Golden Owl Award Returns for 2026-27, Nominations Open in 16 States

Agricultural educators do more than teach. They inspire future leaders, strengthen rural communities and help prepare the next generation to meet the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture.

To recognize those contributions, nominations are now open for the Golden Owl Award®, an annual program celebrating excellence in agricultural education. For the 2026-27 school year, the program is expanding to 16 states with the addition of Colorado. The award program will now recognize leading agricultural teachers across 16 states: California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Utah.

Since launching in 2018, the Golden Owl Award has recognized hundreds of agricultural educators and provided more than $800,000 in funding to support agricultural education programs, FFA chapters and student development initiatives. Last year, there were over 4,900 nominations across 15 participating states, and the program recognized 107 exceptional ag teachers including 15 “Ag Educators of the Year.”

"Every day, agricultural educators help students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed," said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. "The Golden Owl Award is our way of recognizing the educators who are investing in the future of agriculture and making a lasting impact on their students and communities."

To nominate an ag teacher for the 2025-2026 Golden Owl Award, visit www.GoldenOwlAward.com.1

Following the nomination period, finalists in each state will be selected by a panel of judges. Each finalist will receive an individualized plaque and funding to support their school's agricultural education program. One educator in each state will ultimately be named Ag Educator of the Year and receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy along with additional funding for their program.

In addition to recognizing outstanding teachers, Nationwide supports agricultural education through contributions to participating state FFA organizations, helping provide leadership development opportunities and resources for students across the country.

The Golden Owl Award reflects Nationwide's ongoing commitment to strengthening agriculture and supporting the educators who help shape its future.

To nominate an agricultural educator or learn more about the program, visit GoldenOwlAward.com.

1 California Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 2 – Jan. 16, 2027. Colorado Golden Owl Award nomination period is May 15 – 30, 2027. Delaware Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 – Nov. 15, 2026. Illinois Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 – Nov. 15, 20256. Indiana Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 – Dec. 15, 2026. Iowa Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 2 – Dec. 1, 2026. Kansas Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026. Kentucky Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 18 – Nov. 30, 2026. Maryland Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026. Missouri Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 15 – Dec. 31, 2026. Nebraska Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026. New York Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 10 – Nov. 15, 2026. Ohio Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026. Pennsylvania Golden Owl Award nomination period is Aug. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026. South Dakota Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026. Utah Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 – Dec. 15, 2026.

2 Ohio finalists will receive a personalized plaque and $1,500 to fund their programs. Ohio’s Ag Educator of the Year title will receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and an additional $5,000 to help fund future educational efforts for their program. Ohio’s partner, Farm Credit Mid-America, provided funding for the increase in prize money. In accordance with Ohio law, cash prizes in Ohio are awarded to the winner’s school ag program.

Nationwide tops JD Power 2026 Customer Satisfaction Study

- Nationwide’s life insurance business earned the No.1 spot in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study

- The company received the highest ranking for several key areas examined by the study, including trust, value for price, digital channels, flexible service options and problem resolution

- This honor comes as Nationwide’s life insurance business recently rose to No.3 in the life insurance industry based on total premium according to LIMRA

Columbus, Ohio – Nationwide, one of the strongest, most diversified, Fortune 100 insurance and financial services companies, has earned the No. 1 ranking for overall customer satisfaction among life insurance providers in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Individual Life Insurance StudySM.

In the study, Nationwide received a score of 701, well above the industry average of 649. This year’s top ranking represents an improvement of two spots from the company’s third place rank in 2025. In the study, Nationwide earned the highest ranking across several key areas that matter most to customers, including trust, value for price, digital channels, flexible service options and problem resolution.

“Our No. 1 ranking speaks to the extraordinary care our team brings to those we serve every day and the momentum we’re building as we continue to put customers at the center of everything we do,” said Holly Snyder, president of Nationwide’s life insurance business. “We are on an incredible journey to bring Nationwide’s vision of being the most trusted, most caring and most customer-focused protection company to life. This recognition is a powerful reminder that our efforts are making a difference and, most importantly, that our customers are noticing.”

This recognition comes as Nationwide’s life insurance business solidified its position in the first quarter of 2025 as the third largest life insurer in the industry based on total first-year premium according to LIMRA.

“Our momentum is coming from a diversified strategy focused on meeting evolving customer needs rather than relying on any single product or market,” Snyder said. “That means offering a wide array of solutions to a diversified client base, while staying disciplined around the customer experience. We want Nationwide to be viewed as the company that leads the industry in helping people understand what they own, how it works, and the value it provides over time. They are trusting us to protect the people and futures that matter most to them.”

The JD Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance study was fielded between July 2025 and July 2026. The official JD Power 2026 Individual Life Insurance Study press release can be viewed here.

