Shonan iPark also brings together industry, academia and the public sector into a collaborative ecosystem to transform cutting edge research into impactful health solutions. The Shonan iPark, operated by a partnership under Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Mitsubishi Corp.-UBS Realty Inc. with the support from Mitsubishi Corporation, is based in the Shonan region of the Kanagawa prefecture in the centre of Japan.
The collaboration between the National Horizons Centre and Shonan iPark builds upon the Northern Bio-accelerator Partnership between the National Horizons Centre, CPI and FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies which is working to create a North East bioprocessing, biomanufacturing and biopharmaceutical hub and will position the region as a centre of innovation.
I believe this partnership between the two science-based innovation centres will enable further sharing of knowledge and collaboration opportunities for researchers at both sites.
The Memorandum of Understanding identifies several areas for potential collaboration between the National Horizons Centre and Shonan iPark, including:
Dr Jen Vanderhoven, Director of the National Horizons Centre, said: 鈥淲e are delighted to be working alongside Shonan iPark.
鈥淥ur two organisations are both working to create vibrant, collaborative ecosystems and bridge the gap between academic research and industry practice.
鈥淭herefore, it is fantastic that we can harness our shared values to create a link between the Tees Valley and Japan and find new way to develop and deliver innovations in biosciences and healthcare.鈥�
Dr. Toshio Fujimoto, General Manager of Shonan iPark, said: 鈥淚 believe this partnership between the two science-based innovation centres will enable further sharing of knowledge and collaboration opportunities for researchers at both sites. It will be a privilege if together this agreement paves the way for bringing innovation communities in the UK and Japan closer.鈥