Takeda Announces Advancement of the Operation for the Shonan Health Innovation Park (Shonan iPark)
Takeda Announces Advancement of the Operation for the Shonan Health Innovation Park (Shonan iPark)
- Develop the Shonan iPark into an Innovation Park where Diverse Players Gather through its Set-up of Trust
- Lead the Development of the Ecosystem as a flagship Tenant
Osaka, Japan, April 1, 2020 --- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502, NYSE: TAK) (“Takeda”) today announced that it has agreed to set up a trust for the Shonan Health Innovation Park (Location: Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, hereinafter referred to as “Shonan iPark”) to attract more diverse players to the Shonan iPark. In order to realize the mission of the Shonan iPark, “Establish a life science ecosystem open to the world,” Takeda has been considering the optimal operational scheme for the Shonan iPark.
Takeda launched the Shonan iPark in April 2018 by transforming its Shonan Research Center to enhance scientific innovation. Since its opening around 2 years ago, approximately 70 companies and parties from not only major pharmaceutical companies but also from industries, governments and universities operating in fields such as next-generation health care, artificial intelligence (AI), medical devices, and venture capital, have taken up residence as the Shonan iPark tenants. Approximately 20 parties have also joined the iPark Membership*. In this way, the Shonan iPark has been expanding its functions as a hub for open innovation in Japan.
Towards the further success of the Shonan iPark, Takeda found that it is appropriate to participate in the community of the Shonan iPark as a tenant, not as the owner of the Shonan iPark. The land and building ownership rights of the Shonan iPark has been transferred to the trustee through the trust set up for the Shonan iPark. Alternatively, Takeda has signed a 20-year lease agreement with the trustee for the space the company needs in the Shonan iPark. Takeda, as a flagship tenant, will commit to the activation of life science research in Japan and continue to lead the development of the ecosystem.
“Through this initiative which enables the Shonan iPark to enhance its neutrality, the ecosystem will become a place where more diverse talents and technologies are accumulated,” said Toshio Fujimoto, General Manager of Shonan iPark. “We will further accelerate open innovation at Shonan iPark to develop it into Japan's leading ecosystem.”
*A system that allows the members to participate in the Shonan iPark ecosystem without taking the form of occupancy (use of occupied spaces).