Toyoda Gosei and Tohoku University have established a joint research centre at the Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, focused on developing high-performance rubber, plastic and other functional materials. The Co-Creation Research Center for Functional Materials Contributing to Safety, Comfort and Decarbonization opened on 1 July 2026 and will run for three years to June 2029.

The partnership combines Toyoda Gosei’s rubber and plastics expertise with the university’s analytical capabilities, including its NanoTerasu facility, a 3GeV synchrotron source for nanometre-scale material visualisation, and data-driven simulation tools. Development themes cover technical exploration across diverse fields, aiming to commercialise novel rubber, plastic and functional material properties.

The stated activity areas are strategic exploration of high-performance materials themes for 2030 and beyond, and accelerating materials development through analytical technology and digital tools. The collaboration will also develop engineering talent through joint research programmes and serve as a platform for exchanges between companies.

Shigeaki Kurokawa, Deputy Chief of Research and Development at Toyoda Gosei, directs operations, with Professor Tomonaga Okabe, Director of Tohoku University’s Research Center for Green X-Tech, as Operations Support Director. The centre supports Toyoda Gosei’s 2030 Business Plan to commercialise high-value materials products.

Source: Toyoda Gosei