Takeda Opens Shonan Health Innovation Park to Develop Innovative Ideas

Takeda announces grand opening of Shonan Health Innovation Park, Japan's first open innovation ecosystem built on pharmaceutical knowledge and expertise, taking another step to increase innovative work in healthcare Guided by the vision of delivering a healthier, brighter future for patients by translating science into life-changing medicines, Takeda established Shonan Health Innovation Park (Shonan iPark) with the aim of advancing scientific innovations. Takeda created Shonan iPark, launched as a global ecosystem, to design and accelerate research that will transform the latest innovations in science into effective health solutions for patients in Japan and around the world. The grand opening was held recently under the auspices of Takeda and Kanagawa Prefecture, and was attended by government officials, Takeda President and CEO Christophe Weber, Takeda Board Members, academic figures and hospital officials. Designed as an ecosystem in Japan to develop bio-pharmaceutical, innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship, Shonan iPark aims to bring together 3,000 researchers within its structure by 2020 The park's primary objective is to undertake collaborative and creative work with diverse stakeholders comprising industry, academia, government and entrepreneurs as a global research ecosystem for the next generation. Building bridges between innovative ideas and technologies and the business world to contribute to industry's employment rate and the development of local regions is also among the park's founding purposes. Speaking about the opening of Shonan iPark, Shonan iPark General Director Dr. Toshio Fujimoto, stated: "To be innovative requires organic collaboration among diverse players from industry, government and academic circles, supported by an ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship. Shonan iPark will attract global talent and create health solutions for patients worldwide. I feel great excitement and honor in leading such an innovative ecosystem that Shonan has realized." Takeda, a science-driven pharmaceutical company, is an institution dedicated to innovative work in the sector. The opening of Takeda's facility with pharmaceutical knowledge and expertise and state-of-the-art technology will serve as a hub that will facilitate the transformation of technologies created through Shonan iPark's transformative partnerships into effective health solutions.