-

Dr. Akira Yoshino Chosen for the Grand Prize of the VinFuture Prize

original Dr. Yoshino at the Award Ceremony (Photo: Business Wire)

Dr. Yoshino at the Award Ceremony (Photo: Business Wire)

TOKYO & HANOI, Vietnam--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Asahi Kasei Honorary Fellow Dr. Akira Yoshino has been chosen for the Grand Prize of the 2023 VinFuture Prize in recognition of his contributions to the invention of lithium-ion battery (LIB).

Dr. Yoshino invented a completely new combination of carbon for the negative electrode and LiCoO2 (lithium cobalt oxide) for the positive electrode, developed the fundamental technology for the LIB which uses aluminum as positive current collector material, and fabricated the world's first LIB cell. He also developed other technologies that were essential for the successful commercialization of the LIB, including technology for fabricating electrodes, technology for assembling batteries, and other technology that made the LIB possible as a small, lightweight rechargeable battery.

Asahi Kasei Honorary Fellow Dr. Akira Yoshino commented, "It is truly a great honor for me to receive this prestigious prize. The lithium-ion battery that I invented has not only made mobile IT possible throughout society, now it is also making sustainability possible for the future. The LIB will play an increasingly important role in enabling the efficient and effective use of renewable energy for transportation and many other applications."

The VinFuture Prize, established in 2020 by the VinFuture Foundation in Vietnam, is an award that honors exceptional inventors and researchers from academic institutions, research centers, and the industrial sector worldwide. It is dedicated to celebrating groundbreaking scientific research and technological innovations that bring significant and positive changes to the everyday lives of many people.

The LIB greatly contributed to the widespread adoption of mobile information and communication devices throughout the world. It is currently being increasingly adopted in electric vehicles and energy storage systems that support the world's sustainability.

The 2023 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony was held on December 20, 2023, in Hanoi, Vietnam. For more information, visit https://vinfutureprize.org/.

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 48,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com.

Contacts

Asahi Kasei Corp.
Ryo Kobayashi
E-mail: ak-houdou@om.asahi-kasei.co.jp

Industry:

Asahi Kasei

TOKYO:3407
Release Versions
English

Contacts

Asahi Kasei Corp.
Ryo Kobayashi
E-mail: ak-houdou@om.asahi-kasei.co.jp

More News From Asahi Kasei

Asahi Kasei Develops Novel Lithium Pre-doping Technology to Raise Energy Density and Lower Cost of Silicon-rich Lithium-ion Batteries

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Asahi Kasei(TOKYO:3407), a diversified global company, has developed a novel pre-doping technology for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with silicon-based anodes. This technology enables lithium carbonate to serve as an additional lithium source at lower voltages, reducing the permanent capacity loss that typically occurs in silicon-rich cells during the first charge–discharge cycle. Going forward, Asahi Kasei will work closely with customers worldwide to explor...

Asahi Kasei Successfully Demonstrates Biomethane Production with High Yield and High Purity Using Biogas from Organic Waste

TOKYO & NOVI, Mich. & DÜSSELDORF, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Diversified global manufacturer Asahi Kasei has successfully completed a demonstration trial of an innovative biogas purification system using zeolites in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Begun in February 2025, the trial achieved biomethane production with yield of up to 99.5% or more and purity of 97% or more. With such exceptional performance in both yield and purity, the system holds promise for the cost-effective production a...

Asahi Kasei to Acquire Calliditas Therapeutics AB to Accelerate Growth as a Global Healthcare Company

TOKYO & NEW YORK & DÜSSELDORF, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Asahi Kasei Corp. (TOKYO:3407) today announces that it will offer the shareholders of Calliditas Therapeutics AB to acquire the shares of the pharmaceutical company Calliditas for the purpose of making Calliditas a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asahi Kasei (“the Acquisition”) through a voluntary tender offer for Calliditas (“the Tender Offer”). The Tender Offer will also include a concurrent offer by Asahi Kasei to acquire all American Depos...
Back to Newsroom