About
History
Major Events
2026
January
Collaboration
Concluded the "Partnership Agreement for Creating Innovation in the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster"
The agreement was concluded among the City of Kobe, the Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe University, RIKEN, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation Urban Development, Inc., and iPark Institute Co., Ltd.
March
Initiative
Launched iDCP (iPark Digital Community Platform)
Launched "iDCP (iPark Digital Community Platform)," a digital matching platform for the life sciences field.
Initiative
Certified as a Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization 2026 (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Category)
iPark Institute was certified for the first time as a Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Category).
Facilities
Announced the opening of the Graduation Lab
Announced the opening of the "Graduation Lab," a new base designed to accelerate the social implementation of university-originated seeds.
April
Collaboration
Concluded a memorandum of understanding with ITRI, Taiwan
Concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), a Taiwanese research institute, on strengthening Japan-Taiwan collaboration in the healthcare and drug discovery fields.
May
Event
Held Shonan iPark Festa 2026
Held Shonan iPark Festa 2026, the fourth edition of the event, welcoming approximately 2,800 visitors.
Initiative
Launched the third term of iNexS
Launched the third term (May 2026 to April 2027) of "iNexS," the industry-academia seed matching consortium.
2025
March
Facilities
Announced the development of "iPark Kobe (tentative name)," an R&D base in the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster
Announced the development of "iPark Kobe (tentative name)," a rental-lab-type R&D facility in the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster.
April
Initiative
Launched the second term of iNexS
Launched the second term (April 2025 to March 2026) of "iNexS," the industry-academia seed matching consortium.
May
Event
Held Shonan iPark Festa 2025
Approximately 3,700 visitors attended this hands-on science event held at a state-of-the-art research facility.
July
Initiative
Five applications were selected under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Drug Discovery Cluster Campus Development Project"
Five of the projects submitted were selected under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Drug Discovery Cluster Campus Development Project."
Facilities
Announced the establishment of a new rental "Cell Processing Center" (CPC) compliant with GMP/GCTP
In collaboration with Minaris Advanced Therapies and Hitachi Global Life Solutions, announced the development of a GMP/GCTP-compliant cell processing center (CPC).
Facilities
Began studying an expansion project at Shonan Health Innovation Park
Began examining an expansion project for a new building (Building 6).
September
Event
Held Innovation Tiger 2025
Held "Innovation Tiger 2025," a pitch contest for life science startups across Asia.
October
Collaboration
Entered into a partnership with LabCentral (U.S.)
Began collaborating with LabCentral, a biotech incubator based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Collaboration
Concluded a memorandum of understanding with KoreaBIO
Concluded a memorandum of cooperation with KoreaBIO, a leading industry association representing Korea's bio ecosystem.
November
Event
Held SHIC Boston 2025
Held the "Shonan Health Innovation Conference (SHIC) in Boston," a partnering event connecting bio ventures and academia in Asia with VCs and CVCs based in Boston.
Event
Held the Shin-Shonan Well-being Festa 2025
Held the "Shin-Shonan Well-being Festa 2025," an occasion to consider, learn about, and experience together how to enhance well-being in the local community.
December
Community
Asahi Kasei Pharma joined the park
Announced that Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation had taken up residence at Shonan iPark.
Initiative
Shonan iPark's green space was certified as a "Nature Coexistence Site"
The green space at Shonan iPark was certified as a "Nature Coexistence Site" by the Ministry of the Environment.
2024
January
Collaboration
Concluded a memorandum of understanding on mutual cooperation in the bio and healthcare fields with the Osong Medical Innovation Foundation (KBIOHealth), Republic of Korea
Innovation hubs in Japan and Korea in the bio and healthcare fields will work together with the aim of delivering innovation from Asia to the world.
February
Community
Established "iNexS," a life science industry-academia collaboration consortium
By bringing together academic researchers and companies that seek the social implementation of research outcomes, the consortium aims to connect promising academic seeds to innovation.
Initiatives
Held a workshop on writing lay summaries of rare disease papers to mark Rare Disease Day
Shonan iPark researchers worked with local junior high school students to create "lay summaries" (plain-language summaries for the public) of scientific papers.
March
Initiatives
The "Shonan Drug Discovery Support Consortium" was launched
Drug discovery support companies that handle outsourcing in pharmaceutical development collaborate to provide support that no single company could deliver on its own.
Event
Held a seminar series on shared challenges in regenerative medicine and cell therapy
A series dedicated to sharing CMC challenges in regenerative medicine and cell therapy, held six times over six months through September 2024.
Collaboration
Established an office within KBIOHealth in Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Based on the memorandum of understanding concluded in January, offices were established at each partner's site, and personnel exchange began in earnest.
April
Facilities
Installed 20 works of art within the facility
Twenty paintings were displayed along the 400-meter main corridor wall, creating an environment in which science and art are integrated into daily life.
May
Event
Minister Oh Young-ju of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea visited, and a Japan-Korea Bio Venture Ecosystem Roundtable was held
Representatives from the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Japanese pharmaceutical companies, and Korean bio ventures gathered to discuss challenges in fostering a bio ecosystem in Asia.
