Ohio State and Honda Celebrate 25 Years of innovation, education and shared success

The Ohio State University and Honda recently hosted an event to celebrate 25 years of collaboration that has produced more than $130 million in philanthropy and sponsored research, supported over 400 research projects and created hands-on learning opportunities for thousands of students. The partnership, recognized as one of the nation’s strongest examples of industry-university collaboration, continues to advance research, education and workforce development that benefit both organizations and the state of Ohio.  

 “The success of this partnership is built on relationships, on the trust, collaboration and shared goals that let us move quickly to meet new challenges,” said Alissa Comella, associate vice president for corporate partnerships for Ohio State and co-director of the Honda–Ohio State Partnership. “Because of the strong foundation we’ve built, our students, researchers and Honda associates can innovate together in ways that make a real impact across Ohio and beyond.” 

 The roots of the relationship date back to 1988, when Honda purchased land for its East Liberty Automotive Plant from the state of Ohio. Part of the sale established the Transportation Research Endowment Program fund in Ohio State’s College of Engineering. That initial $6 million investment has grown to more than $60 million, generating annual support for research, scholarships and endowed positions focused on vehicle and transportation innovation. The Transportation Research Center remains a cornerstone of collaboration, providing a proving ground for safety testing, vehicle development and emerging mobility research. 

 “It’s not just about solving real-world challenges, it’s about building relationships, mentoring future innovators, and watching their ideas come to life,” said Bob Nelson, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Company. “Every year, we’re blown away by the passion and ingenuity they bring. It’s a highlight for our teams and a true testament to the power of this partnership.” 

Over 25 years, Honda and Ohio State have created a partnership that links classroom learning to real-world innovation. Honda is one of Ohio State’s top employers, hiring more than 100 interns, co-op students and graduates each year. Each year, 120 Ohio State students receive Honda scholarships and the partnership has supported seven endowed chairs, two designated professorships and significant capital improvements totaling more than $250 million at the Transportation Research Center. 

 “For Honda, this partnership is all about preparing the workforce of the future,” said Meredith Reffey, workforce pipeline department lead for Honda and co-director of the partnership. “Together, we’re creating new pathways for students to explore manufacturing, technology and leadership, and we’re helping our own associates grow their skills along the way.

That focus on people has shaped several joint education and training initiatives. The Graduate Certificate in Business Leadership has helped more than 180 Honda associates develop expertise in strategy, finance, leadership and communication. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program, offered at Ohio State’s regional campuses, prepares students for careers in advanced manufacturing. Honda recently provided $100,000 to each campus to expand lab equipment and experiential learning opportunities. 

 New programs are also preparing students for emerging challenges in automotive and manufacturing fields. The Automotive Manufacturing Certificate, developed with input from Honda engineers, offers industry-aligned coursework and facility tours. The Honda Launchpad initiative connects more than 200 students directly with Honda associates through cohort-based learning, mentorship, industry challenges and professional development. 

For students like Devin Suttles, a fifth-year industrial engineering major, those opportunities represent what makes the partnership so valuable. Suttles participated in the Multidisciplinary Design Capstone, where his team worked with Honda to design a pet-friendly accessory for Honda vehicles. The project allowed students from multiple engineering disciplines to collaborate from concept through prototype, blending creativity with practical design experience. 

 “This project has felt like being part of a real engineering team,” Suttles said. “We’re solving real problems, sharing ideas across disciplines and seeing how design decisions translate into something people could actually use. It’s the kind of experience that makes you feel ready to step into the workforce.” 

Research continues to anchor the partnership’s impact. The newly completed Battery Cell Research and Demonstration Center represents one of its most ambitious projects, uniting Ohio State faculty, Honda engineers and state, federal and other industry partners to advance next-generation battery and energy storage technologies. The center underscores the shared commitment to sustainable mobility and strengthens Ohio’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and electrification. 

 From developing safer, smarter transportation systems to preparing students for high-demand careers, the Honda–Ohio State partnership continues to move innovation forward together. 

 “When we look back at 25 years of collaboration, the real story isn’t just about technology or facilities. It’s about people,” said John Horack, Ohio State’s vice president for research. “Together, Honda and Ohio State have built something that drives safety, innovation and opportunity for generations to come.”