Asics announced it will establish its first U.S. research and development lab for running shoes and other products, called the Asics Institute of Sport Science America LLC, in partnership with the University of Michigan.
Based on the University’s Ann Arbor campus, the multi-year research agreement will include a dedicated sports lab on campus for advanced research in biomechanics, exercise physiology, AI-driven design, and bioengineering.
The collaboration represents a $25 million commitment from Asics to the project.
University of Michigan President Domenico Grasso said, “We are thrilled to partner with Asics, an organization that shares our commitment to solving complex challenges through innovation and a human-centered approach. Welcoming Asics’ inaugural U.S. research hub is a tremendous honor and affirms the strength of our faculty, students and collaborative research culture, both locally and globally.”
Through this collaboration, Asics said it “aims to advance its Global Integrated Enterprise (GIE) approach by leveraging the University of Michigan’s research capabilities and well-established running community to foster innovations that enhance human performance.
“We are honored to enter into a strategic partnership with the University of Michigan, one of the world’s leading research-oriented universities,” said Mitsuyuki Tominaga, president and COO of Asics Corporation. “Since our founding, Asics has upheld the philosophy of ‘Anima Sana In Corpore Sano’ — a sound mind in a sound body — and has long supported athletes of all levels in achieving peak performance through fundamental research and advanced technology.
“Today, under our Mid-Term Plan 2026, we are driving long-term research focused on athletes to further strengthen innovation. Establishing this research entity in the United States — home to many of the world’s top athletes and a key market for our future growth — is a source of great pride for us. This initiative is part of that effort, aimed at building a global R&D network and accelerating athlete-focused research. Going forward, we will continue to make “what benefits athletes” the standard for all decisions, listen sincerely to athletes’ voices, and pursue product development that contributes to their success. By integrating the latest research, we will also strive to create breakthrough innovations.”
Image courtesy Asics
