WILMINGTON, Del. and GURGAON, India,  April 25, 2005  —  DuPont today announced it has signed a research agreement with the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in Pune, India. Under terms of the agreement, DuPont will have access to the talents and capabilities of one of India's premier research and development laboratories to grow new market-facing technologies. The first research projects NCL will develop will be for the DuPont Titanium Technologies business.

"We are pleased to announce the signing of this agreement with the National Chemical Laboratory of India," said DuPont Chief Science & Technology Officer Thomas M. Connelly , Jr. "This move is consistent with DuPont's efforts to go where the growth is and to globalize our R&D operations. It furthers DuPont's efforts to open our innovation processes by incorporating the research capabilities and intellectual talent of India's top materials scientists. In addition, it will allow us to more clearly address the market needs of the region by providing geographic access."

Founded in 1950, NCL is part of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), India's science and technology coordinating institution that is presided over by the country's prime minister. The relationship between DuPont and NCL dates back to 1993 when DuPont became the first multinational company to partner with CSIR through NCL to advance polyester research in India. With over 300 full-time Ph.D. scientists on staff and 360 students pursuing doctoral degrees, NCL is globally respected for its expertise in chemical and material sciences. NCL is located in the state of Maharashtra on the country's western coast. Maharashtra state is the largest contributor to India's GDP. Pune city is second only to Mumbai (the business capital of India) in size and industrial strength.

DuPont invests approximately $1.3 billion annually in global research and development in a diverse range of technologies for a broad scope of markets, ranging from electronics to agriculture. Globally, DuPont has more than 75 R&D facilities with over 40 in the United States and more than 35 in 11 other nations. DuPont has more than 4,400 scientists and engineers around the world, including India.

DuPont India is a subsidiary of DuPont. The company's association with India is more than 200 years old, dating back to the first shipment of raw materials for black powder explosives in 1802.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.