UK - Japan biotech ties deepen

The UK BioIndustry Association (BIA) and Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen ties between the UK and Japanese biotech ecosystems. The agreement, formalised at BioJapan 2025 in Yokohama, aims to accelerate medical innovation and the commercialisation of engineering biology.

Both countries are recognised as major global biotech hubs, with governments prioritising life sciences to drive economic growth. The MOU outlines plans to foster collaboration through delegations, joint events, and information sharing, and to align on global policy impacting the sector.

This partnership builds on a longstanding relationship, furthered by recent UK Government visits to Japan. The agreement was signed by JBA’s CEO Mr Tetsuya Tanaka and BIA’s Director of Policy Dr Martin Turner, in the presence of senior government officials.

By deepening collaboration, the BIA and JBA aim to unlock new opportunities for biotech businesses, support job creation, and deliver transformative health and sustainability solutions for both nations and beyond.