Facilities
"chocoZAP," a convenience gym, opened at Shonan iPark, its first location within a research facility in Japan
By providing a space to refresh, it aims to promote the health of those working at the park and encourage interaction.
July
Event
Held Shonan iPark Festa 2024
A total of 25 companies and organizations at Shonan iPark offered science programs, welcoming approximately 3,500 visitors.
Initiative
iD4 (general incorporated association) launched the second phase of its demonstration project
Aiming to expand the supply of research-use iPS cells, it is broadly inviting companies engaged in R&D of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics to participate.
2023
January
Community
Signed a partnership agreement with the State of Maryland, U.S.A.
As a partner organization of Maryland's "Global Gateway Program," both parties aim to jointly create and support the growth of global life science ventures.
April
Operations
iPark Institute Co., Ltd. succeeded to the operation of Shonan iPark
The newly established iPark Institute Co., Ltd. took over the Shonan iPark operating business from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, launching a new operating structure.
May
Event
Held "Shonan iPark Festa," a hands-on science event commemorating the 5th anniversary of the park's opening
Twenty-two companies, mainly resident companies, offered science programs, welcoming approximately 7,000 visitors, primarily from the local community.
Collaboration
Minister Lee Young of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea visited Shonan iPark
The participants exchanged views on the environment surrounding bio ventures in Japan and Korea and discussed frameworks for future cooperation.
July
Initiatives
The Rare Disease Consortium Japan was launched, and a commemorative symposium was held
Leading figures from various fields addressing rare disease challenges in Japan took the stage and discussed the background, process, overview, and envisioned future of the consortium's establishment.
September
Initiatives
Prepared and publicly released a Japanese translation of "A-CELL," a reference document on cell therapy manufacturing
The translation was produced jointly with 11 companies in related fields, mainly Shonan iPark resident companies, through a series of study sessions.
October
Initiative
Launched the 4th term of the "Japan VC Consortium"
Conducted under the themes of "RNA drug discovery," "target identification," the "Watch series," and "investment capability."
November
Collaboration
Concluded a business agreement with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea
The parties agreed to cooperate in supporting Korean startups in the bio field and in joint R&D in advanced bio fields.
Community
Formed the Muraoka-Fukasawa Health Innovation Social Implementation Consortium
A private sector-led consortium aiming to implement the health innovation research advanced by Kanagawa Prefecture, Fujisawa City, Kamakura City, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, and Shonan iPark.
Community
Concluded a comprehensive partnership agreement with Yokohama National University
Aiming at the social implementation of health technologies, Yokohama National University established a satellite campus, the "Shin-Shonan Co-Creation Campus," within Shonan iPark.
December
Event
Held "Healthcare MaaS 2023: A Future Connecting Health and Mobility through Data"
Approximately 30 companies exhibited a range of "healthcare of the future" technologies, including the "ambulance of the future," welcoming approximately 900 visitors.
2022
March
Community
Signed a comprehensive collaboration agreement with Kyoto Research Park
Exchange events and sharing of know-how.
Community
Signed a memorandum of understanding for strategic partnership with Suzhou Industrial Park, a science park in China
Promote alliances between resident companies, support for companies setting up operations in the two countries, and provide financing support, with the aim of promoting technological development and capital tie-ups in the biopharmaceutical industry in Japan and China.
May
Initiatives
Implemented the second incubation program (Japan Innovation Bloom GRANT CALL 2022) with corporate sponsorship
Co-sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Janssen Research & Development LLC. and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
September
Initiatives
100 resident companies/organizations and 50 member companies/organizations
Continuous increase in tenants and members even during the COVID-19 pandemic
October
Initiatives
The third phase of the "Japan VC Consortium" begins.
Theme "Biotech on the Leading Edge of Platform Technology"
November
Initiatives
Held public event "Healthcare MaaS opens up the future of local communities"
Attracted a total of 1,400 visitors, mainly local residents.
2021
February
Initiatives
Launched the third "iPark Crowdfunding" project
Achieved more than 10 million yen for "Eliminating the Delay of Cancer - Early Detection of All Cancers Through Blood Diagnosis" project, nearly doubling the initial target amount.
April
Community
Signed a memorandum of understanding for a partnership agreement with the National Horizons Centre (NHC), a science park in the U.K.
Conducted online exchange events.
July
Initiatives
Launched the second phase of the Japan VC Consortium.
Twenty-five companies participated in the program under the themes of "Utilization of Bioinformatics at the Forefront" and "Biotech That has Realized the New Chemical Space".
Initiatives
An auditorium was opened free of charge to the city of Fujisawa as a regional vaccination site for the coronavirus vaccine
In cooperation with Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, a total of 9,000 people were vaccinated in the first and second rounds of vaccination.
August
Management
IIF acquired 100% of the trust beneficiary rights to the land and facilities of Shonan iPark.
Shonan iPark continued to be operated by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited under a trust agreement.
*Trust beneficiary right: The right to receive economic benefits arising from an asset.