About JD Power

JD Power delivers mission-critical data, analytics and intelligence that help businesses improve customer experience and operational performance with confidence and clarity. Using proprietary, comprehensive data – including millions of consumer interactions and authoritative automotive datasets – combined with advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and deep industry expertise, JD Power enables leaders to respond to market shifts, make smarter decisions and drive measurable performance improvements.

As an objective source of deep insight into real-world customer interactions with brands and products, JD Power provides the independent intelligence organizations need to anticipate change, strengthen customer engagement and advance growth. Learn more at JDPower.com.

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.

For more information about Nationwide and Nationwide’s ratings, visit www.nationwide.com or Company Ratings -- Nationwide.

Subscribe today to receive the latest news from Nationwide.

Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2026

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4 in 10 Investors Have Changed Their Retirement Savings or Portfolio Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections

Three fourths of advisors agree that this election environment is more disruptive to client planning than prior cycles as they urge clients to stay focused on long-term goals

- Three in four investors say the outcome of the midterm elections could have a meaningful impact on their long-term financial plan, and four in 10 have already made changes to their retirement savings or portfolio in anticipation

- Investors' outlooks are split by party and generation: recession concerns have reversed along party lines since 2024, and Gen Z investors are more than four times as likely as Baby Boomers to have made changes ahead of the midterms

- Advisors are urging a steadier hand, with more than six in 10 saying that not changing investment strategies is the best course of action in an election year, up from 52% in 2024

Columbus, OH – The 2026 midterm elections are still weeks away, but for many investors, financial anxiety has arrived early. New data from the Nationwide Retirement Institute® reveals a nation of investors bracing for impact, split by party and generation, while their advisors urge a steadier hand.

More than half (56%) of investors say the upcoming midterm elections are making them feel more anxious. Beyond short-term nerves, 75% of investors agree the outcome of the midterm elections could have a meaningful impact on their long-term financial plan.

That anxiety is driving action. Two in five investors (40%) say they have made changes to their retirement savings or portfolio in anticipation of the midterms, including 15% who moved money into more conservative or lower-risk investments and 13% who diversified into different asset classes or sectors.

Investors are also looking to advisors for support. Nearly three in four investors (73%) want their advisor to provide guidance about the financial impacts of the midterms on their financial plan.

“Political anxiety isn’t emerging in a vacuum; it’s colliding with an economy that already has investors on edge from ongoing inflation and rising interest rates,” said Mark Hackett, chief market strategist for Nationwide’s Investment Management Group. “As a result, we’re seeing some investors move from concern to action, whether that means adjusting portfolios or seeking out strategies they believe will perform better in today’s uncertainty. However, history tells us that, while election results may contribute to volatility, they typically have little impact on long-term investment outcomes, regardless of which party gains or loses power.”

Party lines are shaping how investors see the market

Partisanship is heavily coloring investors' views on economic risk, and many believe the other side is more likely to negatively impact the economy. More than three in four investors (76%), including 77% of both Democratic and Republican investors, expect the results of the election to greatly impact the economy if the party they do not support wins. Far fewer feel the same about their own party, with divisions along party lines: 62% of Republican investors believe a win by their own party will have no economic impact at all, compared to 46% of Democratic investors.

Recession concerns have also flipped along party lines since the last major election. In 2024, more than eight in 10 Republican investors (84%) were concerned about a U.S. economic recession occurring in the following year, compared to 67% of Democratic investors. Republican investors were also more likely to believe a win by the party they least align with would trigger a recession within 12 months (44% vs. 26% of Democratic investors). Two years later, the roles have switched: nearly nine in 10 Democratic investors (89%) are concerned about a U.S. economic recession in the next 12 months, compared to 68% of Republican investors.

Today, it's investors who align with the Democratic Party and Independents who have soured on their retirement prospects. Nearly one in four Democratic investors (23%) and one in five Independent investors (20%) say they now plan to retire later due to the events of the last 12 months, compared to 12% of Republican investors.

“People typically have strong feelings about politics, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, it’s important to recognize the influence political views can have on the decisions we make, including how we invest money for the future,” said Hackett. “This is a critical topic for financial advisors to address, helping clients avoid emotional decision-making and stay focused on the fundamental drivers of investment performance instead.”

The generational divide: Gen Z overhauls portfolios while Baby Boomers stay the course

A striking split in how younger and older investors respond to election season has emerged, with a more than fourfold gap in reported action. Nearly three in four Gen Z investors (72%) say they have made changes to their retirement savings or portfolio in anticipation of the midterm election outcomes, compared to just 17% of Baby Boomer investors. Likewise, more than a quarter of Gen Z investors (27%) report they have consulted a financial advisor specifically about election-related risks, compared to just 4% of Baby Boomers.

The upside for advisors: Gen Z is far more open to guidance. Nearly eight in 10 Gen Z investors (79%) want their advisor to provide guidance on the financial impact of the midterms, compared to 63% of Baby Boomers. That openness gives advisors an opportunity to engage younger clients early and help them build long-term habits that can reduce the risk of short-sighted, emotional decision making in the future.

