CBMM to host International Symposium on Advanced Niobium Materials & Applications in Japan

CBMM, a global leader in the production and commercialization of Niobium products, will bring together leading researchers, technology developers, and industry experts for the first edition of the Symposium on Advanced Niobium Materials & Applications, taking place at Yokohama National University on August 24-25.

The symposium will provide a unique platform for discussing how Niobium-enabled materials are advancing technologies critical to the future of energy storage, sustainable manufacturing, catalysis, electronics, and hydrogen production. By connecting academia and industry, the event aims to accelerate innovation and strengthen collaboration across the advanced materials ecosystem.

Exploring the future of energy storage

The first day of the symposium will focus on energy storage technologies, highlighting recent developments in lithium-ion batteries, Niobium-titanium oxide (NTO) materials, solid electrolytes, battery recycling, and next-generation electrode design.

Presentations from researchers and industry leaders from institutions including Yokohama National University, Hanyang University, Toshiba Corporation, UC San Diego, DENSO Corporation, and Tokyo Institute of Technology will examine pathways to improve battery performance, safety, fast charging capability, lifecycle sustainability, and total cost of ownership. A dedicated panel discussion on the future of energy storage technologies will bring together experts from academia and industry to discuss emerging trends shaping electrification and sustainable mobility.

Key topics include:

• Advanced battery materials;
• Niobium-containing cathodes and anodes;
• High-power lithium-ion batteries;
• Solid-state battery technologies;
• Battery recycling and circular economy;
• Fast charging and high-performance energy storage;
• Materials innovation for electrification

Advancing optical, catalytic and electronic materials

The second day will explore opportunities beyond batteries, focusing on the growing role of Niobium in optical, catalytic and electronic materials.

Technical sessions will showcase advances in niobate glasses, photocatalysis, industrial catalysts, electronic materials, and hydrogen-related technologies. Discussions will highlight how Niobium-containing materials can contribute to higher efficiency processes, environmental solutions, and next-generation industrial applications. Featured presentations will address:

• Water electrolysis catalysts for hydrogen production;
• Niobium oxide catalysts for industrial applications;
• Photocatalysis for green hydrogen;
• Optical materials and advanced glass technologies;
• Electronic and functional materials;
• Sustainable chemical processes;
• Decarbonization-enabling technologies.

Strengthening collaboration across the materials ecosystem

Japan plays a pivotal role in the global advanced materials and battery value chain, with world-leading expertise in battery manufacturing, electronics, catalysts, specialty chemicals, and functional materials. The symposium reflects CBMM's commitment to fostering collaboration with Japanese universities, research institutes, and industrial partners while supporting the development of high-value applications enabled by Niobium.

By creating a forum for knowledge exchange and technical discussion, the event will provide participants with insights into emerging research directions, commercial opportunities, and innovation pathways across multiple industries.

About the Symposium

The Symposium on Advanced Niobium Materials & Applications will be held at Yokohama National University on August 24-25 and will feature keynote lectures, technical presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with experts from academia, industry, and research organizations. The program covers energy storage, catalysis, optical materials, electronic materials, hydrogen technologies, and sustainable industrial applications.