NTN : Plans to Establish “NTN Next Generation Research Alliance Laboratory (Tentative Name)” at Osaka University

NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) will open the 'NTN Next Generation Research Alliance Laboratory (tentative name)' in the Graduate School of Engineering at the National University Corporation Osaka University (hereafter, Osaka University, head office: Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, President: Shojiro Nishio) in September 2017 with the aim of creating new business and accelerating technical innovation.

NTN has been tackling its Medium-term Management Plan 'NTN 100' over a period of 3 years from April 2015 to March 2018. On the occasion of the company's 100th anniversary in March 2018, NTN is aiming to further expand and grow our foundation business and businesses in new areas, as well as challenge the company to 'Transformation' into 'Our Vision.' In addition to strengthening fundamental technology such as tribology technology, NTN is exploring further changes that include initiatives for cutting-edge technology from university research institutions and integration with technology unique to the market that also includes venture related items with the aim of accelerating new business development that will support the next 100 years, such as next-generation electric vehicles, natural energy and medical equipment.

As one of these initiatives, from August 2016 NTN has been performing joint-research with Osaka University on the construction of innovative artificial 3D cellular tissue using a Microscopic Coating Applicator, a proprietary technology from NTN. With the goal of drug discovery and regenerative medicine, the joint research is aiming to develop 3D cellular tissue by integrating cell lamination technology that uses iPS derived cells from Osaka University with NTN's microscopic coating technology. 3D cellular tissue is expected to greatly contribute towards clarifying the mechanism for the outbreak of diseases, not just regenerative medicine and the development of new drugs.

On this occasion, to accelerate value creation by further strengthening cooperation, NTN will newly open an 'NTN Next Generation Research Alliance Laboratory' within Osaka University utilizing Osaka University's Research Alliance Laboratory system*. The 'NTN Next Generation Research Alliance Laboratory' will accelerate creation of new businesses and technological innovation. Based on a medium to long-term research and development strategy, the laboratory is aiming to create new value in the fields of next generation electric vehicles, natural energy and medical equipment, through the accumulation of knowledge or the integration of the latest technology such as AI and IoT possessed by Osaka University with NTN's fundamental technology.

With establishment of 'NTN Next Generation Research Alliance Laboratory,' NTN will strengthen industry-academic collaboration with Osaka University, which possesses cutting edge technology, make effort in research and development to create new next generation business and also utilize the laboratory as a place to develop human resources for the next generation.

• A research system for such as companies set up within Osaka University as a base to develop multifaceted industry-academic cooperative activities. The system aims to promote the use of research results in industry, advance research and cultivate highly skilled professionals from both parties using research information, technology, personnel and equipment, etc. mutually in a shared location for Osaka University and the companies.

NTN Corporation overview

NTN is a manufacturer of precision mechanical parts and components consisting of over 24 thousand employees at 223 locations in 33 countries all over the world ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2018. The company holds the top-class global share for bearings and 1st and 2nd place in the global share of hub bearings and driveshafts respectively, utilizing this technology. NTN products, which are high-quality and industry-leading, are chosen by the world's most prominent companies. They are used in many products that include automobiles, rolling stock, construction machinery, aircraft and medical equipment, and support the lives of people.

NTN is tackling to create new business to 'Manage Growth' during its promotion of the Medium-term Management Plan 'NTN 100' over a period of 3 years from April 2015 to March 2018.