Awards and recognitions

Various technologies of the Asahi Kasei Group are highly recognized in a wide range of fields.

Major External Commendations

Fiscal 2022

Okochi Memorial Technology Prize
Okochi Memorial Foundation
Development of propane ammoxidation catalyst and acrylonitrile manufacturing technology utilizing the catalyst

Fiscal 2020

Medal with Purple Ribbon
Government of Japan
Development of Cyclohexene Process for Cyclohexanol, an Intermediate for Production of Nylon

Fiscal 2019

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
The Development of Lithium-ion Batteries
The Order of Culture
Government of Japan
Development of Lithium-ion Battery
European Inventor Award, Non-EPO Countries
European Patent Office
Lithium-ion battery and its evolution
The Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Development of Gold–Nickel Oxide Nanoparticle Catalysts with a Core-Shell Structure
The Chemical Society of Japan
The Chemical Society of Japan
Development of Separator for High-Safety and High-Performance Lithium

Fiscal 2018

Japan Prize
The Japan Prize Foundation
Development of Lithium-ion Battery
The Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Development of Cyclohexene Process for Cyclohexanol, an Intermediate for Production of Nylon

Fiscal 2016

NIMS Award
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
Development of Lithium-ion Battery

Fiscal 2015

Medal with Purple Ribbon
Government of Japan
Development of Electronic Compass and Automatic Adjustment Method
National Commendation for Invention the Prize of the Chairman of HATSUMEI KYOKAI (JIII)
Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation
Development of gold–nickel oxide (Au–NiOx) nanoparticle catalysts with a core–shell structure

Fiscal 2014

Heroes of Chemistry Award
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Non-Phosgene Polycarbonate (PC)
The Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Prizes for Science and Technology
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Development of Electronic Compass and Automatic Adjustment Method

Fiscal 2013

The Okochi Memorial Technology Prize
Okochi Memorial Foundation
Development of production technology for virus removal filters and the establishment of a market for them
The CSJ Award for Technical Development
The Chemical Society of Japan
Development and commercialization of gold–nickel oxide (Au–NiOx) nanoparticle catalysts with a core-shell structure for methyl methacrylate (MMA) production
The Charles Stark Draper Prize
The National Academy of Engineering (US)
Engineering of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery that enables compact, lightweight mobile devices
The Global Energy Prize
Global Energy Partnership
Invention of Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, which is An Essential Element for Mobile Electronic Devices, Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Fiscal 2012

National Commendation for Invention
The Imperial Invention Prize
Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation
Automatic Adjustment Technology of Electronic Compass
The Okochi Memorial Technology Prize
Okochi Memorial Foundation
Development of a Genetically-Engineered Thrombomodulin Agent for the Treatment of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Fiscal 2011

The 11th (2011) Yamazaki-Teiichi Prize
Foundation for Promotion of Material Science and Technology of Japan (MST)
Development and Commercialization of the Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery
National Commendation for Invention
The Invention Prize
Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation
Polysulfone-Membrane Hemodialyzer

Fiscal 2010

The Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Comprehensive Research on Thrombomodulin as An Antithrombotic Molecule on Vascular Endothelial Cell

Fiscal 2009

National Commendation for Invention
The Invention Prize
Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation
Non-Fluorocarbon Gases High-Performance Phenolic Resin Foam
The Okochi Memorial Production Prize
Okochi Memorial Foundation
Development of Separator for High-Safety and High-Performance Lithium-Ion Secondary Batteries

Fiscal 2008

Medal with Purple Ribbon
Government of Japan
Development of Novel Process for Polycarbonate Production from CO2 without Using Phosgene
National Commendation for Invention
The Invention Prize
Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation
The Catalyst for the 2nd Stage Reaction in the Direct Methyl-Esterification to Produce MMA
The CSJ Award for Technical Development
The Chemical Society of Japan
Direct Methyl Esterification Route for MMA – Development of Its Catalytic Chemistry and Process Engineering –
The Award of the Society of Polymer Science, Japan
The Society of Polymer Science, Japan
Development of Microporous PE Film which Contributed to Dissemination and Innovation of Lithium-Ion Battery

Fiscal 2007

The Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Development of Novel Antileukemic Drug of N4-Behenoyl Cytosine Arabinoside
The Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Development of Novel Process for Polycarbonate Production from CO2 without Using Phosgene

Local Commendations for Invention (Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation)

Fiscal 2022

The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Hydrogenation catalyst for conjugated diene polymer

Fiscal 2021

The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Hydrogenated elastomer used in high-performance shoe midsoles

Fiscal 2020

The Prize of the Chairman of Shizuoka Institute of Invention and Innovation
Kanto
Low-temperature curable photosensitive resin composition for use as a protective film for semiconductors

