Dentsu Lab Expands Innovation Network in India

New Facility Inaugurated in Mumbai

Japanese advertising group Dentsu has officially launched Dentsu Lab in India, further expanding its global network of innovation centres. This new facility was inaugurated in Mumbai on July 15, joining previous labs located in Tokyo, London, and Warsaw.

A Vision for Collaborative Innovation

The establishment of Dentsu Lab aligns with Dentsu’s strategy to create collaborative spaces that merge technology, creativity, and human insight. By positioning itself at the intersection of these elements, Dentsu aims to drive impactful innovation.

A Brief History of Dentsu Lab

First established in 2014 by Yasuharu Sasaki, the Global Chief Creative Officer at Dentsu, Dentsu Lab has focused on projects involving cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, immersive technology, and human-centred design.

India: A Hub for Innovation

The opening of Dentsu Lab in India underscores the company’s recognition of the country as a pivotal hub for innovation — a space where culture, business, and technology converge.

Empathy as the Core of Innovation

Yasuharu Sasaki emphasized the importance of purpose in innovation, stating, “At its best, innovation is not driven by speed or scale alone, but by purpose.”

Understanding Human Needs

Sasaki further articulated that true progress begins with understanding people. He believes that every idea should stem from empathy, leading to solutions that are both intelligent and deeply meaningful.

India’s Unique Strengths

According to Sasaki, “India holds a special strength, a harmony of emotional insight, cultural richness, and technical excellence.” The launch of Dentsu Lab in India aims to integrate these strengths into a global innovation network.

Focus Areas of the Lab

Dentsu Lab operates as an innovation platform, providing creative R&D services across diverse areas. These include events, gaming, retail, immersive experiences, data visualization, and emerging technologies like AI and extended reality.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

The lab consists of a vibrant team of technologists, designers, and strategists working together to build and test solutions applicable across multiple industries.

Leadership at Dentsu Lab India

Gurbaksh Singh, Chief Creative Officer & Chief Innovation Officer for South Asia at Dentsu, will lead the lab. He is tasked with collaborating with clients, startups, and partners to deliver innovative solutions.

Building Innovation, Not Just Theories

Singh emphasizes, “We are not here to theorize about innovation. We are here to build it: fast, bold, and with intent.”

A Live Brief Approach

At Dentsu Lab in India, every challenge is treated as a live brief, and every prototype is designed to address real-world issues.

Harnessing India’s First-Mover Mindset

The lab plans to leverage India’s innovative spirit to create meaningful ideas that connect with diverse communities.

Showcasing Innovative Prototypes

To celebrate the launch, Dentsu Lab India unveiled several prototypes, including Tokonoma, an AI installation from Tokyo that turns handcrafted pottery into music, and Unlabeled, a fashion-tech concept designed to counter AI surveillance.

Local Innovations to Watch

India-based projects showcased include the Garuda Rakshak, a drone-based safety solution, and Motorola Deep Connect, focusing on enhancing remote connectivity through emotional design.

Quotes from Leadership

Amit Wadhwa, CEO of Dentsu Creative & Media Brands, and Narayan Devanathan, President & Chief Strategy Officer, jointly stated, “India has stood at the crossroads of imagination and invention,” highlighting the country’s unique ability to amalgamate logic with creativity.

Creating a Purpose-Driven Lab

They assured stakeholders that innovation in India would be both efficient and empathetic, focusing on uplifting industries and inspiring people.

A Network of Creativity

Dentsu Lab operates across three locations in India — Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Gurgaon — nurturing spaces for collaboration between clients and specialists from various disciplines.

Conclusion

The launch of Dentsu Lab in India represents a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation that prioritizes empathy and human connection in every project.