NGK Leverages Original AI to Identify Over 100 New Business Opportunities in Renewable Energy, Water Treatment, and Sensing Technologies

NGK Identifies New Business Opportunities Using Proprietary AI in Application Search

NGK INSULATORS, LTD., headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, partnered with Tokyo-based Stockmark Inc. to conduct demonstration tests using a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) system. The goal was to enhance the speed and accuracy of identifying new applications for NGK’s products and technologies. These tests have yielded promising new business proposals, marking a significant step in NGK’s product development efforts.

The AI developed by Stockmark is a Japanese Large Language Model (LLM) trained on extensive public data, including patents, research papers, social issues, and news. NGK contributed its own assets, such as detailed product and technology information—including confidential company data—as learning material. This combination enables the AI to efficiently generate proposals for new business areas aligned with market needs.

Results from the Demonstration Tests

During testing, the AI produced over 100 actionable proposals. More than 10 of these were identified as viable new business applications, covering sectors such as renewable energy, water treatment, and sensing technologies. NGK plans to integrate this AI with additional data assets, including customer information, to improve its ability to search for applications that directly address customer and market demands.

One challenge with AI-generated proposals is the risk of hallucinations—suggestions based on inaccurate or fabricated information. NGK addressed this by refining the learning materials and input data, ensuring the AI gained an accurate understanding of NGK’s products and technologies. The result was reliable identification of new applications without hallucinations.

By leveraging AI to analyze large volumes of text data, NGK reduces dependence on individual personnel expertise and cuts down the time and effort previously required. This approach allows the company to efficiently explore untapped markets where it can apply its strengths.

Strategic Alignment with NGK’s Long-Term Vision

NGK’s efforts support its Group Vision: Road to 2050, which includes the “New Value 1000” initiative aimed at generating at least 100 billion yen in net sales from new business by 2030. The company is transitioning its business structure toward carbon neutrality and digital society sectors. Digital transformation (DX) is a key driver in this shift, with AI playing an essential role in accelerating innovation and new product development.

NGK will continue advancing DX initiatives while focusing on products and businesses that contribute to sustainable growth and environmental goals.

About NGK Insulators

Founded in 1919, NGK INSULATORS is a leader in ceramic technology with a global presence in over 20 countries. The company’s products address social issues across mobility, energy, IoT, and industrial sectors. NGK is one of the largest manufacturers of ceramic substrates for automotive catalytic converters and has expanded into energy storage solutions, including NAS batteries and the EnerCera lithium-ion battery line.

Focusing on carbon neutrality and digital society, NGK aims to achieve 80% of total sales in these fields while reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The company remains committed to delivering innovative products that support social infrastructure and environmental preservation.