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Toyota and Sumitomo Metal make progress on solid-state battery materials

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Toyota Motor and Sumitomo Metal Mining announced progress in developing cathode materials for next-generation all-solid-state batteries, a key technology for future electric vehicles. The two Japanese companies, collaborating since 2021, have now created a highly durable cathode material designed to resist degradation during repeated charging cycles.

The partners said the breakthrough uses Sumitomo Metal’s proprietary powder synthesis technology, which enhances battery stability and lifespan. They plan to work jointly on improving performance, safety, and cost efficiency, aiming for the world’s first practical solid-state EV battery.

Solid-state batteries promise faster charging, greater safety, and longer lifespans than conventional lithium-ion systems, but remain limited by high costs and complex production methods. Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, plans to introduce EVs with solid-state batteries by 2027 or 2028.

Sumitomo Metal said it aims to begin mass production of the new cathode material by April 2028, prioritizing supply to Toyota before expanding to other customers.

The partnership underscores Japan’s push to lead the global solid-state battery race. Toyota is also working with Idemitsu Kosan, which is developing lithium sulphide, another vital component for solid-state battery technology.

Toyota testing small drone system to aid off-road driving

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Toyota Motor is exploring the use of small drones to enhance safety and visibility for vehicles operating on rough or unpaved terrain, according to a filing with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The proposed system would help drivers gain a better view of their surroundings — including obstacles beneath or around the vehicle — allowing them to plan safer routes. “At times, operators may fly a drone above the treeline to capture terrain videos,” Toyota noted in its letter to the FAA. Most drone flights would remain close to the vehicle, the filing said.

The initiative coincides with a U.S. Transportation Department proposal to expand drone operations beyond the operator’s line of sight, a step expected to accelerate commercial drone applications. Toyota submitted comments on the proposal, revealing its ongoing research into the technology.

While the company has not confirmed any product rollout, a spokesperson stated that Toyota “is constantly working on new technologies in various fields” but has “no product plans to announce at this time.”

The Transportation Department said relaxing current drone restrictions could significantly expand their use in manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics, including the delivery of essential medical supplies.

AI Analytics Firm Dataiku Taps Banks for 2026 U.S. IPO Plans

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Artificial intelligence and data analytics startup Dataiku has selected a group of major investment banks, including Morgan Stanley and Citigroup, to lead its long-anticipated initial public offering (IPO) in the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The New York-based company held an internal meeting on Wednesday to officially kick off IPO preparations, with a potential listing targeted for the first half of 2026, the sources said. However, they noted that timing and deal size remain under discussion and could shift depending on market conditions.

Dataiku, founded in 2013, develops software platforms that help enterprises build, test, and deploy AI-driven analytics applications. The company’s tools are used by more than 700 organizations worldwide, including major corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, Toyota, General Electric, and BNP Paribas.

In January 2025, Dataiku said it had surpassed $300 million in annualized recurring revenue (ARR) — a key milestone signaling strong customer retention and subscription growth.

The company was last valued at $3.7 billion following a $200 million Series F funding round in December 2022, led by Wellington Management with participation from existing backers.

An IPO would mark a major step for Dataiku, placing it among a growing wave of AI and software firms looking to capitalize on investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence. According to Dealogic, 97 companies went public in the third quarter of this year, raising over $24 billion, marking the busiest period for listings since late 2021.

AI-related firms such as Klarna, Figma, and Anthropic have driven renewed momentum in technology listings as markets recover from a two-year IPO drought.

Representatives for Dataiku and Morgan Stanley declined to comment, while Citigroup did not respond to requests for comment.

Analysts say a successful Dataiku listing could further validate investor appetite for AI infrastructure and enterprise analytics companies, which form a critical layer beneath high-profile players like OpenAI and Nvidia.

“Dataiku sits in a sweet spot between enterprise analytics and applied AI,” said one venture capital analyst. “A well-timed IPO could position it as one of the most important public players in AI software beyond model developers.”

If market conditions remain favorable, Dataiku’s IPO could become one of the largest AI software listings of 2026, solidifying its role as a major competitor in the fast-growing enterprise data intelligence market.