Press Release
November 09, 2023
Dear Members of the Press,
iPark Institute Co., Ltd.

iPark Institute Forms Strategic Business
Partnership with South Korean Ministry of SMEsand Startups for Bioventure Innovation
iPark Institute Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; CEO: Toshio
Fujimoto; hereinafter "iPark Institute") proudly announces the signing of a significant
business agreement with the South Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups(headquartered in Sejong Special Self-Governing City; Minister: Lee Young; hereinafter"MSS") on November 9, 2012.

Under this agreement, iPark Institute and MSS (collectively referred to as "the twoinstitutions")

will

biotechnology

incollaborate
South

on:

(1)

Korea,(2)

nurturing

start-ups

conducting

joint

inadvanced

researchanddevelopment in this field, and (3) facilitating open innovation programs.
These initiatives aim to drive growth in advanced biotechnology across Japan andSouth Korea.
This collaboration represents the seventh partnership of iPark Institute with both
domestic and international science parks, furthering its vision to 'build a globally
inclusive life science ecosystem'.
The partnership entails:
１．

Support for South Korean Biotech Startups:
The two institutions will jointly select South Korean startups specializing inadvanced biotechnology (such as cell and gene therapies, regenerativemedicine). These startups will be provided with access to Shonan iPark
facilities

andlaboratory

support

from

iPark

Institute,alongwithcommercialization funding from MSS.
２．

South Korea-Japan Joint R&D:
iPark Institute will identify Japanese entities (universities, research
institutes, and companies) with innovative technologies, while the Ministry
will connect with South Korean bio ventures for joint research. MSS will alsooffer R&D financial support to these South Korean ventures.

３．

Open Innovation Program:
A collaborative project will be managed by the two institutions, focusing on
South Korean ICT and bio ventures developing solutions for Japanese bio
companies in AI and new drug development. This includes company selection,financial support, and facilitation of collaboration opportunities.

From left to right: Jungwook Lim, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS); Lee Young, Minister of MSS; Toshio Fujimoto, CEO of iPark Institute.

Oh, Kee-woong, Vice Minister of the South Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups,commented, "This agreement provides South Korean biotech companies, often
constrained by regulations despite their technological prowess, an opportunity toresearch freely and enter the global market. It’s a step towards enhancing humanlife and safety, and we anticipate it will strengthen South Korea-Japan relations andstimulate broader economic cooperation."
Toshio Fujimoto, CEO of iPark Institute, stated, "Since its inception, Shonan iPark
has been committed to fostering a world-class life science ecosystem. Both JapanandSouth

Korea

face

uniquechallengesintechnology

creationandcommercialization. This partnership, blending South Korea's dynamic decisionmaking with Japan's meticulous progress, aims to cultivate a globally distinctiveecosystem. We look forward to the advancement of start-up development, joint
R&D, and life science innovations originating from Asia to the global stage."

About the South Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS)The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) is a central government agency in South
Korea, dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness and fostering innovation
among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and venture businesses.
Initially established in 1996 as the Ministry of SMEs, it was rebranded in 2017 as
the Ministry of SMEs and Startups to more accurately reflect its expanded focus
and objectives.
MSS is committed to developing and implementing policies that support startup
growth, promote corporate development, and strengthen the competitiveness ofsmall businesses within the national and global markets.
For a more detailed explanation, please click here.
About iPark Institute Co., Ltd.
Founded in April 2023, iPark Institute Co., Ltd. began its journey with significant
backing from Sangyo Fund Investment Corporation, Takeda Pharmaceutical
Company Limited, and Mitsubishi Corporation as principal shareholders. Our mission
extends beyond the operational and managerial aspects of the facility. We are deeplycommitted to fostering innovation, facilitating technological exchange, andencouraging research collaborations. These efforts are pivotal in nurturing andinvigorating the life science ecosystem. Discover more about our company here.
About Shonan Health Innovation Park (Shonan iPark)
Shonan iPark, established in April 2018, represents Japan's pioneering science park

initiative led by a pharmaceutical company. This endeavor began when Takeda
Pharmaceutical Company opened its research lab to external collaborations. Nowunder the independent management of iPark Institute Co., Ltd., Shonan iPark is
dedicated to becoming a hub where diverse industries, including government andacademia, converge to propel health innovation forward. Today, the park hosts not
only pharmaceutical entities but also organizations specializing in next-generation
medicine, cellular agriculture, artificial intelligence, and government sectors. Thisvibrant ecosystem comprises approximately 160 companies and over 2,000individuals (as of September 2023).
Official website: https://www.shonan-ipark.com/
For the latest information on tenants and member companies at Shonan iPark, click
here.
Stay connected through our official social media accounts: YouTube / Facebook /Twitter / LinkedIn
For Media Inquiries:
iPark Institute Co., Ltd.
Attn: Takizawa, Hibino
Email: iPi.Com@shonan-ipark.com