On August 16th, BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) in Rockville, Maryland, hosted a distinguished group of professionals from Japan, representing the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State. This visit marked a significant step towards fostering international relations in the biotechnology sector.
The delegation from Japan arrived with specific objectives for their visit. They aimed to deepen their understanding of technology transfer and the best practices in commercialization. Additionally, they sought to forge strong ties with U.S. technology transfer experts, laying the groundwork for future collaborations. A significant focus was on amplifying biotechnology research and fostering commercial partnerships between the U.S. and Japan. They also aspired to strengthen Japan’s bioeconomy sector, envisioning it as a global epicenter for biotech products and ensuring its biotechnology ecosystems resonate with democratic principles. Furthermore, the delegation intended to heighten the interest of U.S. investors in early-stage biotechnology towards Japanese startups and to broaden the horizons for Japanese companies in the global venture capital arena.
The esteemed group from Japan comprised:
- Dr. Rei Uematsu, Deputy Director, R&D Division, Industrial Science, Technology and Environment Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI)
- Dr. Jun Sato, Attending Physician, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital of Japan
- Dr. Eriko Ogawa, Manager, R&D Division, Amino Up Co., Ltd.
- Dr. Noriyuki Nishimura, Principal Scientist, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)
- Dr. Masahiro Taniguchi, R&D General Manager, KAICO Ltd.
- Dr. Minako Sumiyoshi, Regulatory Affairs Officer, Sanatech Seed Co., Ltd.
Representing BioHealth Innovation were Rich Bendis, President and CEO; Luis Gutierrez, Executive in Residence; Albine Martin, Entrepreneur in Residence; and Ethel Rubin, Entrepreneur in Residence.
The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to learn more about BHI’s mission and services, fostering a deeper understanding and potential for future collaborations.
Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BHI, remarked, “It’s always an honor to host international delegations, especially one as esteemed as this group from Japan. Collaborative efforts like these pave the way for global advancements in biotechnology. We look forward to a future filled with shared knowledge and mutual growth.”
This visit underscores the importance of international collaboration in the biotechnology sector. As the world becomes more interconnected, partnerships like these will be crucial in driving innovation and ensuring the global community benefits from advancements in biotechnology.