NEDO successfully hosted the 23rd Foresight Seminar, focusing on the theme “Innovation in the Circular Bioeconomy” at the leading biotech incubator facility in Bay Area, MBC BioLabs. The seminar, "Innovation in the Circular Bioeconomy: From Waste to Fuels and Climate Solutions," featured insightful presentations and engaging discussions on the future of sustainable innovation. Our Director General, Sosuke Tanaka, introduced Japan's recently launched policy initiative, POWERRX

Source: California Energy Commission The presentation below provides a brief update on the electric vehicle market in California which is showing signs of rebounding amidst changes in federal policies.

NEDO members joined the 19th annual VerdeXchange Conference in Los Angeles, California where NEDO Chairman Tamotsu Saito delivered a keynote speech. Highlights from the conference have been gathered into the following presentation.

June 15, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (PDT) NEDO successfully hosted the 21st Foresight Seminar, that focused on “Innovation in Energy Use.” Innovation and development in energy use have remained major topics for many years, given their critical role in driving economic growth and sustainability. This seminar brought together leading experts and innovators from industry, academia, R&D, and the investment community to discuss how emerging technologies are creating real-world impact

Photo Credit: Sosuke Tanaka Global fuel prices have spiked since the start of the war in Iran and the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. As of May 13, the average cost of gasoline in the U.S. is $4.51 per gallon compared with $3.15 per gallon a year ago according to AAA. Drivers in California, the state with the highest fuel costs, are paying an average of $6.15 per gallon. Historically, California often has the most expensive gas with a difference consistently around