Panasonic Energy Launches Second Phase of the MIRAI Scholarship to Cultivate Future Talent in the Battery Industry
Scenes from the award ceremony held at PEC's Vision Studio in Moriguchi, Osaka.
Pictured with PEC's CTO Mr. Watanabe, CEO Mr. Tadanobu, and CHRO Mr. Miki (back row, third to fifth from the right)
On September 19, the 2025 Panasonic Energy MIRAI Scholarship award ceremony was held, where 20 science and engineering students were officially named as recipients of the program's second cohort. Selected from over 120 applicants, these students are majoring in diverse fields, such as battery materials, energy engineering, and environmental science, and are expected to lead the future of the battery industry.
About the Panasonic Energy MIRAI Scholarship
This scholarship program was established by Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. (PEC) in 2024 to cultivate personnel that will contribute to the further development of the battery industry, one of Japan's national strategic priorities.
Notably, the program is designed to benefit the entire battery industry, not just PEC. Recipients are not required to repay the scholarship or commit to joining the company after graduation. Mr. Tadanobu, CEO of PEC and the Chairperson of the Battery Association of Japan, along with CHRO Mr. Miki are fully committed to the implementation of this program, reflecting PEC's strong intent to invest in the next generation of leaders.
Support for Research and Career Development
The scholarship targets third-year undergraduate and first-year graduate students in STEM fields related to the battery business, providing an annual stipend of 500,000 yen for up to two years.
In addition to financial support, various programs are offered to help students build engineering careers. Examples include a series of women-focused conferences designed to foster networking with female engineers at PEC, exchange events with students from Kansas State University, USA, where PEC has a plant, and ongoing community engagement with young PEC engineers.
Women-focused conference
Through these activities, scholars can interact with professionals at the forefront of the global battery industry, gaining firsthand insight into the field's appeal and latest trends.
Exchange event with students from Kansas State University(left)
Storage batteries expected to solve social issues(right)
Results from the First Cohort and Expectations for the Second
In the first cohort, scholarship recipients leveraged the program to deepen their research motivation, participate in international internships and conferences, and devote more focus to their studies thanks to increased financial flexibility. Although employment at PEC was not required, the students showed strong interest in the battery business, with four graduates joining PEC. Another four went on to pursue doctoral studies, even though they had not initially planned to do so. This brought significant benefits not only to the students and PEC, but also to the battery industry in the long term. Interactions between the scholars and young PEC employees have also broadened perspectives and enhanced motivation, leading to new collaborations. Some first-cohort participants have even volunteered to mentor and support the new cohort's research and career development.
Through this scholarship program, PEC will continue to actively support the growth and development of talent, thereby contributing to the advancement of the battery industry, under its vision of "Energy that changes the future."
<Related Link> Panasonic Energy Mirai Scholarship Website
