Honda Research Institute USA Expands Advanced R&D Presence In Ohio

October 7, 2025 — COLUMBUS, Ohio_$2.6 million investment will establish additional HRI-US Advanced Materials Science Lab on The Ohio State University SciTech Campus_

Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. (HRI-US) today announced a $2.6 million investment to expand its advanced research presence in Ohio, including a new Advanced Materials Science Lab to support collaborative research and data-driven innovation for future Honda technologies.

The new HRI lab will be located on The Ohio State University (OSU) SciTech Campus in Columbus and is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2025. The activities will include a focus on existing areas of HRI research such as quantum technologies and other nanotechnologies, hydrogen fuel cells, carbon capture technologies, next-generation EV batteries and battery recycling.

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"As Honda continues to invest in the future of mobility including what powers it, Ohio continues to be one of our most important centers of innovation," said Dr. Christopher Brooks, Chief Scientist and HRI-US Division Director. "We are grateful to the state of Ohio for supporting the continued expansion of Honda research capabilities in the Columbus region that will deepen our collaboration with academic and industry partners."

This is the latest investment by Honda at the OSU SciTech campus. Honda established its 99P Labs on the campus in 2018; now part of HRI-US, 99P Labs conducts collaborative advanced research into energy and battery technologies, mobility-related human-computer interaction and software-defined mobility. OSU students and interns work at 99P Labs to advance innovations through experiential learning and application of design-thinking, data science, software engineering, and unique approaches to prototype testing.

The long-standing partnership between Honda and Ohio State began in 1987, when Honda purchased the Transportation Research Center near the company's production facilities in Ohio, with $6 million of the original purchase dedicated to establishing a transportation research endowment fund in the OSU College of Engineering. This fund now surpasses $50 million in endowments. 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 which is also located on the SciTech campus. This investment complements broader initiatives in Ohio, including the Honda EV Hub, which includes the establishment of a flexible manufacturing capability to make ICE, hybrid-electric and battery-electric vehicles on the same production lines and a joint venture EV battery production facility in Ohio. These initiatives are part of Honda's pledge to continue its contributions to the development of the Ohio region and support of the local community.

About Honda Research Institute USA, Inc.

Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. (HRI-US) is at the forefront of advanced research aimed at solving complex challenges with direct applications to the current and future Honda technology roadmap. HRI-US engineers and scientists collaborate with academic, public and private institutions to foster innovation and drive strategic partnerships. HRI-US was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Silicon Valley.

About Honda Manufacturing in Ohio

Honda has produced automobiles in Ohio for over 40 years, beginning in November 1982, with the start of automobile production at the Marysville Auto Plant, and today is the largest employer in the state.

Honda established U.S. manufacturing operations in Marysville in 1979 with the start of motorcycle production. Today, over 12,000 associates support Honda manufacturing in Ohio, with five plants that represent a total capital investment of $13 billion and the capacity to produce 460,000 Honda and Acura automobiles, 1.18 million automobile engines, and over 1 million automobile transmissions, EV battery packs and two-motor hybrid systems, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

The company's five Ohio manufacturing facilities include three auto plants, the Marysville Auto Plant, East Liberty Auto Plant and Performance Manufacturing Center, as well as the Anna Engine Plant and transmission plant in Russells Point. The company has invested more than $1.4 billion in these facilities over the past six years, continually modernizing equipment and adopting new technologies to advance quality and efficiency for Honda and Acura customers here and around the world. Now, Honda is establishing the new Honda EV Hub in Ohio, including an investment of over $1 billion to re-tool existing auto and powertrain plants to create the flexibility to make ICE, hybrid and EV models on the same production line, as well as a $3.5 billion investment with LG Energy Solution to establish a joint venture EV battery plant in Fayette County, Ohio.

About Honda Research & Development in America

Honda has been conducting research & development operations in America for 50 years, beginning with the establishment of a research facility in California in 1975. Today, Honda conducts R&D activities at 23 facilities across the country responsible for creating advanced products and technologies that provide new value to Honda and Acura customers.

Honda conducts all facets of product development in the U.S., including market and technology research, product styling, engineering design, prototype fabrication and testing, collaboration with parts suppliers, and support for mass production. With major R&D facilities in California, Ohio, and North Carolina, U.S. Honda associates are engaged in the development and testing of Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda powersports and power equipment products, and also play a lead role in the development of leading-edge safety, driver-assistive and environmental technologies.