Biomanufacturing in Japan

How engineered microorganisms move from the lab to industrial production.

In 2016, Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (Nedo) launched its smart cell project. The aim: engineering microorganisms to produce chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Ten years later, the initiative has grown into a broad national effort to advance biomanufacturing.

Scientists at Kobe University combine artificial intelligence (AI), bioinformatics, and robotics in an automated biofoundry to accelerate strain development. Other facilities focus on translating optimized microbial strains into industrial production processes: in June 2026, a new biomanufacturing center opened at the Osaka Institute of Technology. It offers fermentation at scales of up to 90 L, as well as separation and purification, while also training bioprocess specialists. In Kanto, the Green Earth Institute (Gei) optimizes and scales processes up and operates demonstration plants with capacities of up to 3,000 L. This infrastructure has already supported seventeen demonstration projects. Starting in April 2027, the Gei plans to offer its activities as a commercial service for companies and research insti

Industrie + Technik