Reckitt opens new global science & innovation centre in Shanghai
SHANGHAI, China - 8 July, 2026: Reckitt today opened its new Global Science & Innovation Centre in Shanghai. The opening reflects the Company’s long-term commitment to China and the country’s growing role in Reckitt’s global innovation approach.
Located in Shanghai’s Caohejing Hi-Tech Park, the Centre represents Reckitt’s largest R&D investment in Asia and becomes one of nine Science & Innovation Centres across its global network.
The new centre will combine deep consumer insight with advanced science, digital technologies and regional expertise to develop new solutions for changing consumer needs. It will accelerate product development for both local and global markets, bringing together world-class talent and capabilities to drive faster, more impactful innovation.
Alongside the opening, Reckitt announced the launch of Catalyst in China, its global social impact initiative which supports social innovators working to expand access to consumer health and hygiene for millions around the world.
Kris Licht, Chief Executive Officer, Reckitt, said: “China is now one of Reckitt’s most important markets thanks to its scale and growth potential. China also plays an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of innovation across our business. We believe Chinese consumers will help inspire the next generation of product innovations that will help us deliver better health in more hands every day. This means local innovation will be driven well beyond China’s borders into our other markets.”
The centre will further accelerate innovation by integrating R&D laboratories with consumer-facing live streaming studios. Real-time feedback from consumers on existing Reckitt products will directly inform teams developing next-generation variants, improving speed to market, and increasing consumer preference.
“Scientific innovation has always been at the heart of Reckitt’s strategy. Our ambition is to attract top scientific talent from across China and around the world, foster collaboration between researchers, digital specialists and our commercial teams. Bringing this broad set of skills together enables us to develop new product concepts. And get them in the hands of our consumers faster than ever before.”
Kris Licht
Chief Executive Officer, Reckitt
Reckitt has also launched a partnership with the Shanghai Youth Development Foundation and School of Medicine at Shanghai Jiao Tong University under the Reckitt Catalyst initiative. The new collaboration will focus on supporting emerging Chinese entrepreneurs and young innovators working at the intersection of science, consumer health, hygiene and social impact. It reflects Reckitt’s belief that solving tomorrow’s challenges requires not only scientific breakthroughs, but also investment in the people and ideas that will help build better health and stronger communities for future generations.