In addition to collaborating with industry, government, and academia, the Tosoh Group is working with venture capitalists to foster open innovation.
Engaging in open innovation allows us to quickly anticipate and respond to market changes brought about by digitalization and globalization. We established social collaboration courses, for instance, for joint development projects related to high-silica zeolite and zirconia at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Engineering in June 2019 and July 2020, respectively. We are also collaborating with the Institute of Medical Science of the University of Tokyo to jointly develop advanced biopharmaceuticals, and we’re exploring a new urinary marker for diabetes with Niigata University, among other open innovation initiatives with more universities.
The Tosoh Group’s collaboration with industry, government, and academia includes participation in projects with organizations such as Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). In August 2020, NEDO, the Tosoh Group, and Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd., selected the theme the “Development of cost-reducing technology for manufacturing cellulose nanofiber (CNF)–reinforced chloroprene rubber (CR) for use in transmission belts” as a subsidized joint project.
CNF is a biomass-derived, high-performance fiber that is one-fifth the weight yet five times the strength of steel. To meet expectations for CNF’s commercialization, Tosoh aims with Bando to significantly reduce manufacturing costs.
The Tosoh Group is an energy-intensive global array of companies. We have thus positioned the reduction and use of CO2 emissions as an important theme. In addition to reducing our energy consumption through efficient use, we are searching for ways to utilize our CO2 emissions.
In September 2020, NEDO commissioned Tosoh [and Kyushu University] to conduct a study—“Research and development on energy-saving CO2 capture technology using an innovative CO2 separation membrane”—in response to their jointly submitted proposal to that end. Also in September 2020, NEDO commissioned Tosoh [and its project partners National University Corporation Tohoku University, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Ube Industries, Ltd., Keiwa Kogyo Co., Ltd., Tohzai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation] for another study, into “Developing liquid-phase hybrid recycling technologies for multilayer plastic films.”
Two Tosoh Group employees, meanwhile, have been dispatched from Japan to Silicon Valley in the United States to work with material and biotech venture capitalists on gathering information regarding acquiring innovative technologies. We screen and thematize that information and undertake joint research with partner companies in our research labs. We are also considering investing in promising venture companies.
Key CSV Results for Fiscal Year 2020
Electronic Materials: Self-doped conducting polymer Selftron
Selftron features excellent water solubility and durability. The coating, impregnation, and printing of materials and substrates with Selftron lend them extraordinary conductive properties. Selftron is expected to be used as an organic electronic material for touch sensors, capacitors, and organic solar cells.
Life Science: Coronavirus test reagent for use with Tosoh’s automated molecular analyzer
A biological specimen that has undergone a simple preprocessing procedure is placed in Tosoh’s automated molecular analyzer. It then takes the analyzer about 40 minutes to determine if coronavirus RNA is present. The new reagent streamlines specimen inspection and reduces the workload of medical and laboratory personnel. (Refer to page 27.)
Environment and Energy: Aldehyde scavenger Emidelete
Applying Emidelete to sources of aldehydes, such as automobile interiors and building materials, can prevent the release of aldehydes, a causative agent of sick building syndrome. Spraying it into scrubbers and ducts in factories and other facilities likewise enables the capture of aldehydes in exhaust gas.
NEDO-Subsidized Projects for Fiscal Year 2020: Leading Energy and Environment Research Programs
New Technology Feasibility Study Program
● Research and development on energy-saving CO2 capture technology using an innovative CO2 separation membrane
● Development of liquid-phase hybrid recycling technologies for multilayer plastic films
Nanofiber technology development
● Development of cost-reducing technology for manufacturing CNF-reinforced CR for use in transmission belts