Detroit-based nonprofit NextEnergy and Denso International America, Inc., a global Tier 1 supplier with its North American headquarters in Southfield, are partnering in an effort to accelerate the implementation and commercialization of smart city and advanced mobility technologies.
As part of the partnership, Denso International will become a corporate sponsor of NextEnergy’s venture services program, and NextEnergy will serve as a strategic advisor to Denso International’s Corporate Venture Group, which is based in San Jose, Calif.
Along with providing early insight on new technologies in the development stage, officials with Denso say the partnership will provide the company with networking, startup engagement, and an avenue for potential investments in NextEnergy clients.
“Collaboration for the purpose of accelerating technologies is the core of what we do,” says Jean Redfield, president and CEO of NextEnergy. “As part of our partnership with Denso, we’re striving to help them meet their business goals by providing first-hand knowledge of collaboration opportunities with NextEnergy clients and technologies.”
Founded in 2002, NextEnergy (461 Burroughs St.) focuses on technology demonstration and commercialization, delivering industry and venture development services, and providing an authoritative voice in the public sector. The nonprofit has helped attract more than $1.5 billion of new investment, including programs in excess of $160 million in which it has directly participated.
In North America, Denso employs more than 23,000 people at 30 consolidated companies and affiliates, including 28 manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company’s North American consolidated sales were $9.9 billion for the fiscal year ending in March.