Advisors urge perspective and an eye on fundamentals

Financial professionals are largely attuned to investors' sentiments: this year's elections are creating turbulence for their clients. In fact, three fourths (75%) of advisors agree that the 2026 midterm election environment is more financially disruptive to client planning than prior election cycles.

Despite their clients' concerns, advisors are far more skeptical that election outcomes should inspire portfolio changes. This gap speaks to the reassurance advisors can offer clients regardless of political affiliation. More than six in 10 advisors (63%) say it is true that, in an election year, the best course of action is to not change investment strategies, an 11-percentage-point increase from the 52% of advisors who said the same in 2024. Moreover, nearly a quarter (23%) advise strongly against such changes and are explaining the long-term risks of reactive decisions.

Rather than making reactive moves, advisors are leaning on planning strategies designed to hold up regardless of election outcomes, increasing their focus on a few key actions:

- Nine in ten (90%) have increased focus on incorporating tax-efficient retirement income solutions for clients.

- 88% are focusing on asset diversification.

- 84% are increasing focus on identifying guaranteed income solutions for clients.

“As we approach this year’s midterms, both sides of the aisle continue to inundate voters with noise. In environments like this, it’s more important than ever for advisors to reinforce sticking to long-term plans,” said Hackett. “Advisors can use this time to discuss solutions such as annuities that may help reduce market-related concerns while providing a source of guaranteed retirement income, regardless of how the political landscape evolves.”

Nationwide offers resources to help advisors facilitate conversations with their clients during election cycles, including this whitepaper by Mark Hackett, which explores how they can help investors tune out the noise of political headlines and focus on their long-term financial goals instead.

For more insights on this survey data, see our infographic.

This material is not a recommendation to buy or sell a financial product or to adopt an investment strategy. Investors should discuss their specific situation with their financial professional.

Nationwide's Retirement Institute survey, formerly known as the Nationwide Advisor Authority survey, explores critical issues confronting advisors, financial professionals and individual investors, and the innovative techniques that they need to succeed in today's complex market.

About Nationwide Retirement Institute Survey: Methodology

The Harris Poll, on behalf of Nationwide, conducted an online survey in the U. S. among 538 advisors and financial professionals and 2,029 investors ages 18+ with investable assets (IA) of $10K+, from August 24-September 11, 2026. Among the investors, there were 1,518 non-retired investors.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data for advisors is accurate to within ± 4.2 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For investors data is accurate to within ± 3.0 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact news@nationwide.com.

About The Harris Poll

The Harris Poll is one of the longest running surveys in the U.S tracking public opinion, motivations and social sentiment since 1963 that is now part of Harris Insights & Analytics, a global consulting and market research firm that delivers social intelligence for transformational times. We work with clients in three primary areas: building twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. Our mission is to provide insights and advisory to help leaders make the best decisions possible. To learn more, please visit www.theharrispoll.com.

Nationwide Survey: Unexpected Home Costs Add Up as Homeowners Rethink How Long They’ll Stay

- Homeowners wish they had asked more about future repairs and aging home systems before buying, while insurance agents say unexpected costs are among the biggest surprises after closing.

- Two in five homeowners (40%) say they did not expect their current home to be their forever home when they bought it but now believe it will be; 38% would move if market conditions were more favorable.

- While adoption remains limited, 81% of homeowners say they would be interested in smart devices or sensors that monitor water, plumbing systems or electrical fire hazards if their insurer provided them for free.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – For many Americans, the true cost of homeownership does not become clear until after closing. New research from Nationwide finds that unexpected expenses and repairs can catch homeowners off guard, while many are staying in homes they originally expected to leave.

According to the survey, 44% of independent insurance agents say clients are most surprised by how quickly unexpected homeownership costs add up after closing. More than a third point to the cost of homeowners insurance (36%) and how often things break or need attention (34%) as common surprises while 42% say clients are surprised by how difficult it can be to find reliable contractors or service providers.

Those surprises are reflected in what homeowners wish they had known before buying:

- One in five (20%) wish they had asked what repairs or necessary upgrades would likely be needed within the next five years.

- 17% wish they had asked about the age of the roof and major systems such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical.

Insurance professionals also see opportunities for prospective buyers to better prepare. Nearly half encourage clients to ask about natural hazards or weather risks in the area (46%) and more than one-third suggest checking for signs of water damage, mold, or foundation issues (37%).

“Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions people make, but the purchase price is only part of what that home will ultimately cost,” said Helen Simonett, Vice President of Personal Property Lines at Nationwide. “Understanding the age and condition of major systems, the repairs that may be coming and the ongoing expenses associated with the property can help buyers get a more realistic picture of what homeownership may cost over time.”

For many, an unexpected forever home means planning for the long term

Those ongoing costs may matter even more as homeowners remain in their properties longer than they originally expected.

