Innovation Strategy
From KAITEKI Report 2024 issued in October 2024
Basic Strategy for Innovation
The Mitsubishi Chemical Group is focusing on the following two areas:
- Pursue green transformation (GX) of chemical materials that support and enrich our lives and their manufacturing processes to reduce our environmental impact in order to realize a sustainable society
- Contribute to customers’ business activities by providing specialty materials and solutions in line with the increasingly sophisticated needs of society
In 2023, we divided our R&D organization into that of business groups and that of corporate functions for the purpose of conducting innovation activities in a more strategic manner through an emphasis on our focus markets. By clarifying the roles of the business groups and corporate functions, we will accelerate the creation of corporate value through the flexible execution of technology development, open innovation, and intellectual property activities in accordance with the characteristics of our business.
Focus areas
GX
While it is safe to assume that the importance of plastic as a material that underpins social infrastructure and lifestyles will
remain unchanged, the issues of greenhouse gas emissions stemming from the production and disposal of materials and environmental damage caused by plastic waste are becoming increasingly apparent. As a key member of the chemical industry, it is our mission to squarely confront and resolve these issues.
As a chemical material manufacturer, the catalytic technology, biotechnology, and chemical engineering processes (e.g., separation, purification) the Group has cultivated to date are expected to contribute greatly to the realization of carbon neutrality and a circular economy. On the other hand, handling a wide range of materials can be a challenge from a recycling point of view, so reducing our line of materials is essential to helping achieve a recycling-oriented society. There is a growing need for recyclable materials, and we believe that physical property control technologies based on surface treatments and structural designs will become more important going forward.
Specialty Materials segment
The environment surrounding material manufacturers has been changing due to market segmentation and diversifying consumer trends in line with the maturing of society. It is important that the Specialty Materials segment meets the functional needs of customers and that it has the basic evaluation technology to verify this. However, business models differ by business and therefore the roles expected of R&D and the contributions it is expected to make also vary significantly. There are businesses that specialize in the development of next-generation products, such as electronics and mobility devices, and are required to provide products and technologies that meet the needs of customers in a timely manner. Meanwhile, there are also businesses that focus on application development that seek to create new value by combining the necessary materials without being limited to their own products. To respond flexibly to diverse business environments, we will create new businesses by clarifying the roles of manufacturing, sales, and engineering.
Open Innovation and Basic Technologies
Open innovation
The main objective of open innovation is to accelerate the development of products and services by quickly accessing the latest technologies and knowledge through collaboration with external parties. In an age of complexity and rapid change, it is also important to be able to respond to scenarios that differ from our vision of the future. Activities to increase business value in the short term by developing new business models with innovative ideas and technology are an area of expertise for start-up firms, and investment activities through corporate venture capital is one of the key measures of open innovation.
Overview of collaboration with start-ups receiving Group investment
| Start-up company | Specialty | Scope of collaboration |
|---|---|---|
 AddiFab ApS |
Agile manufacturing solution combining additive manufacturing and injection molding for specialty products | Joint development of additive materials (Acquired by Nexa3D, Inc.) |
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Plant-based proteins and products as a substitute for traditional food products | Development of alternative meat ingredients |
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Holographic waveguide display technology for nextgeneration augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) devices | Development of plastic waveguides for AR/VR devices |
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5G radio frequency communication technology leveraging gallium-nitride semiconductors for energy and spectrum efficiency | Development of applications for gallium-nitride substrates in 5G communications networks |
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Continuous monitoring and optimization of industrial and laboratory systems | R&D efficiency and continuous process improvement (Acquired by Yokogawa Electric Corporation) |
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Water-soluble and biodegradable bio-derived polymer raw material substitute for film and plastic applications | Development of green materials for customer needs |
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Plant-based sustainable composites and materials to replace wood in automotive and industrial applications | Development of bio-based composite solutions |
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Custom-made, serum-free cell culture media for pharmaceutical, regenerative medicine, and food applications | Material development for cell culture-related markets |
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Koji-based food products as a substitute for traditional meat products | Development of alternative meat ingredients and geographic expansion |
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Chemical recycling and manufacturing processes for carbon fiber waste | Supply chain development and partnerships |
The Group’s products for focus markets and the basic technologies that underpin their development
Business models differ by business and so do the roles and contributions expected of each R&D organization. It is important to share road maps for insight and strategies regarding various markets and appropriately divide and coordinate the roles between business groups and corporate functions. The Group aims to develop technologies that are attractive to customers and business partners and which help form closer ties with them. By applying the technologies and knowledge we have acquired to the front lines of business, we underpin the development of the Group’s products.
The Group’s technologies and products matched to focus markets
 EV/Mobility |
 Digital |
 Food |
 Medical |
 Building/ Infrastructure |
 Consumer Goods |
 Industrial |
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