Bio Community What is Tsuruoka Biocommunity?

Tsuruoka Biocommunity is home to research and educational institutions including the Institute of Advanced Biosciences at Keio University, as well as 8 bio-related venture companies established based on the seeds generated there. In recognition of these efforts, Tsuruoka Biocommunity was certified by the Cabinet Office as one of the first regional biocommunities in 2021. Involving research institutions, companies, and the local community, the Tsuruoka Biocommunity aims to create an ecosystem in which people can continue to live healthier and better lives.

It is said that, to create innovative business models, products, and services, it is necessary for people from multiple fields, such as research institutions, local communities, professionals from outside the region, and companies, to work together to develop them, in other words, a place for open innovation. The Tsuruoka Biocommunity was recognized by the Cabinet Office in 2021 as one of the first biocommunities, and as of March 2023, six regional biocommunities and two global biocommunities have been recognized. The Tsuruoka Biocommunity, in collaboration with the government, will lead the promotion and creation of Japan's economy by taking advantage of its excellent open innovation environment.

Tsuruoka Biocommunity consists of research and educational institutions including the Institute of Advanced Biosciences at Keio University, and 8 bio-venture companies established based on the seeds generated there. In the area of high-performance biomaterials, Spiber is engaged in the production of protein materials from microorganisms; in the area of healthcare, Metagen analyzes information on the intestinal microbiota found in stools to help maintain good health; MOLCURE uses AI and high-throughput screening to design and explore biopharmaceuticals; and Salivatech enables cancer risk diagnosis using saliva. In addition, there is Human Metabolome Technologies, which provides fundamental technologies for metabolite analysis that are not limited to healthcare but are highly versatile. The Tsuruoka Biocommunity is home to companies that have the potential to solve the major problems Japan is facing, an advanced nation with a population of 90 million by 2050, in areas such as natural resources, healthcare, medicine, and regional revitalization.

The creation of resources will play an important role in environmental issues and the maintenance of world peace. The development of drugs using AI will accelerate the resolution of intractable diseases. The modification of natural products through synthetic biology will play an important role in the depletion of antibiotics. Cancer testing with saliva will lead to early detection and treatment. Technological innovations such as metabolome analysis have the potential to eliminate food shortages through increased efficiency in agriculture. The Tsuruoka Biocommunity aims to create a future in which everything from fiber and food to energy and medicine can be locally produced for local consumption through bio-research, in other words, an ecosystem in which people can continue to healthful and better life.