The International Solar Alliance (ISA), in collaboration with India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), brought the global spotlight to solar innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and youth leadership at the ongoing World Expo 2025 in Osaka. Hosting the second editions of the CEO Caucus and International Solar Festival at the Bharat Pavilion, the two-day event featured over 40 speakers from more than 10 countries, uniting government leaders, CEOs, researchers, and youth innovators to explore practical pathways for accelerating the global clean energy transition.
The CEO Caucus on 3 July served as a high-level platform to foster strategic dialogue on solar energy, with a key focus on strengthening clean energy ties between India and Japan.
Takehiko Matsuo, Vice Minister for International Affairs, METI, Japan, highlighted Japan’s intent to collaborate with ISA and international stakeholders to build inclusive and resilient solar supply chains. He emphasised the Expo’s unique potential to drive cooperation in emerging technologies like green hydrogen, energy storage, and perovskite solar cells vital for achieving energy security and reducing import dependencies for both nations.
India’s Consul General in Osaka-Kobe, Chandru Appar, echoed these sentiments, stating that Osaka and the wider Kansai region, known for its technological advancements, provide fertile ground for Indo-Japanese collaboration in clean energy innovation and manufacturing. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to joint solar innovation and inclusive development.
Delivering a compelling vision for future cooperation, Ashish Khanna, Director General of ISA, stressed the urgent need to channel clean energy investments into low- and middle-income nations, especially in Africa. Highlighting that less than 2% of global clean energy investments reached Africa last year, he urged for more equitable financing. He proposed a bold “Suzuki for Solar” approach, drawing parallels with the successful Indo-Japanese partnership in the automotive sector, suggesting that India’s market scale and entrepreneurial energy, combined with Japan’s technological prowess, can deliver transformative solar solutions for the world.
A dynamic panel discussion featuring representatives from Panasonic Holdings, NEDO, Mizuho Bank, SAS, COFREX, and TERI explored strategies for boosting investments, localising solar manufacturing, integrating AI for smart grid optimisation, and ensuring sustainability and circularity across the solar value chain.
On 4 July, the International Solar Festival showcased how youth innovation and emerging technologies are reshaping the solar energy landscape. The Festival’s Youth & Technology Spotlight Session brought together emerging entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and investors from countries including India, Japan, and Belgium.
Startups such as Tensor Energy, AC Biode, PXP Corporation, and Climate Seeds Fund shared their journeys, from addressing funding gaps to deploying decentralised solar solutions and AI-enabled clean-tech innovations across underserved regions. Conversations centred on empowering clean-tech entrepreneurship, encouraging early-stage innovation, and removing market entry barriers for scalable climate solutions.
The event also spotlighted the human side of the energy transition through a unique storytelling performance titled “Dastan-e-Aftaab”, which honoured the historical and spiritual significance of the sun while reaffirming its promise for a sustainable future.
ISA’s impactful presence at World Expo 2025 underscores its role as a global catalyst for solar transformation. By fostering dialogue, enabling investment, and uplifting youth-led innovation, ISA is spearheading a collective movement to deliver clean, affordable, and inclusive solar energy solutions across borders.
As the world grapples with climate change and energy inequity, the outcomes of the CEO Caucus and Solar Festival mark a decisive step forward in turning ambition into action powered by technology, united by purpose, and inspired by the sun.
