Dr. Akira Yoshino, Nobel Laureate and Lithium-Ion Battery Inventor, to Visit India for ICFAST 2025

Dr. Akira Yoshino, the 2019 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry and the inventor of the modern lithium-ion battery, is scheduled to make his first visit to India in October 2025 to give a keynote address. at the International Conference on Frontier Areas of Science & Technology (ICFAST 2025), a major science, technology, and education seminar co-hosted by the Indian JSPS Alumni Association (IJAA) and the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut.

Dr. Akira Yoshino, Nobel Laureate and inventor of the lithium-ion battery,.

This event holds special significance as it marks the 40th Anniversary of India–Japan Science & Technology Cooperation and coincides with the India–Japan Science, Technology, and Innovation Year 2025. His visit aims to strengthen academic and research collaborations between the two countries, particularly in advanced scientific fields.

In 2019, Dr. Akira Yoshino, Dr. Stanley Whittingham, and Dr. John Goodenough were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their pioneering contributions to the development of lithium-ion batteries—the revolutionary energy systems that power much of our modern world. These lightweight, rechargeable batteries have not only fueled the global boom in mobile electronics but are also playing a critical role in advancing sustainable technologies, from long-range electric vehicles to large-scale renewable energy storage.

Among the laureates, Dr. Akira Yoshino stands out for inventing and patenting the world’s first lithium-ion battery, a breakthrough that transformed how energy is stored and consumed. Over the course of his career, Dr. Yoshino has remained at the forefront of innovation, securing more than 60 patents in lithium-ion battery technology and driving continuous improvements that shape the future of clean energy.

During an interaction with media earlier Dr. Yoshino stated "Lithium-ion batteries have made today’s mobile IT society a reality. And in the future, they will play a central role in building a sustainable society. A rechargeable battery with the ability to store electricity is a key device for solving environmental problems. This became more widely recognized around 2010, when electric vehicles (EVs) came on the scene." he added "Although lithium-ion batteries alone will not solve all environmental problems, when combined with other new innovations, like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things, they will be central to building a sustainable society."

Dr Yoshino's advice to young people with aspirations to become the scientists of tomorrow. "Be curious and use your energy to develop the skills, the confidence and the knowledge to make the big discoveries and the groundbreaking inventions that will mark this century. There is plenty we don’t know yet. Invest in your future through study"

His golden words are "In principle, I don’t believe in forcing children to learn. We need to enable them to think for themselves and decide on their own path. I think that’s the best way."

Global Thought Leaders & Nobel Laureate at ICFAST 2025

A major highlight of  International Conference on Frontier Areas of Science & Technology (ICFAST 2025)— on October 10–11, 2025, at NIT Calicut, Kerala will be the keynote address by Dr. Akira Yoshino, Nobel Laureate (2019). Also the delegates attending will experience a dynamic program that includes high-level lectures, poster sessions, and showcases of innovative technologies from Japanese universities and industries, encouraging new partnerships in frontier research areas.

Advancing India–Japan Academic Partnerships

“As India and Japan celebrate 2025 as the India–Japan Science, Technology, and Innovation Year, IJAA is honored to organize this landmark seminar. We are especially delighted to welcome Dr. Akira Yoshino to India for the first time. ICFAST 2025 will be a celebration of four decades of S&T cooperation and a launchpad for the next era of collaborations,” said Prof. D. Sakthi Kumar. Chairman, IJAA ahead of the event.

About ICFAST 2025 aims to serve as a hub for breakthrough research exchanges, joint projects, and student mobility initiatives, fostering innovation-led growth between India and Japan. By bringing together scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders, the conference will reinforce both nations’ shared vision for sustainable technology and educational advancement. For more details and registration, visit www.icfast2025.com.