Nexen advancing tire R&D in Silicone Valley partnership

Sunnyvale, California — Nexen Tire America Inc. is partnering with Silicon Valley-based innovation platform and startup accelerator Plug and Play LLC in a bid to connect with up-and-coming tire and car technology companies.

Nexen said the partnership allowed it to "realise its 'open R&D' philosophy, offering collaboration and partnerships, especially to firms in the tire technology field."

The tire company and accelerator announced the partnership 13 June at Plug and Play's Sunnyvale headquarters where the company hosted its Summer Expo.

Through the partnership, Nexen expects to build a stronger global presence in terms of technology and business, and “transform into an innovative corporation,” said Don Lee, executive director of Nexen Tire America Technical Center.

Founded in 2006, Plug and Play was among the first investors in programmes such as PayPal, Lending Club, Dropbox and SoundHound and has more than 280 official corporate partners.