Paving the Way Toward a New World Through “Biotechnology x Digital Technology”

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Organization for Engineering Biology

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.

October 1st, 2018
Organization for Engineering Biology
Founders: Akihiko Kondo, Ro Osawa, Chiaki Ogino

Organizational Overview

Name Organization for Engineering Biology
Representative Director Akihiko Kondo
Office 1-1, Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657-8501, JAPAN
Date of Establishment October 1st, 2018
Objectives
  • Building on innovations made in the fields of “Biotechnology x Digital Technology x Robotics and Big Data” to develop bio-engineering technologies to help realize the establishment of smart cell industries
  • Promoting the research and development/commercialization of biotechnology-based fuels/chemicals, functional food materials, and nutraceuticals, etc., that make use of cutting-edge engineering biology technologies
  • Influencing public opinion through advertisements and government policy proposals
  • Establishing spaces to bring together a multitude of large corporations and startup companies and promoting research and development based on open innovation
  • Promoting the development of human talent that can utilize advanced engineering biology technologies through industrial-academic collaboration
Business Activities
  • Selecting technological development in areas exhibiting high industrial demand and conducting preliminary research and development in collaboration with the Engineering Biology Research Center
  • Making proposals for and applying for funding for large-scale, collaborative industrial-academic projects for the national government, etc.
  • Acting as an intermediary for joint research conducted with the Engineering Biology Research Center
  • Acting as an intermediary for the Engineering Biology Research Center in regards to technological consultations and equipment usage
  • Promoting open innovation based on industrial-governmental-academic collaboration
  • Conducting international research and development and monitoring industry trends
  • Hosting study sessions and lectures that act as spaces for exchanging information and for developing human talent to promote the advancement of engineering biology

List of Members

 
Regular members Asahi Kasei Corp.
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
ITO EN, LTD.
Kao Corporation
KANEKA CORPORATION
SHIMADZU CORPORATION
Daicel Corporation
TOYOBO CO., LTD.
Nagase Viita Co., Ltd.
NAGASE & CO., LTD.
Nitto Denko Corporation
NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD.
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.
Morishita Jintan Co., Ltd.
Associate members Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
Amano Enzyme Inc.
ARAKAWA CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
Ogawa & Co., Ltd.
Kansai Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd.
Kewpie Corporation
Kubota Corporation
Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
Synplogen Co., Ltd.
Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd.
TAKASAGO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
Tosoh Corporation
Bacchus Bio innovation Co., Ltd.
FUJIFILM Corporation
Bridgestone Corporation
ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Supporting members AGC Inc.
TEIJIN LIMITED
DIC Corporation
Hitachi, Ltd.
Prima Meat Packers, Ltd.
As of August 10, 2024