Toyoda Gosei and Tohoku University launch materials laboratory

Toyoda Gosei’s NanoTerasu reach points to goals beyond what a midsize automotive supplier can build as in-house capability Toyoda Gosei and Tohoku University have established a joint research center focused on developing high-performance rubber, plastic and other functional materials at the Tohoku University Graduate School of Engineering. The Co-Creation Research Center for Functional Materials Contributing to Safety, Comfort and Decarbonization opened on July 1, 2026 and will operate for three years until June 2029. The partnership combines Toyoda Gosei’s rubber and plastics expertise with the university’s analytical capabilities, including the NanoTerasu facility, a 3GeV synchrotron for nanometer-scale materials visualization, and data-driven simulation tools. Development themes cover technical research in various fields aimed at commercializing new rubber, plastic and functional material properties. The stated areas of activity are the strategic exploration of high-performance materials themes for 2030 and beyond and the acceleration of materials development through analytical technology and digital tools. The collaboration will also develop engineering capabilities through joint research programs and serve as a platform for exchange between companies. Toyoda Gosei Vice President of Research and Development Shigeaki Kurokawa manages operations as Director of Operations Support, together with Professor Tomonaga Okabe, Director of Tohoku University Green X-Tech Research Center. The center supports Toyoda Gosei’s 2030 Business Plan to commercialize high-value material products.

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