Unilever commits €35 million to strengthen India research infrastructure

Unilever is channeling €35 million into its research and development operations across India, signaling renewed confidence in the country's innovation ecosystem and talent pool. The investment will focus on modernizing and expanding the company's existing research facilities in Mumbai and Bengaluru, two of India's major innovation hubs.

As part of the broader commitment, Unilever will allocate €5 million over the next five years toward a Bio-Futures platform. This initiative is designed to create structured linkages between the multinational corporation and India's burgeoning bioscience community, facilitating collaboration on sustainable and bio-based product development.

The move underscores Unilever's strategy to leverage India's scientific capabilities and emerging startup ecosystem. The Bio-Futures platform aims to accelerate innovation in areas such as sustainable materials, green chemistry, and biotechnology applications relevant to the consumer goods sector.

India has emerged as a preferred destination for multinational companies seeking to establish or expand research facilities, driven by a combination of specialized talent, cost competitiveness, and access to diverse consumer markets. Unilever's expansion reflects broader industry trends as global firms invest in localized R&D to develop region-specific products and solutions.