Cosmo Energy Holdings, Databricks, and Shiga University Jointly Conduct Practical Course for Graduate Students: “Business Data Science with Machine Learning and Generative AI”

September 15, 2026

Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd.

Databricks, Inc.

National University Corporation Shiga University

Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd. (hereafter, “Cosmo Energy Holdings”), 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”) jointly conducted a practical course for graduate students at Shiga University, entitled “Business Data Science with Machine Learning and Generative AI” (hereafter, “the Course”), with the aim of developing highly skilled professionals in data science and generative AI.

In November 2025, the three parties entered into a partnership to help cultivate the next generation of data and AI experts in Japan*. Offered as a credit course at Shiga University under this partnership, the Course used real-world business challenges as case studies, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities using the latest data and AI technologies.

▪️Course Overview

In the Course, participants used the Databricks Data + AI Platform to gain a systematic, hands-on understanding of the technologies required to leverage enterprise data and AI, including technologies for building and scaling data and AI applications, analysis platforms, and AI agents. Drawing on the knowledge acquired through the lectures, participants conducted analyses and developed models using data provided by Cosmo Energy Holdings, gaining end-to-end experience, from problem framing and analysis through to proposing improvements and presenting their findings.

Throughout the Course, participants shared positive feedback, including comments such as, “Analyzing real-world data deepened my understanding of business challenges,” “I was able to acquire skills directly applicable to my future work,” and “I learned about practical data management and large-scale data processing that I would not have had the opportunity to experience through academic research.” In addition, by having multiple participants analyze the same data and challenges, develop proposals, and then compare and discuss their findings, the Course provided valuable opportunities for participants to recognize the importance not only of technical capabilities related to processing but also of understanding the business context and problem framing, while identifying areas for their own further development.

▪️Future Outlook

The Course is positioned as a new model for industry-academia collaboration, bringing together corporations, tech partners, and universities to deliver education that combines the latest technologies with real-world business challenges. By integrating real enterprise data and business challenges, state-of-the-art AI platform technologies, and the theoretical knowledge cultivated at universities, the Course is expected to help develop data and AI experts who can make an immediate contribution in their respective workplaces.

Going forward, the three parties will further advance practical education leveraging generative AI and AI agents based on the knowledge gained through the Course, while exploring the application of these technologies to a range of industry challenges, including those in the energy sector. Furthermore, the parties will continue to pursue initiatives that connect university education with real-world corporate challenges, contributing to the cultivation of talent capable of using data and AI to address societal challenges, as well as to wider adoption of AI across industry.

▪️Comments from Company Representatives

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

“By providing students with real-world business data and challenges, we enabled them to gain experience closely mirroring that of a corporate workplace. Through this initiative, we will continue supporting the development of talent capable of using data and AI to address societal challenges.”

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

“In the Course, participants used the Databricks Data + AI Platform and Genie, an AI assistant, to work on tasks such as building a natural language-driven demand forecasting model using real-world data provided by Cosmo Energy Holdings. We are pleased to have supported the development of the next generation of AI talent in Japan through this initiative, which demonstrates the potential of building enterprise AI.”

Mr. Akimichi Takemura, President of National University Corporation Shiga University:

“The Course provided practical learning opportunities using real-world enterprise data and state-of-the-art AI technologies. I hope that students will connect theory with practice through their learning and grow into data and AI experts who can make an even greater contribution to society.”

▪️Overview of Each Party

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 managing energy resources, the Cosmo Energy Group is likewise committed to sustainable growth, factoring in both environmental and social considerations.

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 70% of Fortune 500 companies—rely on the Databricks Data + AI Platform for data and AI applications, analytics, and the building and scaling of AI agents. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, with over 30 offices around the world, Databricks offers a platform that unifies Genie, Lakebase, Agent Bricks, Lakeflow, Lakehouse, 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.