Two in five homeowners (40%) say they did not expect their current home to be their forever home when they purchased it but now believe it will be. At the same time, 38% say they would move if market conditions were more favorable, rising to 52% in urban areas and 64% for Millennials.

Many are already adapting their homes for a longer stay. Sixty-four percent have made or plan to make changes to support living there long term. Most common modifications include energy efficiency/weather-related resilience upgrades, improved stairway and entryway lighting, and bathroom safety modifications.

Staying longer also means living with a home's aging systems, maintenance needs and potential risks for more years than originally planned. Forty-three percent of homeowners say they follow a preventive maintenance schedule to avoid future problems, while 19% typically wait until an issue occurs.

“Homeowners who thought they would move after a few years may now be looking at their homes very differently,” said Simonett. “If you’re going to stay longer than planned, it becomes even more important to understand what parts of the home may need attention over the next several years and take steps now to help prevent avoidable damage.”

Homeowners are interested in technology that can catch problems earlier

For homeowners staying longer and managing the ongoing costs of homeownership, catching problems early can help prevent an unexpected repair from becoming an even bigger expense.

Smart-home technology offers one way to do that, but devices designed specifically to monitor home risks are not yet widely used.

According to the survey, only:

- 25% of homeowners currently have water leak detectors or automatic shut-off systems;

- 15% have devices that monitor for electrical fire hazards.

Yet 81% say they would be interested in using devices or sensors that monitor water, plumbing systems or electrical fire hazards if their insurer provided them for free.

Agents also see the value of these tools in preventing costly damage. Water leak detectors top the list of prevention tools agents believe could have the greatest impact on reducing costly home claims (39%), while 30% point to automatic water shut-off systems.

“Some insurance providers, such as Nationwide, are helping homeowners proactively monitor for potential hazards by offering devices like LeakBot for water leak detection and Ting for electrical fire protection services — often at no additional cost to eligible home policyholders,” said Simonett. “These tools make it easier to identify problems early and help prevent damage and potentially dangerous situations.”

Whether homeowners expect to move or stay for the long term, planning for what a home will cost to own and maintain is just as important as planning for what it costs to buy. Keeping up with major systems and catching problems early can help homeowners avoid some of the financial surprises that come after closing.

More findings from the 2026 Nationwide Homeowners survey can be found here.

Methodology

Nationwide commissioned Edelman Intelligence to conduct a 20-minute, online survey between July 10 and July 29, 2026. As a member of CASRO in good standing, Edelman Intelligence conducts all research in accordance with Market Research Standards and Guidelines.

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.

For more information about Nationwide and Nationwide’s ratings, visit www.nationwide.com or Company Ratings -- Nationwide.

Subscribe today to receive the latest news from Nationwide.

Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2026

Nationwide celebrates 2026 NAGDCA Leadership Recognition Award recipients

Nationwide congratulates the public-sector defined contribution plans recognized with 2026 National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA) Leadership Recognition Awards for their innovative programs, projects and campaigns designed to improve retirement readiness and participant outcomes.

Government member nominations were accepted in five categories and evaluated by the 2026 Awards Committee based on originality, effectiveness and measurable results. This year’s recipients demonstrate how thoughtful plan design, personalized communications, technology and holistic financial wellness initiatives can help participants build greater financial security.

“These awards are highly respected within our industry and reflect the creativity, dedication and commitment our partners bring to helping participants achieve greater financial security,” said Kevin Jestice, president of Nationwide Retirement Solutions. “This recognition is made possible by the strong partnerships between our clients and the Nationwide teams who support them every day.”

2026 NAGDCA Leadership Recognition Award recipients

City of Phoenix — Everyday Plan Champions: Real City of Phoenix Stories Driving Retirement Readiness

The City of Phoenix Plan Champion Campaign uses real employees to bring the Deferred Compensation Plan to life. Five Plan Champions from different departments share how they use plan tools and education to pursue their goals and build retirement confidence. Their stories appear across the plan website, emails, digital monitors, posters and the City’s Financial Expo, where Champions engage directly with their peers.

Video viewership and attention rates, along with continued growth in plan assets, contributions and education usage, show how relatable employee voices can help participants better understand and use their retirement benefits.

County of Monterey — Automatic Enrollment for Every New Hire

County of Monterey leadership and labor partners introduced automatic enrollment for two bargaining groups, CEMA and SEIU, in response to concerns about long-term retirement readiness. The approach was designed to encourage new employees to take action while preserving choice, flexibility and participant protections. The County has experienced significant increases in new-hire participation in its 457(b) plan, particularly during employees’ first year.

State of California Savings Plus Program — 2025 Fund Mapping & Redesign

California Savings Plus modernized the investment foundation of one of the nation’s largest public-sector retirement programs through a two-phase fund mapping and redesign initiative. The program simplified investment choice, lowered costs and strengthened default outcomes while maintaining participant confidence throughout a multibillion-dollar transition.

