A new research and development centre established by Dai Nippon Printing Co., Limited (DNP) was officially inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH). The facility, which benefits from the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is set to concentrate on advancements in mobility and healthcare sectors.
Initial Projects and Focus Areas
According to Naoko Sawatar, Group Leader of the Global R&D Development Group at DNP, the centre's initial projects include the development of wireless power systems for electric vehicles and the enhancement of production methods for active pharmaceutical ingredients utilized in generic medicines. These initiatives aim to address critical needs in sustainable transportation and affordable healthcare.
Industry-Academia Collaboration
The centre is expected to foster joint research between industry and academia, creating opportunities for student and researcher exchanges. Officials emphasized that such collaborations are designed to encourage more application-oriented research and to build technical capacity within the region.
Takeuchi Takuro, JICA India Chief Representative, noted that the initiative combines Japanese industrial expertise with India's academic strengths. He highlighted the role of IITH in facilitating these partnerships, stating that the focus areas of mobility and healthcare are crucial for addressing wider global challenges.
Strategic Location in Hyderabad
Osamu Nakamura, Senior Managing Director of DNP, explained that Hyderabad's established pharmaceutical sector and its growing emphasis on mobility technologies were key factors in selecting the city for the centre. He added that this facility marks DNP's first R&D base in India and its second overseas, following a similar centre in the Netherlands.
JICA's Ongoing Support
JICA has been supporting IITH through funding and collaborative initiatives, including the Japan Desk, which connects Japanese organizations with the institute for research and innovation projects. Takuro also mentioned that JICA is working with Telangana's startup and innovation hubs, such as T-Hub and T-works, to mobilize funds and create job skills among the youth.
