Cosmo Energy Holdings, Databricks, and Shiga University Partner to Cultivate Talent with Data and AI Expertise

November 28, 2025

Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd.

Databricks, Inc.

National University Corporation Shiga University

Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd. (hereafter, “Cosmo Energy Holdings”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a partnership with Databricks, Inc. (head office: San Francisco, California, USA; hereafter, “Databricks”), a data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) company, and National University Corporation Shiga University (head office: Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture; hereafter, “Shiga University”) to help cultivate the next generation of data and AI experts in Japan. Under this partnership, the three parties will launch a practical, data-driven, and solutions-focused course for students from Shiga University's Graduate School of Data Science, beginning in January 2026. The course will help students tackle real-world business challenges faced by the Cosmo Energy Group while leveraging Databricks' industry-leading data and AI training curriculum.

This initiative marks the first time that Shiga University's Graduate School of Data Science has collaborated with a tech company and corporate partner at the same time. Through the course, the three parties will directly address the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s agenda to cultivate digital talent in Japan by providing students with hands-on learning opportunities in data engineering, data analytics, generative AI, and AI agents.

Course participants will have the chance to gain practical skills through comprehensive training provided by Databricks experts, utilizing Databricks Free Edition—a new program that allows students and universities to access all features of the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform free of charge. Students will also learn about Databricks' flagship AI solution, Agent Bricks, which supports companies in building production-grade AI agents based on their own enterprise data. They will then apply the skills they have acquired to real-world challenges, including forecasting electricity demand using sample data provided by Cosmo Energy Holdings and building an operations manual AI agent on Databricks.

▪️Comments from Company Representatives

Mr. Toshifumi Sasa, Representative Director and President of Databricks Japan K.K.:

“Developing human resources with data and AI skills to shape Japan’s future is central to our company’s mission and ongoing investment in the country. Through this partnership, we are committed to giving students the tools and confidence they need to serve as leaders in an era in which AI applications and AI agents are transforming business.”

Mr. Akimichi Takemura, President of Shiga University:

“With the rapid development of AI and its growing application across society, acquiring not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills has become increasingly important. While our graduate school has long provided education on AI theory and its applications, this partnership with Databricks and Cosmo Energy Holdings will further enhance the practical aspects. It is extremely valuable for students to gain hands-on experience utilizing real data and a cutting-edge platform.”

Dr. Noriko Rzonka, Senior Executive Officer and Chief Digital Officer of Cosmo Energy Holdings:

“At Cosmo Energy Holdings, we are committed to driving innovations that benefit society. By integrating real-world corporate challenges into an educational setting, we help students gain practical experience in utilizing data and AI while producing meaningful results.”

▪️Overview of Each Company

About Databricks

Databricks is a data and AI company. Today, more than 20,000 organizations worldwide—including Adidas, AT&T, Bayer, Block, Mastercard, Rivian, Unilever, and over 60% of Fortune 500 companies—rely on Databricks for data and AI application, analytics, and the building and scaling of AI agents. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, with over 30 offices around the world, Databricks offers its Data Intelligence Platform, which unifies Agent Bricks, Lakeflow, Lakehouse, Lakebase, Unity Catalog, and other tools.

For further details, please visit Databricks’ corporate website: https://www.databricks.com/

About Shiga University

Shiga University’s Faculty of Data Science was established in 2017 as Japan's first national center for education and research in data science to lead the Society 5.0 era. The university is also home to a Faculty of Economics that engages in highly specialized education and research in the field of economics, grounded in a global perspective and a deep understanding of Omi’s history and culture, as well as a Faculty of Education that trains teachers who will nurture the next generation.

 
As a hub of knowledge expanding “from lake country to the world,” Shiga University is committed to inheriting, developing, and sharing knowledge. In this transitional phase toward a new normal, it is actively building networks with the public, local communities, and industry to contribute to the sustainable development of society. The institution is also dedicated to creating new forms of value for a global society while cultivating highly skilled human resources to support this effort.

About the Cosmo Energy Group

The Cosmo Energy Group’s business activities span the entire energy supply chain, from crude oil development in the Middle East to oil refining in Japan and the domestic and international sale of petroleum products. The Group also provides a broad range of energy indispensable to communities worldwide, including through its petrochemical and wind power generation businesses. Its overarching mission is to contribute to society by delivering a safe and stable energy supply, through measures such as diversifying procurement regions and establishing a rapid supply system in the event of a disaster. As a group of companies entrusted with managing the planet’s finite energy resources, the Cosmo Energy Group is likewise committed to sustainable development, factoring in both environmental and social considerations.