Bosch expands its research and technology centre in California

Bosch has moved to a larger location in Silicon Valley, opening a new 36m-euro Research and Technology Center (RTC) in Sunnyvale. The RTC was previously located in Palo Alto, roughly 15 kilometres to the west.

“We have had a presence here for nearly 20 years. The new offices will help us keep our finger on the pulse of Silicon Valley, thanks also to our excellent connections to the local research community and local businesses,” said Mike Mansuetti, president of Bosch in North America.

The facilities bring together 200 associates under one roof for the first time. Covering almost 10,000 square meters, the new location offers 40 percent more space in total and room for up to 300 associates.

“From basic research to market-ready solutions, as part of Bosch’s international research network, our associates in Silicon Valley have laid the foundation for innovative products and solutions in areas such as sensor technology and automated and connected vehicle systems,” said Hauke Schmidt, head of the Bosch Research and Technology Center.

Roughly half the company’s associates in Sunnyvale work in basic research and advance engineering to develop processes and solutions in fields such as data mining, sensors, artificial intelligence, and automated driving. The building, which has been leased for ten years, is also home to engineering activities for nine different Bosch divisions.

The RTC also houses an office of Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH, the Group’s venture capital organisation, which invests in innovative start-up companies around the world at all stages of development.

Apart from modern laboratories, workshops, and offices, the location offers spaces for collaboration and creativity as well as having an outdoor area that provides creative minds with opportunities to explore ideas and advance them through dialogue with each other or with the company’s scientific and business partners in the region.