The UK BioIndustry Association (BIA) and Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), agreeing to work together and connect the two countries’ life sciences and biotech ecosystems to accelerate medical innovation and the commercialisation of engineering biology.
The two countries are among the largest and most significant life science and biotech hubs outside of the United States and the governments of both have prioritised the sector in their respective industrial strategies to drive economic growth.
Under the MOU, BIA and JBA will work together to establish new links between British and Japanese biotech businesses through events and other projects.
The agreement further strengthens a long-term friendship between the two organisations and follows a visit to Japan in March 2025 by the BIA’s former CEO, Steve Bates OBE, along with UK Government Ministers.
The activities the two organisations will undertake as part of the MOU may include the following:
- Organising delegations to each other’s countries and major conferences
- Producing online information on the UK and Japan ecosystems and showcasing existing strong links between the two
- Working together on global policy impacting the sector.
A full programme of work will be set out in due course to support business development, create jobs and economic growth and ultimately ensure that innovative new medicines and biotechnologies benefit society.
The MOU was signed by the JBA’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr Tetsuya Tanaka and BIA’s Director of Policy and External Affairs, Dr Martin Turner, at the BioJapan 2025 conference in Yokohama, Japan, in the presence of the British Ambassador, Julia Longbottom CMG and Director-General of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Mr Ryo Minami.
Dr Martin Turner, Director of Policy and External Affairs of BIA, said: "Biotechnology is transforming the world, improving our lives and creating wealth in countries that embrace innovation."
"International collaboration in science, business and policy is essential to realising these benefits, so we are delighted to be joining forces with our friends in Japan to bring our two ecosystems closer together and advocate for innovation on an international stage."
Mr Tetsuya Tanaka, Managing Director & CEO of JBA, said: "As the international community faces increasingly complex global challenges that call for innovative and forward-looking solutions, the importance of international collaboration continues to grow."
"The United Kingdom, renowned for its scientific excellence, regulatory expertise and leadership in innovation, is regarded as a key partner for Japan."
"We are committed to deepening this partnership and look forward to the realisation of a new society shaped by the transformative power of biotechnology."
Julia Longbottom CMG, British Ambassador to Japan, added: "The UK and Japan have complementary strengths — both in bioindustry and more broadly — and I am confident that this MOU will create even more opportunities for our two countries to collaborate and innovate together."
Mr Ryo Minami, Director-General of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan, said: "Japan and the UK have shared mutual trust and complementary strengths in the biotechnology field."
"On the government side, last week, dialogue took place between the UK Department for Business and Trade and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry."
"They pledged to discuss further trade missions and visits to strengthen research and commercial cooperation in the excellent life sciences sectors of both countries."
"The goal of this is to promote economic growth through exports and investments."
"It is very important to create new value in bio-based materials, biopharmaceuticals and sustainable production through collaboration between our two countries. I hope this MOU will deepen our cooperation for the benefit of both nations and for the international community."