Initiatives
Started purchasing 100% renewable energy electricity
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the facility by approximately 52.4% per year
November
Initiatives
"Healthcare MaaS" demonstration experiment open to the public
Conducted an automated driving demonstration experiment to build a seamless mobility system jointly with Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Macnica.
2020
January
Initiatives
The first corporate-sponsored incubation program ("World Without Disease call-for-proposals") is implemented.
Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Janssen Research & Development LLC., and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited jointly sponsored a mentoring-oriented, long-term companion program.
March
Initiatives
COVID-19 pandemic begins
Established the Shonan iPark COVID-19 Response Committee to continuously deliberate and implement a safe operating system, while also establishing a new and improved infrastructure for online and hybrid interactions
Initiatives
Formed a business alliance with READYFOR and launched "iPark Crowdfunding" to support research by venture companies and academia.
First project "Cancer Treatment with Less Side Effects by Developing Technology to Carry Drugs to Mitochondria!" achieved more than 10 million yen, 1.5 times the target amount.
April
Management
Grounds are leased free of charge to Kanagawa Prefecture for the construction of temporary medical facilities for patients infected with COVID-19
Shonan Kamakura General Hospital operates the facility, accepting patients with moderate disease (closed at the end of the term in September 2022).
June
Management
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Mitsubishi Corporation UBS Realty (MCUBS) agreed to a comprehensive collaboration regarding the operation of Shonan iPark.
Shonan iPark’s assets (land and facilities) are placed into trust and Industrial & Infrastructure Fund Investment (IIFF) acquires trust beneficiary rights.
July
Initiatives
Launch of the first phase of the Japan VC Consortium
Established to bring together VC, CVC, and the pharmaceutical investment sector to address issues in the Japanese life science investment market.
August
Initiatives
General Incorporated Association iD4 established
Established to realize a stable supply system of iPS cells in Japan and to promote their industrial use.
September
Initiatives
Launched the second "iPark Crowdfunding" project
The theme was "Liquid Liver, Bringing Enjoyment of Food to Phenylketonuria Patients!", and achieved more than 12 million yen in support, nearly double the initial target amount.
October
Initiatives
Launched the third phase of the Shonan Conference, a consortium for solving social issues (perinatal depression).
Eight companies participated with Janssen Pharma as the sole sponsor.
2019
February
Initiatives
Launched the first phase of the Shonan Conference, a consortium for solving social issues (Mibyou).
Launched the Shonan Conference, a consortium of private companies from different fields aiming to solve social issues
May
Community
Membership system begins
Aiming for a more diverse ecosystem, a membership system was started in which members do not have their own offices or laboratories, but only participate in the community.
Community
Kanagawa Prefecture, Fujisawa City, Kamakura City, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, and Shonan iPark sign a memorandum of understanding for collaboration ("5 parties collaboration")
The parties agreed to collaborate and cooperate in the formation of a cutting-edge health innovation center in the Muraoka and Fukasawa areas.
July
Initiatives
The second phase of the Shonan Conference, a consortium for solving social issues, begins (dementia).
Three business models were devised to create a society in which patients with dementia coexist.
Community
Signed a memorandum of cooperation with National Biotechnology Research Park (NBRP), a science park in Taiwan
Continuously hold joint events and tours
August
Community
The number of resident companies and organizations exceeds 50
The ecosystem becomes more multidisciplinary and diverse with the addition of pharmaceutical companies other than Takeda and next-generation medical research companies.
2018
April
Management
Grand Opening of Shonan Health Innovation Park
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited opens its Shonan Research Center to companies and universities, creating Japan's first science park initiated by a pharmaceutical company.
July
Initiatives
First "Science Class for Parents and Children" is held
Researchers from the iPark resident companies serve as lecturers for parents and children at neighborhood elementary school.
August
Initiatives
A portion of the site is opened to the public on weekends
As the first step toward opening the Science Park to the community, the lawn area was opened to the public
(later suspended due to typhoon damage and COVID-19).
October
Initiatives
"MAP for the Practical Application of Regenerative Medicine" is published
Issues and recommendations for the realization of social implementation of regenerative cell medicine in Japan are compiled and published jointly with Kanagawa Prefecture.
Management
Announced Shonan iPark Mid-term Strategy
Announced growth plans for focus disease areas and ecosystem
Number of tenants and
member companies (organizations)
TENANTS & MEMBERS
- Tenants
- Members
| 2018/04 | 2018/10 | 2019/04 | 2019/10 | 2020/04 | 2020/10 | 2021/04 | 2021/10 | 2022/04 | 2022/10 | 2023/04 | 2023/10 | 2024/04 | 2024/10 | 2025/04 | 2025/10 | 2026/04 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenants | 20 | 26 | 39 | 61 | 69 | 72 | 82 | 89 | 93 | 102 | 100 | 111 | 115 | 127 | 125 | 124 | 139 |
| Members | 8 | 19 | 32 | 37 | 35 | 47 | 53 | 58 | 57 | 65 | 60 | 67 | 61 | 67 |