2022
John Keells research (JKR) entered into its first technology License agreement with 4ever skin naturals (PVT) Ltd to commercialize JKR’ s proprietary SilmeticTM technology. The technology will be exclusively utilized by 4EVER to develop a range of antibacterial skin care products.
2021
JKR relocated its offices and laboratories from the Technology Incubation Centre to the second hexagon of the Nanotechnology and Science Park. The new facility will enhance JKR’s capabilities in conducting commercially viable projects in the core areas of composites, energy storage, Biomaterials and mechatronics.
2020
Organised interactive sessions as part of its forum titled ‘Innowave @ Techcity’, with the participation of Lee Bazalgette, Founder/Director of the Colombo Design Studio and Giordano Dichter from H&D Partners in Belgium.
2019
Designed and fabricated a multispectral camera, which complements its existing drone and artificial intelligence-based multispectral image analysis project on inspecting infrastructure.
2019
JKR completed the development of a natural rubber-graphite composite with enhanced thermal conductivity and a shorter curing time with potential for use in products such as solid rubber tires.
2018
Spearheaded “Innowave @ Techcity”, a series of inspirational talks to enable brilliant minds to share knowledge on innovation and its significance to development and business.
2018
JKR was selected to participate in a project titled “Enabling IP Environment” conducted by WIPO; the only private sector-based research group that has been selected to participate in this programme, globally.
2017
JKR relocated to the Technology Incubation Centre at the Nanotechnology and Science Park in Pitipana, Homagama. JKR’s own research laboratory commenced its operations which provides access to sophisticated equipment and analytical services to ensure sole ownership of Intellectual property.
2017
Having successfully filed its first patent for a composite nano-material which enables energy storage, which was developed in collaboration with the National Metallurgical Lab of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-NML), India in 2016/17, JKR filed a patent application in Taiwan and a Patent Corporation Treaty (PCT) application, which permits patent protection internationally.
2016
The article titled “Whole genome sequencing and analysis of Godawee, a salt tolerant indica rice variety”, was published in the Journal of Rice Research.
2016
2016 December – John Keells Research filed for its first patent for a novel energy source material that was developed through a research project undertaken in collaboration with the National Metallurgical Lab of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-NML) in India. The patent application which was filed at the Indian patent office in December 2016 is in respect of a composite nanomaterial which could be used in energy storage.
2015
John Keells Research partnered with the University of Maine, USA to develop reinforcing fibers using agricultural waste.
2014
The Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo together with John Keells Research successfully sequenced the entire genome of “Goda Vee”, a rice variety, for the first time in Sri Lanka.
2013
Entered into partnerships with a few local and international research institutions in relation to its research projects. During the year, JKR carried out its research work covering fields such as nanotechnology, energy storage, reinforced materials and renewable energy generation.
2013
John Keells Research (JKR), the research and development arm of the Group was established.