Social Responsibility

Tracing its origins back to 1966, the Konica Minolta Science and Technology Foundation has pursued ongoing initiatives focusing on the promotion of imaging science by providing support for research projects in this field. The foundation solicits research projects based on new ideas in the field of imaging science and presents the Konica Minolta Imaging Science Award for outstanding research projects.
In accord with the mission of the foundation, Konica Minolta offers financial support for its activities every year.

Planetariums cultivate intellectual curiosity in science and astronomy, and motivate people to learn about space and to think about the Earth and humankind. As a comprehensive manufacturer of planetariums, Konica Minolta Planetarium markets dome projection equipment and program content to planetariums in Japan as well as the global market.

• Konica Minolta Planetarium Co. Ltd.

Konica Minolta Planetarium Co., Ltd., develops and provides digital full-dome systems that show dynamic video on a full planetarium dome, along with planetarium equipment to recreate starry skies. On November 6 and 7, 2010, the company offered support for the Saga Prefecture Space and Science Museum, providing high-definition live projection of an International Balloon Festival in the museum's planetarium. The full-dome show provided the audience with a very realistic experience, thereby contributing to the excitement of the event.
The company also exhibited at the National Lifelong Learning Festival "Manabipia" held in Kochi Prefecture from November 19 to 21, 2010. The company's exhibit featured a small planetarium dome imitating a spacecraft, and provided a computer animated space travel experience. It was an opportunity to increase many children’s interest in space. The company will continue engaging in various activities like these in the future, with the aim of contributing to society by promoting astronomy and science education.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc., a sales company for office equipment and solutions, established a non-profit organization named the Konica Minolta Colorful Tomorrow Foundation, Inc. in February 2007. The aim of the Foundation is to conduct the company's social contribution activities with particular emphasis on the fields of disaster relief, education, healthcare, and the environment. For example, the Foundation provides support of the KIPP McDonogh 15 School for the Creative Arts, which seeks to increase educational opportunities for children from disadvantaged families in New Orleans.
Every year, the Foundation provides scholarships to three graduating eighth-grade students who excel in the areas of academics, music, and creative arts.

• Assistance for Victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake (USA)

• Konica Minolta Colorful Tomorrow Foundation

Konica Minolta supports Project Hope, a campaign launched in 1989 by the China Youth Development Foundation to promote school attendance among children. The support for this project started in 2006 with the donation of funds to cover the construction costs for building an elementary school in Zhuanghe, Dalian (Liaoning Province), and has been ongoing in various other ways.
Representatives of Konica Minolta Opto (Dalian) Co., Ltd., a company manufacturing optical lenses and other products, visit schools on China's annual Children's Day (June 1) to deliver grants and stationery. The grants are used for building fences, renovating toilets, and planting trees in the school grounds, thereby helping to improve the lives and learning environment of the children. Furthermore, in summer the company invites sixth-grade students to tour the factory as a graduation trip. In addition to touring the factory, the students are able to visit the Jinshitan Scenic Area, designated as a special tourist area by the Chinese government. The company also provides the students with opportunities for a variety of experiences, including taking part in games and sports in a big stadium on the occasion of the company's athletic meet.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (China) Co.,Ltd., a sales company of office equipment solutions, has been supporting schools for mentally disabled children in Shanghai and Beijing, based on the theme of a “colorful future together with Konica Minolta.” This activity began with the donation of a laser printer to a school that participated in the Shanghai Special Olympics in 2007, and it has now grown to six schools. Since 2008, the company has been creating calendars every year featuring paintings by the children of these schools for distribution to customers and employees, as well as children and school staff. These calendars have been very well received each year. Other efforts include volunteer activities by employees, printer donations, and donation of study materials and year books printed on Konica Minolta equipment. In fiscal 2011, the company held a painting contest for the children, in addition to its usual activities.

Konica Minolta Opto (Shanghai ) Co., Ltd., a company manufacturing optical lenses and other products, provides support for local elementary schools in order to improve the learning environment for the children of migrant workers. In July 2010, all employees of the company took part in activities for the donation of books. They gathered approximately 500 books and delivered them to the Xiangyang Elementary School in the Songjiang District on September 3.