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JERA Partners with UC Berkeley for Major Energy Collaboration

On April 3, 2026, JERA Co., Inc., through its U.S. subsidiary JERA Americas Inc., announced a pivotal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the esteemed University of California, Berkeley. Recognized as one of the foremost public research institutions in the United States, UC Berkeley will collaborate with JERA to create a framework focusing on education, culture, and scientific advancement in the ever-evolving energy sector.

This significant partnership aims to enhance international cooperation and foster open innovation within the energy field across the JERA Group. By leveraging JERA's extensive experience in the global energy value chain—encompassing technology, expertise, and a robust international network—the collaboration is designed to co-create groundbreaking technologies, nurture talent, and develop business initiatives that will shape the future landscape of energy systems.

The initiative will be spearheaded by JERA Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of JERA. Acting as a strategic implementation hub, JERA Ventures will facilitate connections between internal and external innovation ecosystems, transforming cutting-edge research into practical societal benefits.

UC Berkeley's role in this venture will be led by the Institute for Business Innovation (IBI) at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. The IBI is dedicated to exploring innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization through research and educational programs.

Key Areas of Focus

Under the newly established MOU, JERA and the Institute for Business Innovation will collaborate on several vital areas, which include:

• - Commercialization of Technologies: Working together on the real-world implementation of startups and innovations developed at UC Berkeley.
• - Joint Research Initiatives: Collaborating on research in crucial topics such as decarbonization, digital technologies, robotics, and physical AI.
• - Educational Program Support: Integrating JERA Group's initiatives and green transformation (GX) challenges into UC Berkeley's education and research efforts.
• - Career Development Opportunities: Exploring internship and career pathways for students to cultivate future leaders in the energy and GX sectors.

Takeshi Kodama, Head of JERA Ventures and Managing Partner, emphasized the transformative nature of the energy industry, stating, "The energy world is undergoing a profound transformation as technology, talent, and industry evolve simultaneously. Through this collaboration with UC Berkeley, we aim not only to participate in this transformation, but to help drive it. JERA Ventures will build platforms that convert research and innovation into real-world impact that creates societal value."

Chris Bush, the executive director of the Institute for Business Innovation at UC Berkeley, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency of innovation in the energy sector: "JERA's commitment to leading the energy transition and investing in research and technology solidifies its role as an invaluable partner. We look forward to engaging with JERA Ventures to transform research into practical applications and commercialize technologies ranging from new battery developments to innovative computing applications for the energy sector."

Jon Metzler, a Continuing Lecturer and Director at the Haas IBI, added that JERA's extensive resources and long-term vision make it a compelling collaborator for UC Berkeley academics and innovators focused on creating large-scale impact.

JERA's Mission and Vision

JERA is committed to addressing the world's pressing energy challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity, and energy security. The company aspires to provide reliable and affordable clean energy solutions, aiming to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions from its global operations by 2050. Through JERA Ventures, the organization will continue its collaborative efforts with other socially responsible partners to identify transformative strategies that transcend conventional approaches.

Conclusion

The partnership between JERA and UC Berkeley stands as a testament to the potential for synergistic collaboration in the energy sector. By merging JERA's industry experience with UC Berkeley's research excellence, both entities aim to propel advancements that not only benefit the energy market but also contribute positively to society at large. This collaboration could herald a new era of innovation in energy, carving a path toward a sustainable and brighter future.