Unilever, a global leader in fast-moving consumer goods, announced on Wednesday that it will allocate an extra €35 million to enhance its research and development operations in India. This investment aims to upgrade its two R&D centers in Mumbai and Bengaluru into advanced research and innovation hubs, and to create a strategic Bio-Futures partnership within the country.

The funding adds to over €20 million invested in the last five years in its Liquids Lab of the Future, Unilever Fragrance House, Advanced Manufacturing Center for Bars, Packaging and Flexibles Design Lab, as well as in AI and digital modeling platforms.

The two India R&D centers function as essential components of Unilever’s worldwide R&D network and include various new science and technology research, innovation, product development, and market-oriented activities.

"This encompasses consumer insights, product modification, testing, verification, scaling, and implementation through various actions executed within the India R&D ecosystem,” the company stated.

Both hubs leverage Unilever’s worldwide science and technology resources, scientific expertise, and intellectual property.

India serves as one of Unilever's major global research and development centers, employing over 800 scientists, researchers, digital experts, and designers.

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The suggested change will convert the Mumbai hub into a new Centre for Product Innovation.

It will unite AI- and digital-driven foresight and insights, innovative measurement methods, product and format expertise, product and packaging design, fast prototyping, scale-up abilities, and market-oriented implementation within one cohesive environment.

The center will also establish areas to facilitate collaborations with academia, specialists, vendors, start-ups, and the broader design community.

Richard Slater, Unilever's chief officer for research and development, mentioned that India is a vital global R&D hub for the corporation.