Global automotive supplier DENSO is expanding its Silicon Valley, California office to further support and promote startup companies and advanced research and development activities in multiple areas of technological innovation. DENSO plans to grow its “think tank” to 20 people, which is about three times of the current personnel over the next three years. Key focus areas will be cyber security, big data and autonomous driving.
“In North America, 700 DENSO employees are developing technologies related to environment and safety mainly in the technical center located in Southfield, Michigan. The expansion of Silicon Valley office will strengthen our research and development ability, not only North America but worldwide.” said Masahiko Miyaki, executive vice president in charge of DENSO’s overall R&D.
Also, as part of its substantial innovation efforts, DENSO has created a dedicated team in the Silicon Valley office that will aggressively pursue investments into entrepreneurs and startup companies. Not only will DENSO be investing in automotive technologies, but also startups pursuing unique solutions in key non-automotive sectors, such as health and medical, security, power storage, electric mobility, sensors and biotechnology.
DENSO first opened its Silicon Valley office in 2011, with the dual intention of strengthening and growing its core automotive business and to also discover and promote unique non-automotive technologies the company can deploy to expand its business into new markets.
Profile of DENSO’ Silicon Valley office
1. Name: DENSO International America Silicon Valley Office
2. Location: San Jose, California, United States
3. Establishment: April 2011
4. Employees: 6 (as of April 2014)
