In 1987, KRI, Inc. (formerly Kansai Research Institute, Inc.) was established with a full investment by Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. In July, 2003, the company changed its name to KRI, Inc.

Since its establishment, KRI has been contributing to clients of both private and public organizations offering satisfactory outcomes in the areas of contract research and consultation.

In contract research area, KRI provides solutions to technology problems in a wide range of areas including electric materials, nanomaterials, energy conversion technology and environmental conservation technology. KRI is putting forward a variety of combinations involving material technology which includes inorganic materials, polymer materials besides hybrid materials, device technology, in addition to biotechnology which processes microorganisms, property evaluation, and detection technology. KRI is also aggressively promoting novel R&D technology plans building on the KRI's own original technologies.