The Challenge
For more than four decades, Honda has made Ohio a cornerstone of its North American manufacturing and R&D footprint. With the global mobility sector rapidly evolving—following breakthroughs in new technology, advanced materials, and next-generation propulsion—the company sought to expand its research capabilities in the United States.
To stay ahead of emerging technologies, Honda Research Institute USA (HRI-US) needed a collaborative research environment capable of accelerating innovation and strengthening partnerships with leading academic institutions. The company looked to deepen its long-standing presence in Ohio to support its efforts to build the energy technologies of tomorrow.
The Solution
Working alongside one of its long-time partners, JobsOhio, and with support from local, state, and other industry partners, HRI-US committed to expanding its research presence in the state with a new Advanced Materials Science Lab at The Ohio State University SciTech Campus in central Ohio.
The multimillion-dollar project was supported by a $500,000 Research & Development grant from JobsOhio. Scheduled to open in 2026, the new lab will focus on advanced mobility technologies.
Key factors in the decision made by Honda to expand research operations in Ohio included:
Strong existing relationships with supportive partners across the state that are invested in the growth and success of Honda
Ohio’s existing automotive manufacturing ecosystem
Proximity to world-class research institutions and a pipeline of engineering talent
Ohio’s leadership in mobility, propulsion, and battery research across electric, hybrid, and internal combustion technologies
Opportunities to collaborate with industry, academic, and government entities to accelerate innovation
Economic Impact:
Honda has a workforce of more than 15,000 associates across Ohio and has invested over $15 billion in the state since establishing its first U.S. manufacturing operation in Marysville in 1979.
The new HRI-US research facility enhances Ohio’s innovative business environment by advancing next-generation mobility technologies and expanding collaboration between industry and academia.
Strategic Advantage:
Ohio is uniquely positioned as one of the few states in the country capable of supporting electric, hybrid, fuel cell, and internal combustion automotive propulsion technologies. By expanding its research capabilities in the Columbus region, Honda is reinforcing Ohio’s status as a global hub for advanced mobility research, development, and manufacturing while helping drive future technological breakthroughs across the automotive and energy sectors.
As Honda continues to invest in the future of mobility, Ohio remains one of our most important centers of innovation. The support of the state is essential to the continued expansion of Honda research capabilities in the Columbus region, which will deepen our collaboration with academic and industry partners working on advanced mobility technologies.
-Dr. Christopher Brooks, chief scientist and HRI-US division director