to key metrics such as extinction risks, ecosystem condition indicators, and impact analyses. By doing so, Biome Inc. has supported over 400 projects across Japan and Asia, spanning public, corporate, and financial initiatives, as well as reporting for disclosures, conservation efforts, and nature-positive targets.biome.co.jp/en/About NTT CommunicationsFounded in 1999, NTT Communications provides a comprehensive range of ICT services, leveraging our leading-edge infrastructure and technical expertise. Our solutions span networks, cloud, data centers, applications, security, and AI. In 2022, we became the core provider of enterprise services within the NTT DOCOMO Group. Under the "docomo business" brand, we drive the global-scale transformation of industries by utilizing 5G, IoT, and other advanced technologies. We also support the creation of new workstyles and the digital transformation of local communities. https://www.ntt.com/en/index.htmlAbout NTT COMWARENTT COMWARE envisions a future that is friendly to people and society and contributes to the realization of an affluent world where people can connect each other. NTT COMWARE will enhance its network platform for the next generation, bring about social and industrial structural changes, drive business expansion of the DOCOMO Group, and promote DX of the NTT Group based on the quality and reliability that have supported Japan's social infrastructure. For details, please visit here.https://www.nttcom.co.jp/english/about/value/About NTT DATANTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. Visit us at nttdata.com.About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 90 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,” DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society.https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/ Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Mar 31, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The TANAKA Memorial Foundation’s Representative Director, Hideya Okamoto, announced the recipients of the FY2024 Precious Metals Research Grants.Following a rigorous screening process, Ichiro Tanaka Awards, for 3 million yen each, were presented to Assistant Professor Akihiro Ishii of Tohoku University and Professor Yu Matsuda of Waseda University. In addition, three research projects received the Innovative Precious Metals Award, and six KIRAMEKI Awards were presented.The TANAKA Memorial Foundation undertakes programs designed to foster developments in new precious metal fields while contributing to the advancement of science, technology, and socio-economics for the overall enrichment of society. The research grant program was launched in FY1999 and has continued each year since with the goal of supporting the various challenges of the “new world opened up by precious metals. “Forging a better tomorrow with ‘Hirameki’ and ‘Kirameki’" was adopted as the catchphrase for this year, the program’s 26th year. Applications were invited for research and development themes that contribute toward the continued creation of a better future using the creativity of researchers and the potential of precious metals. As a result, a total of 238 applications were received, and a total of 27 research grants of 19.8 million yen was awarded.The names of the recipients of the Ichiro Tanaka Award, their research, and the reasons for their selection are below.Ichiro Tanaka AwardAssistant Professor Akihiro Ishii of Tohoku UniversityNew developments in Half-Heusler compounds as highly refractive transparent materialsThis research led to the theoretical discovery that Half-Heusler compounds, including rhodium, iridium, platinum, gold, and other precious metals, become highly refractive materials that are transparent in the near infrared range. The research was highly rated for presenting a new method for using precious metals, and for its possible application to a wide range of technologies, including sensors for use in photoelectric conversion devices and automated driving technologies, and exposure equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing.Ichiro Tanaka AwardProfessor Yu Matsuda of Waseda UniversityEstablishment of a temperature measurement technique for highly efficient operation of cryogenic fluids using ruthenium complexesThis research seeks to develop a technique for measuring temperature distribution observed in the cryogenic range, which is not possible using infrared light, by using the fluorescence of ruthenium complexes. With increasing demand for liquefied natural gas and liquid hydrogen over recent years, the research was highly rated for presenting an innovative technique able to measure the temperature distribution data required when designing equipment for improving the efficiency of transporting and operating such materials, and as research and development that can contribute significantly toward carbon neutrality.Three Innovative Precious Metals Awards, six KIRAMEKI Awards, and 16 HIRAMEKI Awards were also granted. The recipients and an overview of the Precious Metals Research Grants are indicated below. Applications for the FY2025 research grants are scheduled to open in the fall.List of FY2024 Precious Metals Research Grants RecipientsOverview of the 2024 Precious Metals Research GrantsConditionsNew research and development that uses precious metals or can be applied to precious metals, contributes to the creation of a sustainable future, and falls under any of the following- New technology related to precious metals (new materials, processing methods, process development, etc.)- Research that brings about innovative evolution in product development (new functions, process development, computational science, etc.)- Research and development of new products using precious metals- Effective technologies for creating a well-balanced and prosperous society* Precious metal refers to eight elements of platinum, gold, silver, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium and osmium.* If development is conducted jointly (or planned to be) with other material manufacturers, please indicate so.* Products that have already been commercialized, put to practical use, or that are planned are not eligible.Grant Amounts (Maximum amounts from a grant pool of 20 million yen)Umekichi Tanaka Award10 million yenIchiro Tanaka Award (Previously Gold Award)3 million yenInnovative Precious Metals Award (Previously Silver Award)1 million yenKIRAMEKI Award (Previously Young Researcher Award)1 million yenHIRAMEKI Award (Previously TANAKA Special Award)300,000 yen*The grant amount is treated as a scholarship donation.*Awards may not be granted in some cases.Note: Names of the Gold Award, Silver Award, Young Researcher Award, and TANAKA Special Award have changed from this year.Eligible Candidates- Personnel who belong to (or work for) educational institutions in Japan (universities, graduate schools, or technical colleges) or public and related research institutions may participate.