The redesign affected more than 200,000 participants and over $14 billion in assets. It transitioned participants into institutionally priced target-date funds, introduced stable value options, reduced lineup complexity and delivered an estimated $10 million in annualized participant fee savings. The implementation was completed with zero mapping errors and stable service levels.

California Savings Plus was also selected as one of the top three finalists in the large plan category for the 2026 NAGDCA Art Caple President’s Award, which honors excellence in public sector defined contribution plans. Established in memory of past NAGDCA President Art Caple, the award celebrates visionary leadership and innovation that enhance participants’ financial well-being.

Nationwide Retirement Solutions is a business within Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, and one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States.

Nationwide Retirement Solutions administers nearly 32,000 retirement plans, helping protect nearly $200 billion in participant assets and helping secure the financial futures of more than 2.7 million participants. Nationwide services the highest volume of governmental 457(b) plans and has demonstrated significant growth in the corporate 401(k) and not-for-profit 403(b) markets.

Nationwide is committed to serving the retirement industry by doing the right thing at the right time through better participant experiences, administrative simplicity and values that translate to service. Visit nrsforu.com for more information about the tools and services Nationwide provides to retirement plan participants.

Source: 2026 Award Winners — NAGDCA

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Press Releases

October 20, 2026

DOCOMO and NTT to Begin the World's First Demonstration of Coordinated Control of Workload Shifting and Energy Management at Radio Base Stations

— Aiming to maximize renewable energy use, help stabilize the power grid, and maintain communications services during disasters —

News Highlights:

- DOCOMO and NTT will begin the world's first demonstration of AI-coordinated control at radio base stations, in which workload shifting—the transfer of communications-processing loads between sites—is integrated with energy management for solar power generation and battery storage.

- This demonstration will evaluate this new technology in three scenarios: normal operations, periods of tight electricity supply and demand, and power outages. It will assess the potential to maximize renewable energy use, contribute to power-grid stability, and keep communications services running longer during outages.

- The two companies aim to help build sustainable, disaster-resilient social infrastructure for the 6G/IOWN era.

TOKYO, JAPAN, October 20, 2026 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. and NTT, Inc. announced today that they have developed a technology that uses AI to optimally coordinate and control radio base station communications-processing workloads and the operation of distributed energy resources,*1 including solar power generation and storage batteries. The two companies will jointly begin a demonstration on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, to verify this new technology's effectiveness in increasing the use of renewable energy, supporting demand response (DR)*2 during periods of tight electricity supply and demand, and improving communications service continuity during disasters. This is the world's first demonstration at base stations using this technology.*3

In recent years, the spread of generative AI and other developments have accelerated society's digital transformation, and the electricity consumed by communications networks has been rising. At the same time, expanding the use of renewable energy to help achieve a decarbonized society and strengthening communications infrastructure to prepare for large-scale disasters are important social challenges. At conventional base stations, however, communications and power equipment have generally been controlled independently, primarily according to their respective operating conditions. As a result, it has been difficult to operate communications equipment in response to renewable energy generation under normal conditions, or to coordinate the use of limited power with the operations of communications equipment during outages caused by disasters and other events.

This demonstration will use workload shifting (WLS) technology,*4 which moves communications-processing workloads between base stations, together with DOCOMO's energy management system (EMS) platform,*5 which manages distributed energy resources such as solar power generation and storage batteries. Based on operating plans calculated by AI, NTT will control the communications load at each base station, while DOCOMO will control the storage batteries. This will enable the companies to coordinate and optimize communications and power equipment as an integrated system.

NTT will build a verification environment using open-source software (OSS)*6 to simulate the communications processing performed by a virtualized radio access network (vRAN). The environment will be connected to DOCOMO's base stations. Using this setup, DOCOMO and NTT will test WLS operations that take into account the status of distributed energy resources and assess the technology's effectiveness across all three scenarios: normal operations, periods of tight electricity supply and demand, and power outages.

This technology links workload shifts between sites with the charging and discharging of storage batteries. DOCOMO and NTT aim to increase renewable energy use and help stabilize the power grid through DR when electricity supply and demand are tight. This will enable base stations that handle communications processing to be switched flexibly in response to renewable energy generation, making effective use of renewable energy that was previously underutilized.

In particular, during DR, this technology will help ease pressure on electricity supply and demand by reducing power consumption at the participating site, both by discharging storage batteries and by shifting communications-processing workloads to other sites. During power outages caused by disasters and other events, workloads can be shifted to other sites to reduce power consumption at the affected site. This can extend the backup time provided by storage batteries and help maintain communications services longer.

DOCOMO and NTT plan to complete the demonstration by the end of December 2026 and evaluate this new technology's effectiveness. Going forward, the two companies will consider linking the technology with data centers and extending it to a wider range of energy resources. They aim to help build sustainable, disaster-resilient social infrastructure for the 6G/IOWN era.

