[MI-6] Hosting 'MI Conf 2026', One of Japan's Largest Materials Informatics Conferences

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, MI-6 Inc. will host one of Japan's largest online conferences focused on Materials Informatics (MI), which accelerates the evolution of research and development. Under the theme 'The Future of R&D Driven by Data: From AI for Science to Physical AI,' we will discuss connecting data, AI, and experiments based on practical MI knowledge to pioneer the next implementation of R&D. This is a must-see event for those involved in the materials industry. MI has expanded the possibilities of data utilization in R&D. Prediction, optimization, experimental planning, and the development of data infrastructure are already being practiced in many R&D sites. Beyond that lies an era where AI connects with exploration, experimentation, measurement, and process control to drive real-world R&D. AI for Science, lab automation, and physical AI are emerging as a major trend that updates the very methods of R&D, starting from data as an extension of MI. In this fourth edition, in addition to METI, MEXT, NIMS, and Kyushu University, MI practice leaders from companies will take the stage. From the perspectives of policy, research, and business implementation, we will discuss the future of data-driven R&D, including failures and lessons learned. The knowledge of industry, government, and academia will intersect to map out the current state and future course of R&D DX. The future of R&D is not born from advanced technology alone. How do we accumulate and utilize the data, judgments, and insights born from trial and error, and connect them to the next experiment or decision-making? By accumulating strategies and know-how to deploy technology as an organization, in addition to individual researchers' use of technology, a new foundation for data-driven R&D is being formed. MI Conference 2026 is a place to re-capture the future of data-driven R&D from practice. Date and Time: Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 13:00-17:00 (Online). Speakers include representatives from METI, MEXT, Mr. Minoru Natsume of Asahi Kasei, Mr. Masanobu Naito of NIMS, Mr. Akihide Osako of Prospira, Prof. Hitoshi Yamazaki of Kyushu University, and Mr. Mitsuru Ohno of Daicel.