Partner with CDT
CDT: Building Effective Material Research Partnerships
Partnering with CDT provides a unique avenue leading to scale-up via Sumitomo Chemical, a leading global materials manufacturer. Partnerships additionally provide pathways to commercialise innovative solutions that address industry and society’s needs. As a dynamic R&D hub, CDT bridges the gap between emerging technologies and real-world applications, identifying innovative solutions and materials that align with Sumitomo Chemical’s strategic vision. Our expertise in developing effective materials research partnerships, combined with our agile, interdisciplinary team, allows us to scout, evaluate, and enable start-ups to develop cutting-edge technologies with the potential to transform industries.
By collaborating with CDT and – ultimately – Sumitomo Chemical Group, start-ups and academics gain access to research experience and expertise supported by a team dedicated to exploring the boundaries of science. Our partnerships focus on creating breakthrough advancements that address global challenges, ensuring that Sumitomo Chemical remains at the forefront of materials science and technological innovation.
Our Partnering Steps
We are highly flexible in our approach and work with partners across the spectrum, from academia to manufacturers, in advancing the state of readiness of projects.
We use a robust Stage Gate process to progress ideas from conception through to commercialisation.
Explore
Our team looks for global materials-related solutions to societal needs where Sumitomo Chemical could make a significant impact. We do this by harnessing the wide-ranging experience of our in-house technologists in conjunction with our Corporate Venture and Innovation team, who continually scan the world for appropriate technologies.
Evaluate
Together with partners, we design and undertake rapid proof-of-concept programmes to determine the likely technical and commercial feasibility for candidate concepts. These projects may be a response to a specific client’s or Sumitomo Chemical’s demand or a result of our own exploration. Some evaluations can most effectively be carried out by our internal technology team, but we also make extensive use of open innovation where appropriate to achieve the most effective results.
Develop and Adopt
For concepts that show potential, we act as the interface to Sumitomo Chemical’s business sectors. This may include refinement of the technical or business case and developing support for an effective commercial plan. This development might require additional internal technical experimentation or activities in partnership with external organisations. Successful projects will then be considered for adoption by Sumitomo Chemical.
Partner With CDT
Complete the form to explore partnership opportunities with CDT and join us in driving innovation and advancing cutting-edge materials research together.