NTT DATA invests globally in regional R&D centres

NTT DATA is investing in six global innovation centres this August, extending existing centres of excellence and expanding its network of labs. Each region has specific technological focuses, with the European hubs focusing on quantum computing, cyber security, and the metaverse. The two new centres in Italy and Germany join the already established network of European labs including Epworth House in London, Milan, and its Living Lab in Barcelona.

NTT DATA is increasing its commitment to applied research and innovation in EMEA, China, the Americas, and South-East Asia. It is broadening technological horizons from genomics research in Japan to LiDAR in China and smart city planning in North America. A lateral focus on regions from the United States to China and Japan allows instantaneous sharing of information and an end to asynchronous, siloed scientific efforts.

Aimed at concentrating resources on cutting-edge technologies with the potential to become mainstream in five to ten years, NTT DATA is generating new business through joint R&D projects in strategic locations. It is prioritising areas with a high sensitivity to the latest technologies and thriving, innovative technological systems. Joint programmes with leading companies, universities, and start-ups will enable the Innovation Centres to accumulate information on advanced technologies in their region. Furthermore, NTT DATA aims to expand its network of experts to 300 by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, growing its world-leading capabilities and offering of unique expertise on emerging technologies such as quantum computing and the metaverse. The viability of this investment is validated by the successes of the pre-existing European lab network.

Augmenting existing success stories in European markets

Early successes of these labs have included advancements in digital twin and quantum computing. This involves using the new computational paradigms inherent in quantum machinery to help partners find optimal combinations of millions of possible options and model increasingly complex financial scenarios. Digital twin technology has led to the 3D digitalisation of cities like Las Vegas and Rome, improving public safety and tackling pollution.

Since their launch in 2019, our UK labs in London have continued to invest in emerging technologies. This includes the recent material applications of digital twin computing through the use of shot-tracking technology at 150th The Open in collaboration with The R&A, partnerships with Great Ormond St. Hospital’s DRIVE (Digital Research, Informatics and Virtual Environments) lab, and a wide range of start-ups and scaleups in emerging technologies – from virtual and augmented reality to applications of machine learning.

Tom Winstanley, CTO and Head of New Ventures at NTT DATA UK&I, said: “It’s fantastic to see that innovation has no borders. NTT DATA is extending its reach globally – in almost every major landmass on the globe. This signals great things for Europe and the UK as we collaborate on research with our colleagues in Japan, China, and the US, as well as intensifying the European lab network.

“This investment increases our opportunities to work with academia and tap into the innovation ecosystem in this region. We create value for our clients by using or creating the latest technology, and that starts in the lab. Good research deserves to be rewarded, and I’m delighted that NTT DATA is committing to the material applications of these exciting new technologies.

“Early successes in quantum computing and AI show the depth of our experts’ knowledge and hands-on capabilities. I look forward to the new wave of globally informed digital solutions and innovation that our lab network can produce going forward.”