DOCOMO and NTT will have a booth showcasing this initiative at NTT R&D FORUM 2026, which will be held at the NTT Musashino R&D Center on November 18 - 20 and November 24 - 25, 2026.

- Relatively small-scale energy resources installed in a distributed manner close to consumers, in contrast to large power plants. Examples include solar power generation and fuel cells. In this demonstration, the term covers these resources as well as storage batteries.

- A mechanism for maintaining the balance between electricity supply and demand by having users, such as businesses and households, adjust their electricity use, for example, by conserving energy, in response to supply-and-demand conditions.

- Based on research by DOCOMO and NTT as of October 20, 2026.

- A technology for moving computational workloads handled by servers and other systems distributed across multiple sites from one site to another in response to electricity supply-and-demand conditions and other factors.

- A system that uses information technology to optimally control and manage energy equipment, such as solar power generation and storage batteries.

- Software whose source code is publicly available and that anyone may freely modify and redistribute at no charge.

Appendix

Demonstration Overview

- 1. Objective

This demonstration will test an AI-based technology that coordinates the operation of communications and power equipment. It will assess the technology's ability to increase renewable energy use and support demand response (DR) during periods of tight electricity supply and demand, while helping maintain communications services during disasters.

- 2. Demonstration Details

The demonstration will be conducted in a test environment connecting a DOCOMO base station with an NTT R&D site. It will combine the transfer of communications-processing workloads between sites—known as workload shifting (WLS)—based on AI-generated operating plans, with the control of power equipment, including solar power systems and storage batteries, through DOCOMO's energy management system (EMS) platform. The demonstration will evaluate the following:

- Increasing renewable energy use: Storage batteries will be charged when solar power generation is high, while communications-processing workloads will be shifted to sites with surplus solar power. The demonstration will assess whether this can increase the use of renewable energy.

- Supporting demand response: The demonstration will assess how storage batteries can help ease pressure on the power grid when electricity supply and demand are tight. It will also examine whether coordinating workload shifts with battery recharging after a demand response event can prevent a new peak in power consumption.

- Maintaining communications service during power outages: During an outage, communications-processing workloads will be shifted to other sites to reduce power consumption at the affected site. The demonstration will assess whether this can extend the backup time provided by storage batteries and help keep communications services running longer.

- 3. Existing Challenges and How this New Technology Addresses Them

Challenges with Existing Technologies: Communications and power equipment have traditionally been operated independently, according to their respective requirements. This has made it difficult to:

- Make full use of surplus solar power, since power consumption by communications equipment cannot be adjusted flexibly.

- Avoid creating a new peak in power demand when storage batteries are recharged after a DR event.

- Maintain communications services for longer during a power outage, as communications-processing workloads cannot be shifted flexibly based on the storage battery status.

- Optimize the overall operation of communications and power equipment.

How this New Technology Works: The new technology coordinates the operation of communications and power equipment by combining three capabilities: NTT's reinforcement-learning-based model for optimizing operating plans; DOCOMO's AI- and mathematical optimization-based operational planning technology; and DOCOMO's EMS platform that controls power equipment. This coordinated approach enables the system to:

- Shift communications-processing workloads between sites based on renewable energy generation, while charging storage batteries.

- Coordinate workload shifting with storage-battery charging and discharging during demand response events.

- Shift communications-processing workloads to other sites during a power outage, based on the storage battery status, to reduce power consumption at the affected site.

By coordinating the operation of communications and power equipment, DOCOMO and NTT aim to increase renewable energy use, contribute to grid stability, and improve communications network resilience. Main Equipment Used in the Demonstration

- 4.

DOCOMO and NTT to Begin the World's First Demonstration of Coordinated Control of Workload Shifting and Energy Management at Radio Base Stations (PDF : 673KB) | Press Release | NTT

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DOCOMO and NTT to Begin the World's First Demonstration of Coordinated Control of Workload Shifting and Energy Management at Radio Base Stations (PDF : 673KB)

October 20, 2026

DOCOMO and NTT to Begin the World's First Demonstration of Coordinated Control of Workload Shifting and Energy Management at Radio Base Stations (PDF : 673KB)

Information is current as of the date of issue of the individual press release. Please be advised that information may be outdated after that point.

DOCOMO and NTT to Begin the World's First Demonstration of Coordinated Control of Workload Shifting and Energy Management at Radio Base Stations (PDF : 673KB)

OSLO, Norway (20 October 2026) – TGS, in partnership with the Direction Générale des Hydrocarbures (DGH) and PETROCI, today announced the commencement of the MC3D Vision PSDM reprocessing project in offshore Côte d'Ivoire.

