Hyderabad: A new research and development (R&D) centre by Dai Nippon Printing Co, Limited (DNP) was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH).The facility, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will focus on work in mobility and healthcare. “Initial projects include developing wireless power systems for electric vehicles and improving methods to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients used in generic medicines,” said Naoko Sawatar, group leader, Global R&D Development Group, DNP.The centre is also expected to facilitate joint research between industry and academia, along with opportunities for student and researcher exchange. Officials said such collaborations are aimed at encouraging more application-oriented research and building technical capacity.Takeuchi Takuro, JICA India chief representative, told TOI that the initiative brings together Japanese industrial expertise and India’s academic strengths, while also highlighting the role of IITH in such partnerships. “The focus areas, including mobility and healthcare, are important for addressing wider global challenges,” he said.Osamu Nakamura, senior managing director of DNP, added: “Hyderabad’s established pharmaceutical sector and its growing focus on mobility technologies were among the reasons for setting up the centre in the city. The new facility is DNP’s first R&D base in India and its second overseas, after the Netherlands.”JICA has been supporting IITH through funding and collaborative initiatives, including the Japan Desk, which helps connect Japanese organisations with the institute for research and innovation projects. “We are also working with the Telangana’s Startup and Innovation hubs like T-Hub and T-works for mobilising funds and creating job skills among youth,” Takuro added.
