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Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. (HRI-US) has announced a $2.6 million investment to expand its advanced research operations in Ohio. This expansion includes the establishment of a new Advanced Materials Science Lab, which will support collaborative research and data-driven innovation for future Honda technologies.
Key Highlights
- A $2.6 million investment will establish a new HRI-US Advanced Materials Science Lab.
- The new facility will be located on The Ohio State University (OSU) SciTech Campus in Columbus.
- Research will focus on quantum technologies, hydrogen fuel cells, next-generation EV batteries, and carbon capture.
- The lab is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Deepening Academic and Industry Collaboration
The new HRI lab on the OSU SciTech Campus represents Honda’s latest investment in the region, which the company considers one of its most important centers of innovation. Dr. Christopher Brooks, chief scientist and HRI-US division director, expressed gratitude to the state of Ohio for supporting the continued expansion, noting it will deepen collaboration with academic and industry partners.
This development builds upon Honda’s existing presence at the OSU SciTech campus. In 2018, Honda established its 99P Labs on the campus, which is now part of HRI-US. 99P Labs conducts collaborative research into energy technologies, human-computer interaction, and software-defined mobility. OSU students and interns participate at the lab, gaining experiential learning in data science, software engineering, and prototype testing.
Long-Standing Partnership with Ohio State
The partnership between Honda and Ohio State began in 1987 when Honda purchased the Transportation Research Center. A portion of the original purchase, $6 million, was dedicated to establishing a transportation research endowment fund in the OSU College of Engineering, a fund that now surpasses $50 million. Honda also endows six faculty chairs in the College of Engineering.
In 2023, Honda announced an investment of $15 million as the lead foundational partner in The Ohio State Battery Cell R&D Center, also located on the SciTech campus. This investment complements broader state initiatives, including the Honda EV Hub. The hub aims to establish flexible manufacturing capabilities for various vehicle types and includes a joint venture EV battery production facility, reinforcing Honda’s commitment to regional development.
About Honda Research Institute USA, Inc.
Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. (HRI-US) focuses on advanced research to solve complex challenges related to the Honda technology roadmap. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Silicon Valley, HRI-US engineers and scientists collaborate with academic, public, and private institutions to foster innovation.
Learn more at http://usa.honda-ri.com/.
About Honda Manufacturing in Ohio
Honda has produced automobiles in Ohio for over 40 years and is the state’s largest employer. The company began its U.S. manufacturing operations in Marysville in 1979. Today, over 12,000 associates work at five Ohio plants, representing a total capital investment of $13 billion. Honda is now establishing the new Honda EV Hub in Ohio, which includes over $1 billion to re-tool existing plants and a $3.5 billion joint venture with LG Energy Solution for an EV battery plant.
Learn more at https://ohio.honda.com/.
About Honda Research & Development in America
Honda has conducted research and development in America for 50 years, starting with a facility in California in 1975. Today, Honda operates 23 R&D facilities across the country. These centers handle all facets of product development, from market research and styling to engineering and testing, for Honda and Acura products.
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