The project will reprocess 14,691 square kilometers of GeoStreamer 3D data from multiple surveys acquired by TGS between 2014 and 2018, covering the deepwater Côte d'Ivoire and San Pedro Basins. The reprocessing addresses imaging challenges associated with complex deepwater geology, including significant velocity variations in the overburden that can obscure deeper exploration targets and compromise amplitude fidelity. By applying modern pre-processing, advanced velocity model building, including E-DMFWI, and Kirchhoff PSDM imaging, the project is expected to provide clearer definition of reservoir intervals and stratigraphic features across the offshore Côte d'Ivoire margin.

David Hajovsky, Executive Vice President of Multi-Client at TGS, commented, “This project once again showcases our commitment to data-driven exploration across Africa. Enhanced imaging will enable operators to identify and evaluate prospects with greater confidence, reduce subsurface uncertainty and mature exploration opportunities across Côte d'Ivoire.”

The Côte d'Ivoire MC3D Vision PSDM Reprocessing adds to TGS' wider ongoing MC3D Vision reprocessing project activities across West Africa. Fast-track products are expected in Q2 2027, with final products to follow in Q4 2027.

About TGS

TGS provides advanced data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. With leading-edge technology and solutions spanning the entire energy value chain, TGS offers a comprehensive range of insights to help clients make better decisions. Our broad range of products and advanced data technologies, coupled with a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, make TGS a trusted partner in supporting the exploration and production of energy resources worldwide. For further information, please visit www.tgs.com (https://www.tgs.com/).

For media inquiries, contact:

Bård Stenberg

IR & Business Intelligence

investor@tgs.com

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October 20, 2026

NTT, Inc.

NTT Innovative Devices Corporation

Japan Semiconductor Corporation

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.

SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.

TOKYO, Japan, October 20, 2026 — NTT, Inc. (NTT), NTT Innovative Devices Corporation (NTT Innovative Devices), Japan Semiconductor Corporation* (Japan Semiconductor), Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (Furukawa Electric), and SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. (Shinko Electric Industries) today announced that a four-company joint R&D proposal led by NTT Innovative Devices has been selected under the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)'s Research and Development Project of the Enhanced Infrastructures for Post-5G Information and Communication Systems / Development of Manufacturing Technologies for Advanced Semiconductors. The project aims to establish mass-production technologies for photonics-electronics convergence (PEC) devices that support next-generation AI and data-intensive computing. The participating companies will jointly develop mass-production technologies for optical chiplets, with NTT serving as an advisor.1

The rapid adoption of generative AI is driving unprecedented growth in demand for data processing across AI data centers and high-performance computing (HPC) systems. At the same time, rising power consumption associated with chip-to-chip communications has emerged as a major challenge. As a result, PEC technologies, which enable high-speed data transfer with significantly lower power consumption, are attracting increasing attention worldwide.

Against this backdrop, NTT has been leading research and development of optical chiplet2 packaging technologies that use light to connect semiconductor packages and semiconductor chips under NEDO's Research and Development Project of the Enhanced Infrastructures for Post-5G Information and Communication Systems / Development of Manufacturing Technologies for Advanced Semiconductors since fiscal year 2023. NTT serves as the lead company for this initiative, which has advanced the development of optical chiplet technologies for next-generation semiconductor systems.3

Under the project, the participating companies will develop innovative manufacturing technologies for semiconductor devices incorporating optical chiplets to enable the high-capacity, low-power data transmission required by next-generation AI computing platforms. The project aims to achieve more than a tenfold increase in manufacturing productivity compared with current R&D-stage processes.

To accomplish this goal, the participating companies will combine their expertise in optical semiconductors, silicon photonics, optical interconnects, semiconductor packaging, and mass production processes. They will establish and evaluate a pilot production line designed for future commercial manufacturing. NTT will participate in the project as an advisor, promoting industry collaboration and supply chain development to help accelerate the commercialization and large-scale production of PEC devices.

The selected R&D project and the roles of the participating companies are outlined below.

Announcement Date: October 20, 2026

* You can scroll horizontally

[Roles of Participating Companies]

Through the project, the participating companies will establish mass-production technologies for optical chiplets spanning the entire manufacturing value chain, from photonic device fabrication and testing to optical interconnects and advanced packaging, in anticipation of the emerging market for PEC devices.

These efforts will enable the high-speed, high-capacity, and low-power data transmission required by next-generation AI computing infrastructure while accelerating the commercialization of PEC devices and strengthening Japan's domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.

The project will also foster collaboration among companies and research institutions involved in the development and production of PEC technologies, helping to establish a globally competitive supply chain. Through these initiatives, the participating companies aim to contribute to reducing the growing energy consumption of data centers driven by the rapid adoption of generative AI and to supporting the realization of a more sustainable information and communications society.

*Japan Semiconductor Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation.