Fiscal 2019

The Prize of the Chairman of Invention and Innovation
Kyushu
Ultra-Small Quantum Type Infrared Sensor Operating at Room Temperature
The Prize of the Chairman of Miyazaki Institute of Invention and Innovation
Kyushu
Electrolysis Cell And Electrolysis Tank
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Connector for 1500 DC Voltage Application in Photovoltaic Systems

Fiscal 2018

The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology Prize
Kyushu
High-Compactibility and High-Fluidity Cellulose Powder
The Prize of the Chairman of Shizuoka Institute of Invention and Innovation
Kanto
Photosensitive Resin Composition and Method for Producing Cured Relief Patter
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Low-viscosity Polyisocyanate Composition
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Industrial Process of Acrylonitrile (AN) Production Using Propane

Fiscal 2017

The Prize of the Chairman of Kanagawa Institute of Invention and Innovation
Kanto
Development of Functionalized SBR for Fuel-efficient Tire Tread
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Digital/Analog Converter and Control Method Thereof

Fiscal 2016

The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Hydrogenated Block Copolymer
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kyushu
Highly Functional Cellulose Composite
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kyushu
Body Fluid Treating Device of Hollow Fiber Membrane Type

Fiscal 2015

The Prize of the Chairman of Kyushu Industrial Technology Center
Kyushu
Blood Processing Filter
The Prize of the Chairman of Mie Institute of Invention and Innovation
Chubu
Stretched Laminated Film and Bag
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Process for Producing Long Chain N-Acyl Acidic Amino Acid
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Sealing Material for Long-life Coating
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Evaluation System for Used House

Fiscal 2014

The Encouragement Prize of Invention by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Kyushu
Cellulose Powder
The Prize of Okayama Prefectural Governor
Chugoku
Method for Producing Ethylene and Propylene
The Encouragement for Invention Prize of the Chairman of the Japan Patent
Attorneys Association
Kanto
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Having High Durability
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Flame Retardant Aromatic Polycarbonate Resin Composition
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Polyphenylene Sulfide Resin Composition

Fiscal 2013

The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Modified Conjugated Diene Polymer for Tire Tread
The Prize of Okayama Prefectural Governor
Chugoku
Process for Stabilizing Oxymethylene Copolymer

Fiscal 2012

The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Ion-exchange Membrane
The Prize of Okayama Prefectural Governor
Chugoku
Innovative Catalyst for Production of MMA by Direct Methyl-Esterification

Fiscal 2011

The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Housing Design Method Using Sunlight Simulation

Fiscal 2010

The Encouragement Prize of the Chairman of Japan Patent Attorneys Association
Kyushu
Automatic Adjustment Technology of Electronic Compass
The Encouragement of Invention Prize
Chubu
Surface-Grooving Method for ALC Wall Panels

Fiscal 2009

The Encouragement Prize of the Commissioner of Japan Patent Office
Kanto
Development of Material for Battery Case for Use in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
The Encouragement Prize of the Chairman of HATSUMEI KYOKAI (JIII)
Kyushu
Polysulfone-Membrane Hemodialyzer
The Encouragement Prize of the Chairman of HATSUMEI KYOKAI (JIII)
Kinki
Development of Comfortable Innerwear Using Composite Yarn
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Chugoku
Method of Producing Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Light Hydrocarbons
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Mechanical Coupling for Steel Pipe Pile
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Surface-Patterned Panels for Exterior Walls

Fiscal 2008

The Encouragement of Invention Prize of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Kinki
Elastic Polyurethane Fiber with Excellent Chlorine Resistance
The Encouragement Prize of the Commissioner of Japan Patent Office
Kyushu
Development of Silicone Macromer for Contact Lenses
The Encouragement Prize of the Chairman of HATSUMEI KYOKAI (JIII)
Kanto
Development of Aluminum Paste with High Brightness and Flip-Flop
The Prize of the Honorary Director of Miyazaki Branch of HATSUMEI KYOKAI (JIII)
Kyushu
Polyamide with High Stiffness and Excellent Appearance
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Long Life Home and Maintenance Program

Fiscal 2007

The Encouragement of Invention Prize of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Chugoku
Process of DPC Production without Using Phosgene
The Prize of the Honorary Director of Shizuoka Branch of HATSUMEI KYOKAI (JIII)
Kanto
Technology for Producing Reagent for Diagnosis of Diabetes
The Prize of the Honorary Director of Kanagawa Branch of HATSUMEI KYOKAI (JIII)
Kanto
Development of New Polymer for High Impact-Resistant Polypropylene
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Chugoku
Industrial Process for Production of MMA by Direct Methyl-Esterification
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Shape of Joints between ALC Wall Panels
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Lightweight Aerated Concrete Panel with Patterns
The Encouragement for Invention Prize
Kanto
Phenolic Foam