Kobe University opened its new bio-related research and development facility on Port Island, an artificial island in Kobe. The facility aims to integrate bioengineering and digital technology, and will also pursue open innovation with external universities and research institutions. It will also promote the social implementation of technologies, including providing rooms for startups to occupy.

At the opening ceremony, Kobe University President Masato Fujisawa stated, “We want to develop the entire region into a global hub for industry-government-academia collaboration focused on cutting-edge research and startup creation.”

Kobe City promotes the Kobe Medical Industry City initiative. Port Island, its central hub, has seen increasing clustering of medical institutions and bio-related companies. Bacchus Bioinnovation, a Kobe University-spinoff startup considered a leading company in the bio-manufacturing field, also has its headquarters there.