1https://www.nedo.go.jp/koubo/IT3_100377.html

2Optical Chiplet

A photonics-electronics convergence device that combines a photonic integrated circuit (PIC), including photonic semiconductor devices, with an electronic integrated circuit (EIC) through high-density packaging. It replaces electrical signals with optical signals for data transmission between processing chips such as CPUs and GPUs. As a core technology for photonics-electronics convergence, it overcomes the increases in power consumption associated with transmission distance and the limitations of bandwidth, enabling high-capacity, ultra-low-power servers and data centers for the AI era.

3NEDO News Release (January 30, 2024):

https://www.nedo.go.jp/koubo/IT3_100302.html

NTT is a leading global technology innovator, providing a broad range of services to both consumers and businesses. As a mobile operator and provider of infrastructure, networks, and services, NTT is dedicated to promoting a sustainable future through cutting-edge innovations. Our portfolio includes business consulting, AI-powered solutions, application services, global networks, cybersecurity, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. Generating over $90 billion in revenue and employing 340,000 professionals, we allocate 30% of our annual profits to fundamental research and development. With operations spanning more than 70 countries and regions, our clients include over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, alongside thousands of enterprises, government organizations, and millions of consumers.

At NTT Innovative Devices, we have commercialized COSA (Coherent Optical Sub Assembly), which consists of miniaturized integrated optical transmitter/receiver with silicon-photonics technology and digital signal processing LSI technologies developed over many years. Furthermore, we have been developing commercialized co-packaged devices integrated with a digital signal processing LSI. We will continue to develop PEC-related technologies and actively develop products that meet the requirements of our customers in the growing areas of data centers and computing industries in addition to the conventional optical communication applications.

Japan Semiconductor, a core company of Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation Group, has promoted innovation in semiconductor manufacturing for over 50 years. Leveraging technological capabilities and expertise cultivated in product development and mass production, we meet diverse customer and market needs with a broad lineup that includes microcontrollers, ASICs, analog ICs, image sensors, power semiconductors and silicon photonics. While constantly striving for innovations in technology, manufacturing and quality, Japan Semiconductor supports society's continued development.

Leveraging our 4 core technologies of metals, polymers, photonics and high frequency, Furukawa Electric Group operates a wide range of businesses in fields including infrastructure such as telecommunications and energy, automotive products and electronics. Based on our Purpose of "Composing the core of a brighter world", we strive to solve social issues such as supporting faster optical communications, addressing carbon neutrality and evolving mobility, and contribute to the establishment and development of next-generation infrastructure.

https://www.furukawaelectric.com/en/

SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. is a leading manufacturer of semiconductor and microelectronic packaging products including Organic Laminate Build-up Substrates, Etched and Stamped Lead Frames, Integrated Heat Spreaders, and IC Assembly. SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. will pursue their own development and growth while contributing to the creation of a prosperous society through technology leadership, state of the art manufacturing, and offering a wide variety of high quality products for diverse markets in the semiconductor industry.

Media Contacts

NTT, Inc.

NTT IOWN Integrated Innovation Center

Public Relations

Inquiry Form

NTT Innovative Devices Corporation

Public Relations

Inquiry Form

Japan Semiconductor Corporation

Public Relations

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Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.

Public Relations

Inquiry Form

SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.

Public Relations Dept.

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Information is current as of the date of issue of the individual press release.

Please be advised that information may be outdated after that point.

WEB media that thinks about the future with NTT

Ottawa, ON — March 31, 2026 — The Métis National Council (MNC) welcomes today’s announcement by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Mark Carney of a historic $3.8 billion investment in nature, marking a significant milestone in advancing biodiversity conservation and Indigenous-led stewardship across the country.

This landmark strategy and funding signals a strong commitment to protecting and restoring ecosystems while recognizing the essential leadership of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit in achieving Canada’s conservation goals.

The MNC’s Nature Strategy, co-developed with its Governing Members, positions the Métis Nation to deliver meaningful and lasting impact through five interconnected priorities: Métis Guardians, Ecosystem Healing, Métis-led Conservation, Food Security and Sovereignty, and Water, Snow & Ice. Rooted in Métis knowledge systems, these initiatives are already driving meaningful progress across the Métis Homeland.

Our analysis shows that each of the Métis-led priorities directly contributes to Canada’s 2030 nature targets which demonstrates that Métis-led approaches are not only effective, but essential to achieving shared conservation goals. We look forward to continuing and strengthening our partnership with the Government of Canada to achieve these goals through strategic distinctions-based program delivery and bilateral policy development; specifically, the work of the Strawberry Moon Table on Nature which is well placed to guide equitable and impactful implementation of this historic investment through co-development.  

“This historic investment has the potential to be an accelerator for Indigenous-led action on nature in Canada,” said Métis National Council’s President Victoria Pruden. “Métis governments are already leading innovative, high-impact work to protect and restore biodiversity across our Homeland. With this new funding, we can build on that momentum and scale Métis-led solutions that deliver real results for ecosystems and communities alike. Canada has recognized that Indigenous-led conservation is essential to meeting its global commitments, and the Métis Nation stands ready to continue delivering on that promise.”