*Note: This document has been translated from a part of the Japanese original for reference purposes only.

November 24, 2020
The University of Tokyo
Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.

The University of Tokyo and Nippon Paint Holdings Establish Japan’s First Corporate-Sponsored Program Around the Concept of Paint and Coatings
－Aimed at developing human resources for the creation of innovative coating technologies－

The University of Tokyo (President: Makoto Gonokami) and Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. (Chairman, President & CEO: Masaaki Tanaka; hereinafter referred to as “Nippon Paint”) have launched the social cooperation program titled “Creation of Innovative Coating Technologies” on October 1. The program is based on an industry-academia co-creation agreement concluded on May 18, 2020.

This program was established in the School of Engineering with the aim of conducting joint research for the post-COVID world based on the following three themes:

1. Research on coating technologies with anti-viral and anti-bacterial functions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
2. Research on coating technologies that can support the foundation of a smart/remote society envisioned in the future and contribute to improving efficiency in society; and
3. Research on coating technologies that will contribute to reducing environmental loads and controlling social costs

Paint requires multiple functions (anti-fouling, anti-fogging, anti-bacterial, wettability control, and others). However, next-generation coatings may also need to have completely different painting processes than in the past. With the goal of developing next-generation coating technologies, this program will give people advanced skills, including new know-how and techniques. These people will have the expertise to design new painting processes by using a perspective that encompasses the entire painting process. In addition, this program will establish an educational process to eliminate the shortage of engineers in the paint industry and give people expertise to become the next generation of highly-skilled engineers.

The University of Tokyo and Nippon Paint have a strong commitment to the success of the upcoming five-year joint research project. The goal is many accomplishments for breakthroughs and innovative technologies that can contribute to a sustainable society and a better future.

Overview of the social cooperation program

Title: “Creation of Innovating Coating Technologies”
Period: October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2025 (five years)
Leading faculty member: Toru Wakihara (Professor, Institute of Engineering Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering)
List of Specially Appointed Professors:

Number of participants (as of October 31, 2020): 63 (17 faculty members of the University of Tokyo and 46 researchers from Nippon Paint Group)
Research themes:

1. Coating technologies with anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and functions to prevent the spread of infections
2. Coating technologies that can support the foundation of a smart/remote society
3. Coating technologies that will contribute to reducing environmental loads and controlling social costs

Educational aims:
This program will develop highly-skilled human resources who have expertise on the conditions for preparing high-performance paints and behaviors at the molecular level when painting and those who can search for painting materials with new functions, designing paint, and identifying the physical and chemical processes that can lead to innovation in the painting process.

＜For reference＞

Overview of the industry-academia co-creation agreement：

1. Period: 5 years from 2020 to 2025
2. Funding: JPY 1 billion
3. Purpose and background

The University of Tokyo is dedicated to the Future Society Initiative (FSI), which aims to create an inclusive society where everyone has an important role for achieving the 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. To accomplish this goal, The University of Tokyo is taking the lead globally to solve a variety of problems by consolidating knowledge on campus, intensifying collaboration both inside and outside the university, and utilizing technologies newly created by these activities. The University of Tokyo has been searching for partners who share the vision of expanding globally to achieve the SDGs.

As a leader in the engineering field, the Graduate School of Engineering at The University of Tokyo has led the drive to identify solutions to various social issues while also promoting the integration of different disciplines. Today, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The University of Tokyo has launched two new initiatives. First is to enhance engineering research that can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Second is engineering research focusing on coexistence with COVID-19, which is the society that will emerge after the end of this crisis. This initiative also includes research for constant preparations concerning the risk of unknown infectious diseases even after the development of a vaccine for COVID-19.

As the top global paint manufacturer in Asia, Nippon Paint has contributed to people’s lifestyles and the advancement of industries around the world. Contributions encompass buildings and houses, large structures such as bridges, automobiles, railway cars such as the Shinkansen and other high-speed trains, large equipment, and ships. Even today, Nippon Paint is stepping up its efforts to create new initiatives using paint, coatings and surface treatments for the

development of technologies that can help deal with social issues associated with COVID-19. In addition, Nippon Paint is using open innovation to accelerate the development of innovative paint and coating technologies. This innovation is aimed at environmental issues, such as climate change and destruction of the natural environment, and difficult social issues, such as aging and declining populations in developed countries and the depletion of resources.

[Contact Information]
Public Relations, Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.
E-mail: nphd-kouho@nipponpaint.jp