*As long as the applicant is affiliated with a research institution in Japan, the base of activity can be in Japan or overseas.*The KIRAMEKI Awards are for researchers under the age of 37 as of April 1, 2024.Application Period- 9am, September 2, 2024 (Mon) - 5pm, November 30, 2024 (Sat)Inquiries Concerning the Research Grant ProgramPrecious Metals Research Grants OfficeGlobal Marketing / R&D Supervisory Department, TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.2-6-6 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0025E-mail: joseikin@ml.tanaka.co.jpTANAKA Memorial Foundation website: https://tanaka-foundation.or.jpTANAKA Memorial FoundationOrganization Name: TANAKA Kikinzoku Memorial FoundationAddress: 22F Tokyo Building, 2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, TokyoRepresentative: Hideya Okamoto (Special Advisor, TANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd.)Incorporated: 2015Purpose of Business: To provide grants for research related to precious metals to contribute to the development and cultivation of new fields for precious metals, and to the development of science, technology, and the social economy.Areas of Business: Provision of grants for scientific and technological research related to precious metals. Recognition of excellent analysis of precious metals and holding of seminars and other events.TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.Headquarters: 2-6-6 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, TokyoRepresentative: Koichiro Tanaka, Group CEOFounded: 1885Incorporated: 1918Capital: 500 million yenEmployees: 2,798 (Including overseas subsidiaries) (December 31, 2024)Sales: 353,213,723,000 yen (FY2024)Main businesses: Manufacture, sales, import and export of precious metals (platinum, gold, silver, and others) and various types of industrial precious metals products.URL: https://tanaka-preciousmetals.comPress InquiriesTANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd.https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20250331_EN.pdf Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Mar 31, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Faster and highly accurate AI models will be available and accessible to students through a strategic partnership between global digital transformation leader, Fujitsu, and Macquarie University.The collaboration, formed through an established strategic partnership, will offer university-developed AI micro credentials via Macquarie University’s online learning platforms as well as popular platforms including LinkedIn Learning and Udemy, allowing students, researchers and industry professionals around the world access to Fujitsu’s proprietary AutoML technology while developing valuable knowledge and skills in automated machine learning.The new four-week online course, “Fujitsu AutoML: Mastering Automated Machine Learning” will open for registrations. The course is tailored to bridge the gap in AI education and will teach basic theory with practical exercises on topics including automated machine learning, models and algorithms using the Fujitsu AutoML tool.Accelerating AI implementation process with Fujitsu AutoML technologyThe Fujitsu AutoML technology speeds up analysis by evaluating the most promising machine learning pipelines, rather than all combinations of possible outcomes. The technology also enhances transparency for data-driven decision-making by showing users how the AI model is built.Fujitsu AutoML is an integral component of Fujitsu’s cloud-based AI Platform, Fujitsu Kozuchi, which enables rapid development, testing, and implementation of AI across seven areas: Generative AI, AutoML, predictive analytics, text, vision, AI trust, explainable AI.Mahesh Krishnan, Chief Technology Officer for Oceania at Fujitsu, said, “Collaboration between universities and technology firms like Fujitsu are essential in bridging the gap between the growing demand for AI experts and the limited supply of skilled technology professionals.“Fewer than 8.5% of Australian graduates hold an engineering qualification, ranking Australia sixth lowest among OECD countries. This impacts the ability for Australian organisations to effectively implement artificial intelligence solutions, to innovate, and stay competitive.(1)“Fujitsu is teaming up with Macquarie University to nurture the next generation of leaders with expertise in new and emerging areas of technology, including Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, to help solve real-world problems. We’re also doing it just when the market needs it the most.”Professor Amin Beheshti, Director of the Centre for Applied AI at Macquarie University sees wide-ranging positive impacts for this new course, “Macquarie is the home of Fujitsu's first Small Research Lab in the Southern Hemisphere. Now, we're joining forces to give students a leg up in the booming area of AI.”“This collaboration with Fujitsu is not just about addressing the immediate need for skilled machine learning engineers. It's about paving the way for future innovations. We’re also contributing to the research exploring how Generative AI can transform the field of automated machine learning. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to advancing knowledge in AI and shaping the future of technology.”The Fujitsu Macquarie AI Research Lab, established at Macquarie University, has paved the way for deeper industry-academia collaboration and innovation. Tapping into Macquarie University’s advanced research capabilities and Fujitsu’s expertise in AI technology, the Fujitsu AutoML collaboration aims to democratise AI education. By empowering students, researchers, and industry professionals with practical knowledge of automated machine learning, this initiative will bridge the gap between theory and real-world machine learning applications.This collaboration with Macquarie University underscores Fujitsu's ongoing commitment to advancing AI education and innovation. Fujitsu recently introduced a multi-AI agent security technology within its AI platform, Fujitsu Kozuchi, designed to proactively defend against cyber threats.In addition, Fujitsu is advancing video analytics through several key initiatives. This includes the development of an AI agent for video analytics that enhances workplace safety and efficiency by analysing long-duration video footage. Fujitsu has also partnered with Linius Technologies to expand these capabilities, delivering AI-powered insights from video data to improve safety and security across various sectors and environments.(1) Source :https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/about-engineering/statisticsAbout FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.