Announcement of the Signing of the “Collaboration Agreement for Promoting Innovation in the KOBE Biomedical Innovation Cluster”
Mitsubishi Corporation Urban Development
Kobe City
Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe
Kobe University
RIKEN
iPark Institute Co., Ltd.
Kobe City, the Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe University, RIKEN (a National Research and Development Agency), Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation Urban Development, and iPark Institute (collectively, the “Parties”) are pleased to announce that they have signed the “Collaboration Agreement for Promoting Innovation in the KOBE Biomedical Innovation Cluster” (the “Agreement”).
1. Purpose of the Agreement
The Agreement aims to establish a collaborative ecosystem within the KOBE Biomedical Innovation Cluster—one of Japan’s largest biomedical clusters—by fostering cooperation and interaction among participating institutions and companies, and accelerating innovation in research.Through this initiative, the Parties seek to promote industrial creation and business concentration in the bio and life sciences fields, expand and strengthen the cluster, invigorate the local area, and ultimately enhance Japan’s international competitiveness in these sectors.
2. Areas of Cooperation – Four Pillars for Accelerated Growth
The Parties will leverage their respective human, intellectual, and physical assets to advance joint initiatives in the following areas:
- (1) Building an ecosystem for industrial creation and concentration
Promoting interaction among resident organizations and fostering public-private-academic co-creation
- Establishing networks that connect with external communities
- Developing investment functions to support the growth of start-up ventures
- (2) Building advantageous infrastructure
Encouraging the use of RIKEN’s world-class research facilities (e.g., the Fugaku supercomputer and SPring-8 synchrotron) for bio and life sciences research and development
- Enhancing environments such as exchange facilities that support research activities
- (3) Developing and attracting specialized human resources
Attracting professionals with advanced technical expertise
- Fostering research talent through initiatives such as executive training in venture management and integrated graduate programs
- (4) Global outreach and collaboration
Strengthening partnerships with overseas science parks
- Promoting the attraction of overseas companies and international events
- Supporting the overseas expansion of start-up ventures
About the KOBE Biomedical Innovation Cluster
About the KOBE Biomedical Innovation Cluster
The KOBE Biomedical Innovation Cluster was established in 1998 as part of Kobe City’s post-recovery initiatives following the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. The city set three core objectives: to secure employment and revitalize the local economy, to improve citizens’ welfare through advanced medical technologies, and to contribute internationally by raising medical standards across Asia.
Nearly 30 years later, it has grown into one of the largest biomedical clusters in Japan. The cluster brings together leading academic institutions and medical-related companies, RIKEN, cutting-edge research infrastructure such as the Fugaku supercomputer, and a network of advanced specialty hospitals. Together, they provide an exceptional environment for research and development in high-level biomedical technologies.
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