Cosmo to Invest in KYOTO-iCAP-Established Fund~Signs LPA to Advance Next-Generation Businesses in Energy, Healthcare, Biotech, and AI~

March 16, 2026

Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd.

Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd.

Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd. (hereafter, “Cosmo Energy Holdings”) announced that, as part of its commitment to commercializing next-generation businesses—including in the new energy sector—it has decided to invest in Innovation Kyoto 2026 Investment Limited Partnership, a fund to be established by Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. (hereafter, “KYOTO-iCAP”). The two parties concluded a limited partnership agreement (LPA) on March 9, representing the Cosmo Energy Group’s first capital contribution to a startup-focused fund.

■ Background and Purpose of the Investment

The Cosmo Energy Group is working to commercialize next-generation businesses, including in energy fields such as biofuels, greenhouse gas reduction, and hydrogen, in order to “strengthen the competitiveness of its Oil Business and pursue low carbonization,” as set forth in Vision 2030, which outlines its medium- to long-term goals. As part of this strategy, Cosmo Energy Holdings has decided to participate in KYOTO-iCAP's startup investment fund—not just to expand its existing businesses, but to explore a wide range of opportunities for future business development.

As a venture capital firm 100% funded by Kyoto University, KYOTO-iCAP boasts an extensive track record of investing in cutting-edge technological fields including energy, materials, biotech, and AI/IoT, backed by a framework that ensures long-term, hands-on support. Through this collaboration, the Cosmo Energy Group aims to build a strong partnership to address technological challenges and create synergies not only in its core energy businesses but also in other fields such as healthcare, food, and AI/IoT.

Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd., a Cosmo Energy Group company, concluded a three-year comprehensive partnership agreement with National University Corporation Kyoto University in March 2023^*. Under this agreement, the parties are exploring the joint development of technologies to ensure the stable supply of next-generation energy, aiming to create new businesses that contribute to achieving net zero carbon emissions. This latest investment and partnership is positioned to strengthen technological cooperation between the Cosmo Energy Group and Kyoto University.

■ Benefits of Investing in the Fund

Through this investment and partnership, Cosmo Energy Holdings will leverage KYOTO-iCAP’s network of startups, academic institutions, and participating companies, with efforts centered on cutting-edge technologies originating from universities. This will enable the Company to commercialize a broad range of next-generation businesses not only in the decarbonization and energy sectors but also in fields such as healthcare, biotech, and AI. Furthermore, by participating in KYOTO-iCAP’s advisory committee and taking advantage of secondment opportunities, the Company aims to enhance its expertise in investment operations and strengthen its industry network.

■ Future Outlook

Through this partnership, Cosmo Energy Holdings will actively collaborate with KYOTO-iCAP’s diverse portfolio of startups, focusing on technological innovations that support decarbonization while helping to realize a sustainable society and create new value through industry-academia collaboration.