Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster

The Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster (KBIC) stands as Japan's largest biomedical cluster, serving as a dynamic hub for fostering innovative collaborations among a diverse range of stakeholders. This thriving ecosystem encompasses nearly 370 entities, including companies, universities, research institutes, and specialized hospitals, all dedicated to advancing cutting-edge medical technology and groundbreaking discoveries through collaborative efforts. KBIC extends its reach globally, forging partnerships with international bio-cluster counterparts. At its core, KBIC is supported by the Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe (FBRI), which actively promotes the formation of biomedical clusters in Kobe, driving forward clinical research and other initiatives essential to the cluster's success.

The Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster (KBIC) has a remarkable history that traces its origins to a pivotal moment in Kobe's recovery. Founded in 1998, KBIC emerged in the aftermath of the devastating 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which rocked the region with a powerful 6.9 magnitude tremor. The City of Kobe, driven by a commitment to revitalize the city, provided the funding for the establishment of KBIC.

In just two decades, KBIC undertook an extraordinary mission that had no precedent at the time: forging a solid foundation for the future of the healthcare industry. This ambitious endeavor aimed to create a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and collaboration within the healthcare sector. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, KBIC has evolved into a global blockbuster biocluster and has become a role model for other bioclusters in Asia and around the world.

KBIC serves as a networking platform for businesses and institutions, facilitating innovative collaborations and groundbreaking discoveries across a wide spectrum of medical, pharmaceutical, and biological fields. This includes medical devices and regenerative medicine. The primary mission of KBIC is to enhance human health and invigorate the global healthcare industry through collaborative partnerships spanning the business, academic, governmental, and healthcare sectors.

As Japan's largest biomedical cluster, KBIC stands as the innovation arm of the City of Kobe, fostering creativity and cooperation among its members and affiliates to ensure a thriving biomedical industry. It is strategically located on Kobe's Port Island, offering convenient access to Kobe Airport and direct connections to the Shinkansen, making it a central hub for innovation in the 21st century.

KBIC's network includes approximately 370 companies, universities, research institutes, and specialized hospitals, all driven by a common focus on advancing innovative medical technology and pioneering discoveries through collaboration. Among its leading institutes is the Riken Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Japan's largest comprehensive research organization. KBIC's membership spans from promising startups like Bio Palette to multinational healthcare giants such as Boehringer Ingelheim.

In essence, KBIC's history is a testament to its resilience and dedication to advancing healthcare innovation and collaboration in the face of adversity, transforming it into a leading force in Japan's biomedical landscape and a source of inspiration for similar initiatives worldwide.

KBIC's mission is to enhance human health and vitalize the global healthcare industry through collaborative ties among businesses, academia, government, and healthcare sectors. It strives to foster innovation, groundbreaking discoveries, and networking in various medical, pharmaceutical, and biological fields, including medical devices and regenerative medicine, contributing to a thriving biomedical ecosystem.

KBIC's vision is to be Japan's leading biomedical cluster hub, serving as a model for innovation and collaboration in the healthcare industry. It aims to drive advancements in medical technology, foster pioneering discoveries, and promote global engagement among its diverse network of members.

KBIC acts as a dynamic platform for networking, innovation, and collaboration among businesses, academic institutions, research centers, and specialized hospitals. Its primary focus is on facilitating the development of innovative medical technology and pioneering discoveries across various medical, pharmaceutical, and biological fields, including medical devices and regenerative medicine. KBIC's commitment to enhancing human health and invigorating the global healthcare industry is realized through its extensive network and collaborative initiatives.