Purpose of Establishment

　As the global bio-economy (economy/market being driven by biotechnology) continues to rapidly expand, the field of engineering biology plays a central role in such growth. In Europe, the United States, and China, dramatic technological advances are being achieved through concentrated research and development efforts, and at the same time, this is leading to the establishment of a multitude of startup companies that are working together with large corporations to stimulate growth in these industries. Engineering biology refers to innovative technological development that combines cutting-edge biotechnology, digital technologies, and robotics technologies, and from an industrial standpoint, it can be said that Japan is lagging behind its counterparts in Europe and the United States. For this reason, there is an urgent need to promote industrial-governmental-academic research and development/commercialization efforts, while also fostering the growth of talent that can excel in these fields.

　Our organization promotes the development of fundamental technologies for advanced engineering biology that merge biotechnology, digital technologies, and robotics technologies through industrial-governmental-academic collaboration. Furthermore, by utilizing engineering biology technologies, we promote the research and development of technologies for the fast breeding of cells (smart cells) with sophisticated functional designs and controlled expression of function and their utilization in fields of industrial manufacturing, such as for biochemical products, bio-based fine chemicals, and new materials, etc. In addition to the fast breeding of smart cells, we also make use of in vitro culture systems (intestinal tract models) that mimic the human intestinal environment to promote the research and development of functional food products/nutraceuticals/pharmaceuticals for the fields of medical healthcare/drug discovery. Moreover, in order to link such research and development efforts to actual commercial production, we also engage in the development of supply chain and bio-production processes that include biomass breeding. Finally, we work to foster the growth of talented individuals that can play a key role in such fields, and by encouraging open innovation, we aim to contribute to the advancement of research and industrial development in the field of engineering biology in Japan.

　By closely working together with the Engineering Biology Research Center at Kobe University, our organization strives to promote cutting-edge research and development while encouraging the growth of human resources.

Organizational Overview