【Press Release】Five Projects from Shonan iPark Selected for Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Drug Discovery Cluster Campus Development Initiative, Supporting the Growth of the Drug Discovery Ecosystem
Press Release
July 25, 2025
iPark Institute Co., Ltd.
Five Projects from Shonan iPark Selected for Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Drug Discovery Cluster Campus Development Initiative, Supporting the Growth of the Drug Discovery Ecosystem
iPark Institute Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fujisawa, Kanagawa; President and CEO: Toshio Fujimoto; hereinafter “iPark Institute”) has announced that five proposed projects from the Shonan Health Innovation Park (hereinafter “Shonan iPark”) have been selected for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s fiscal year 2025 Drug Supply Stability Subsidy Program, under the “Drug Discovery Cluster Campus Development Initiative.”1 Additionally, in connection with the Prime Minister’s remarks during the “Public-Private Council to Enhance Drug Discovery Capabilities” held in June—regarding the utilization of dedicated funds to develop and strengthen drug discovery clusters—Shonan iPark will use this opportunity to further stimulate its ecosystem and contribute to enhancing Japan’s drug discovery capabilities.
(1) Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), “Drug Discovery Cluster Campus Development Initiative” (in Japanese): https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_55979.html
Shonan iPark’s Vision for a Drug Discovery Ecosystem
Despite Japan’s strong foundational research capabilities, many promising results have not yet been implemented into practical applications for society. One key reason is the limited availability of spaces where academia and drug discovery startups can collaborate directly with industry. In response to the recent selection, Shonan iPark aims to open its doors more widely to early-stage startups and academic institutions, offering infrastructure and services to foster collaboration with companies and connections with global investors.
Overview of the Selected Projects under the Cluster Campus Initiative
Since opening in 2018, Shonan iPark has focused on offering high-quality research facilities and support services, attracting a diverse range of players, promoting collaboration across industry, government, and academia, supporting startup incubation, and engaging with the local community. The newly selected projects will further advance these efforts through the following initiatives.
1. Establishing Research Space for Academia and Startups
Shonan iPark will establish a Graduation Lab2 within its facilities for the first time. Designed to accelerate the implementation of promising seeds into society, the lab will offer collaborative space open to both startups and companies seeking co-creation opportunities.
(2) Graduation Lab: A dedicated incubation lab for supporting academia and startups.
2. Enhancing Shared Research Equipment for Rapid and Cost-Efficient Experimentation
To support practical research activities, Shonan iPark will expand its shared infrastructure—including a rental CPC (cell processing center)—centered around its open lab concept. Additionally, its essential animal testing facility will be properly maintained in accordance with evolving research needs.
3. Fostering Innovation through Networking Events and Support Services
By hosting events and offering services that connect a wide range of ecosystem stakeholders—including global pharmaceutical companies and investors—Shonan iPark aims to develop a vibrant research community conducive to innovation.
4. Strengthening Support for Costly iPS Cell Research
The high cost of iPS cell research remains a barrier for many organizations. To address this, Shonan iPark will develop an integrated platform for iPS research, enabling startups, academia, and companies to conduct efficient and cost-effective studies.
5. Building a Model to Expand the Value of the Drug Discovery Ecosystem in the Community
Shonan iPark will work to raise awareness of drug discovery among local residents and encourage interest in disease management. This model will promote broad stakeholder participation in the ecosystem.
Regarding the project selection, iPark Institute President and CEO Toshio Fujimoto commented:
“Shonan iPark has developed into a company-centered cluster. With the support of this public initiative, we aim to create an environment that facilitates collaboration between industry, academia, and early-stage startups, contributing to the revitalization of Japan’s drug discovery ecosystem.”
About iPark Institute Co., Ltd.
iPark Institute Co., Ltd. was established in 2023 with Industrial & Infrastructure Fund Investment Corporation (IIF), Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda), and Mitsubishi Corporation as major shareholders. It took over the management of Shonan Health Innovation Park (Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture) in 2023, which Takeda has been responsible for since 2018. For more information about our company, please click here.
About Shonan Health Innovation Park (Shonan iPark)
Shonan iPark is Japan’s first pharmaceutical-initiated science park, created by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited in April 2018 by opening its own research laboratories to the outside world. Currently operated by iPark Institute Co., Ltd. independent of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, the park aims to become a place where industry, government, and academia from a wide range of industries and sizes can come together to accelerate health innovation. Currently, the ecosystem is comprised of not only pharmaceutical companies, but also companies and organizations in next generation medicine, cellular agriculture, AI, and government, with approximately 190 companies and more than 2,500 people (as of July 2025).
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