On Wednesday, May 13th, BioLabs x Nakanoshima Qross held an event titled "Global Ecosystems and the Cutting Edge of Human Resource Development in the Life Sciences Field."

On Wednesday, May 13th, BioLabs Japan LLC and the Future Medical Promotion Foundation co-hosted an event titled "Global Ecosystems and the Cutting Edge of Human Resource Development in the Life Sciences Field" at the Qrossover Lounge Yume on the 2nd floor of Nakanoshima Qross.

This event was held with the aim of deepening discussions on the formation of global drug discovery and biotechnology ecosystems, human resource development, and social implementation, focusing on the realities of Boston, one of the world's leading life science ecosystems, and the potential for connectivity with Japan and the Kansai region. Approximately 80 people participated on the day, both in person and online.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Yoshiki Sawa (Chairman of the Board, Future Medical Promotion Foundation) introduced the MOU signed with BioLabs that day and spoke about the importance of building a world-class biotech ecosystem in Osaka and Kansai. He also outlined his vision of accelerating the formation of a unique Japanese ecosystem, using Nakanoshima Qross as a starting point and Boston as a benchmark.

Next, Johannes Fruehauf (President and CEO of BioLabs) introduced the initiatives of BioLabs and LabCentral. He shared that Boston's life science ecosystem did not appear by chance, but was built through long-term government investment, infrastructure development, talent mobility, and networking. He also explained the importance of creating an environment that makes it easy for startups to take on challenges and the importance of "innovation infrastructure" that connects research results to commercialization.

Tomoyoshi Koyanagi (Director, BioLabs Academy LLC) shared insights into the current state and challenges surrounding academia startups in Japan. In particular, he emphasized the need for business strategies focused on the global market, practical entrepreneurship education, and support systems to connect research results to social implementation.

The panel discussion featured Johannes Fruehauf, Felix Moesner (Consul General of the Swiss Consulate-in-Osaka), Yoshiki Sawa, Yu Moriguchi (Assistant to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Future Medical Promotion Foundation / Specially Appointed Lecturer at the International Medical Center, Osaka University Hospital), and Seiji Iwasaki (Senior Manager, Health, Plug and Play Japan). Moderated by Tomoyoshi Koyanagi, the discussion focused on the theme of "What should be implemented next in the life science ecosystem of Osaka and Kansai?"

The discussion highlighted Kansai's strengths, including its high research capabilities and concentration of universities, hospitals, and companies, as well as the need for connectivity to global markets, talent mobility, entrepreneurship education, and startup support functions. Opinions were also exchanged on challenges related to Japan's unique employment culture and talent circulation, and the importance of a "Born Global" perspective that presupposes overseas expansion.

Furthermore, through the collaboration between BioLabs and Nakanoshima Qross, a direction was indicated to strengthen education, mentoring, and network formation to connect research results to social implementation, and to build a life science ecosystem that will challenge the world from Osaka and Kansai.

Following the event, a business card exchange session was held, fostering active interaction and exchange of ideas among participants. This event served as an opportunity to demonstrate new collaborations and possibilities for the formation of a global life science ecosystem in the Kansai region.