77th Annual Meeting of the Society for Biotechnology, Japan (SBJ): Introduction to the SBJ-JAIMA Joint Pitch & Networking Session

77th Annual Meeting of the Society for Biotechnology, Japan (SBJ): Introduction to the SBJ-JAIMA Joint Pitch & Networking Session

Introduction

My name is Hisashi Iwase, Life Science Innovation Advisor at the Japan Analytical Instruments Manufacturers’ Association (JAIMA) and President & CEO of BioDiscovery Inc.

The Japan Analytical Instruments Manufacturers’ Association (JAIMA) has collaborated with the Society for Biotechnology, Japan (SBJ) to develop innovative industry-academia initiatives, mainly through our joint programs at the JASIS Conference held annually in September at Makuhari Messe.
As part of these ongoing efforts, during the upcoming 77th Annual Meeting of the SBJ (to be held September 10–12, 2025, at Hiroshima Institute of Technology), we will host a joint symposium titled
“Technological Innovations Driving DX in Biotechnology.”
Following this symposium, we are excited to introduce a brand-new event: the SBJ-JAIMA Joint Pitch & Networking Session, scheduled for the afternoon of the same day.
This initiative aims to facilitate the exchange of cutting-edge technologies developed by analytical instrument manufacturers and enable academia to propose innovative technologies to industry partners.
Ultimately, our goal is to create a framework that supports the development of user-driven products and shares these solutions globally.
The session will conclude with a networking reception designed to foster communication between young researchers and industry professionals.
We invite you to review the details below and share your valuable feedback.

Purpose of the SBJ-JAIMA Joint Pitch & Networking Session

As advances in molecular biology continue to accelerate the global bio-business, many unexplored areas remain within protein life sciences.
Japan’s fermentation-based technologies and industries have long demonstrated global potential, and expectations for transformative breakthroughs continue to rise.
To create new, socially impactful innovations—from basic research to applied solutions—open discussions between academia and industry are essential.
With the support of the Japan Analytical Instruments Manufacturers’ Association (JAIMA), a consortium of analytical instrument manufacturers with R&D and production bases in Japan, we are pleased to host the
SBJ-JAIMA Joint Pitch & Networking Session.
The program is structured in two parts:
– In the first half, four invited speakers will present groundbreaking technologies designed to address current research and industry challenges.
– In the second half, we will provide an open networking forum where speakers and young researchers can engage in direct discussions, facilitating collaborations and the formation of new alliances.

Event Details

Date & Time: September 11, 2025 (Thu)
17:00 – 18:00 Presentations
18:30 – 20:30 Networking Reception
Venue: Hiroshima Institute of Technology, Itsukaichi Campus – Miyake no Mori NEXUS21
Presentations: 4F Theater Room
Networking Reception: 2F Leaf Garden
Admission: Presentations are free of charge
Networking Reception: ¥3,000 (combined with the Young Researchers’ Networking Session)
Capacity: 50 participants (pre-registration required)
Registration: Please register via the SBJ Annual Meeting website:
https://www.sbj.or.jp/2025/
Detailed Information:

SBJ-JAIMA Joint Pitch & Networking Session

Program

1. Opening Remarks
   Masamichi Kamihira (Kyushu University)
2. “Direct Visualization of Antibody Molecules, Viral Vectors, and Molecular Complexes in Solution”
   Takashi Matsumoto – Rigaku Corporation
3. “The First Step Toward Laboratory Automation: Building Smart Labs Through Flexible Thinking”
   Kenro Wakasugi – Yamato Scientific Co., Ltd.
   Akihisa Shiota – AMR Co., Ltd.
4. “Drug Delivery and Cellular Engineering Using Artificial Proteins”
   Masaharu Somiya (Osaka University)
5. “Deciphering and Leveraging Metabolic Regulation Mechanisms via Changes in Enzyme Localization”
   Natsuko Miura (Osaka Metropolitan University)

(Break & Room Transition)

6. Networking Reception – Combined with the Young Researchers’ Session

Additional Information

77th Annual Meeting of the Society for Biotechnology, Japan:
https://www.sbj.or.jp/2025/
SBJ-JAIMA Joint Pitch & Networking Session:

https://www.sbj.or.jp/2025/program/sbj-jaima_pitch_networking.html

Contact:
Executive Committee, 77th SBJ Annual Meeting (General Affairs)
Graduate School of Integrated Life Sciences, Hiroshima University
E-mail: sbj2025adm@ml.hiroshima-u.ac.jp