Cosmo Energy Group and Hokkaido University Initiate Joint Research on the Utilization of AI and Data Analytics Technologies ~Aiming to Address On-site Challenges Through Advanced Solutions and Create New Value~

January 26, 2026

Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd.

National University Corporation Hokkaido University

Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd. (hereafter, “the Company”) and National University Corporation Hokkaido University (hereafter, “Hokkaido University”) initiated joint research on January 5, 2026, aimed at creating new value by leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics technologies (hereafter, “the Joint Research Project”). The two parties have entered into a joint research agreement and, through industry-academia collaboration, aim to develop practical solutions utilizing state-of-the-art technology.

■ Background and Overview of the Joint Research Project

Under its medium- to long-term vision, “Vision 2030,” and the Seventh Consolidated Medium-Term Management Plan, “Oil & New ~Next Stage~,” the Cosmo Energy Group aims to strengthen its business competitiveness. To achieve this objective, the Group considers it essential to address material issues at the core of its businesses, including ensuring safety, providing a stable energy supply, and improving operational efficiency.

The Company is stepping up its efforts to leverage cutting-edge AI and data analytics technologies to address these issues. The business environment surrounding the Cosmo Energy Group is undergoing significant changes, such as advances in decarbonization and Japan’s shrinking workforce, requiring new approaches to balance business stability with competitiveness.

Against this backdrop, the Joint Research Project seeks to enhance the productivity of the Company’s existing businesses through the use of cutting-edge AI and data analytics technologies, while also creating new value to support next-generation energy businesses.

Hokkaido University conducts advanced research in fields such as mathematical analysis and energy engineering, and possesses strong research and development capabilities focused on the practical application of AI and data analytics technologies.

The two parties will develop practical, sustainable solutions to address real-world challenges at operating sites through empirical research. This research will combine the University’s advanced AI and data analytics technologies and theoretical expertise with the diverse practical insights gained by the Cosmo Energy Group through its business operations.

■Comments from Representatives of Each Party

Miki Haseyama, Vice President of Hokkaido University; Director of the Data-Driven Interdisciplinary Research Emergence Department (D-RED), Institute for Integrated Innovations; Director of the Education and Research Center for Mathematical and Data Science:

“I am truly honored to commence this joint research with the Cosmo Energy Group, leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this industry-academia collaboration opportunity. To date, my research has focused primarily on multimedia information processing and data analytics. By integrating the University’s strengths in AI, mathematical science, and energy science, I am confident that we can contribute to the creation of new value to address challenges at the Cosmo Energy Group's operating sites. Through this joint research, we will leverage all our expertise to develop practical solutions aimed at realizing a sustainable energy society.”

Noriko Rzonca, Senior Executive Officer and Chief Digital Officer (CDO) of Cosmo Energy Holdings:

“This latest joint research project is a strategic initiative aimed at realizing our company's 'Vision 2030' and 'Oil & New ~Next Stage~.’ By integrating cutting-edge AI and data analytics technologies with the on-site expertise we have accumulated over many years, we aim to develop practical solutions that contribute to operational safety, stable supply, and improved refinery efficiency, while also cultivating human resources capable of driving these efforts. At the same time, we seek to create new value that helps realize a sustainable society by proactively addressing societal challenges such as advancing decarbonization and changes in workforce structure.”

■Overview of Each Party

About National University Corporation Hokkaido University

As an integrated research university, National University Corporation Hokkaido University conducts advanced research across a broad range of academic fields. The University is committed to addressing societal challenges through cross-field collaboration, including advancing AI technologies, and applying them to various disciplines, as well as to conducting energy and environmental research on topics such as renewable energy and resource recycling. In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, Hokkaido University was ranked 44th out of 2,318 universities worldwide and was named the top university in Japan for the sixth consecutive year, demonstrating its globally recognized integrated research capabilities aimed at realizing a sustainable society. Through these interdisciplinary and institution-wide efforts, the University continues to strengthen its role as a leading contributor to the achievement of the SDGs.