Canatu Signs MOU with DENSO to Commercialize CNT Products

Canatu has signed a technology memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DENSO Corporation to advance the commercialization of transparent heaters while also accelerating new product development.

Canatu and DENSO will strengthen their cooperation in research and development, mass production technology, and global supply chain exploration. This partnership leverages Canatu’s carbon nanotube (Canatu CNT) technology to deliver new value-add to customers around sustainable mobility.

Integrating Canatu’s carbon nanotube technology, DENSO focuses on promoting efforts toward the practical application of transparent heaters while also launching a joint development project with Canatu for a new solution.

With its expertise in automotive solutions and commitment to carbon neutrality, DENSO drives innovation toward a sustainable mobility future. This partnership builds on the long-standing cooperation and existing agreements between Canatu and DENSO.

At the signing in Finland on Nov. 11, 2024, Toshihiko Muraki, DENSO’s head of business unit, stated, “Achieving carbon neutrality is at the core of our mission. Our collaboration with Canatu reflects our commitment to creating innovative solutions that drive sustainable mobility. By combining Canatu’s groundbreaking carbon nanotube technology with DENSO’s expertise, we aim to develop systems that not only enhance vehicle performance but also significantly reduce environmental impact, contributing to a cleaner, greener future.”

“Reducing energy consumption is a critical priority in the automotive industry, especially for electric vehicles. Through this collaboration, DENSO and Canatu aim to lower energy consumption and generate new power with a novel and efficient energy-capturing solution,” said Juha Kokkonen, CEO of Canatu.

To expand the applications of Canatu CNT technology, Canatu will accelerate and intensify its collaboration with DENSO in the following three key areas:
1. Research and development: in addition to Canatu CNT-based transparent heaters, the two companies aim to develop new application technologies, such as solar panels.
2. Mass production technology: further joint development of Canatu CNT manufacturing equipment and processes, ensuring compliance with automotive quality standards required for mass production.
3. Establishing a global supply chain: exploring supply systems to ensure stable and reliable delivery of CNT products worldwide.

The key projects under the above-mentioned main areas focus on further improving the performance of Canatu’s high-performance reactors to meet the production capabilities of target products and establishing a new global supply chain scheme to meet automotive requirements.

The program with DENSO is currently in the R&D cooperation/exploratory stage, and there are no guarantees of future revenues or profits materializing from it. Notably, DENSO is one of Canatu’s largest shareholders.