Tohoku University’s industry-academia collaboration system, “Co-creation Research Institutes,” continues to expand as a platform for companies and the university to jointly promote research and social implementation, with the cumulative number of established institutes exceeding 40 as of May 2025.

Menicon, a major contact lens manufacturer, is collaborating with Sendai City on the collection and recycling of lens cases, starting from the Co-creation Research Institute established in 2024 and Research Center for Green X-Tech. They are also proceeding with material evaluation utilizing the synchrotron radiation facility NanoTerasu.

The Co-creation Research Institutes are positioned as an important practical foundation for “creating social value that transforms the future,” which Tohoku University advocates as an “International Leading Research University,” and their future development is highly anticipated.

日経新聞：Tohoku University’s “Co-creation Research Institutes” attract diverse companies including Panasonic and Menicon

日経新聞：(Tohohokuo) Co-creation Research Institutes boast diverse participants – Tohoku University, 41 cases in 4 years – Establishing a successful model for “Excellence University” through technological innovation and external funding acquisition