Unilever is strengthening India’s position in its global research and innovation network with a planned investment of €35 million to upgrade its research and development (R&D) centres in Mumbai and Bengaluru. The investment will support the development of an integrated, AI-led innovation ecosystem aimed at accelerating scientific research, product development and technological advancement.
The initiative will focus on establishing a next-generation Product Innovation Centre in Mumbai while expanding Bengaluru’s role as a global hub for science, technology and strategic partnerships. Both facilities will bring together consumer insights, scientific research, product development, rapid prototyping and manufacturing scale-up capabilities.
As part of the broader investment, Unilever will allocate an additional €5 million over the next 5 years to establish a strategic Bio-Futures Partnership in Bengaluru. The initiative will focus on human biology, microbiome science, biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
Unilever’s Chief Research and Development Officer, Richard Slater, said the latest investment builds on more than €20 million already committed to strengthening the company’s Indian R&D capabilities over the past 5 years.
“With India so deeply connected to our global R&D network, the capabilities and work across our India R&D hubs will help shape innovation for Unilever globally, across Beauty, Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care and beyond,” Slater said.
The upcoming Mumbai centre will bring several capabilities under one roof, including consumer research, product and format science, packaging design, rapid prototyping and manufacturing scale-up. It will also feature dedicated collaboration spaces to encourage partnerships with academic institutions, technology companies and innovators.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru will integrate application and foundational science, digital capabilities and India Foods R&D. The centre will also expand its focus on bioscience-driven innovation, further strengthening its contribution to Unilever’s global research and technology initiatives.
Through these investments, Unilever aims to strengthen India’s role in developing future-ready products and scientific innovations for its global business operations.
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