ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) announced the recipients of the University Venture Awards 2024 ¨C Award for Academic Startups on August 22. PtBio, a ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ venture, was honored with the Special Award for University Ventures.

Special Award for University Ventures

• Company:
• Representative: ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ Genome Editing Innovation Center
  Visiting Professor Keisuke Okuhara (CEO)
• Supporting University: ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ Genome Editing Innovation Center
  Center Director and Professor Takashi Yamamoto (CTO)

The award ceremony took place during Innovation Japan 2024, a university trade fair held at Tokyo Big Sight. PtBio is a pioneering venture utilizing domestically developed genome editing technologies. Recently, the company has collaborated with food manufacturers to develop allergen-reduced eggs. This recognition reflects the high potential of the company¡¯s business, particularly its anticipated global expansion and diverse applications.

The University Venture Awards are held annually to recognize outstanding university-launched ventures that show promise for future contributions by leveraging the results of academic research and development. The awards also acknowledge the universities, corporations, and other institutions that have significantly contributed to the growth of these ventures. This year, out of 46 nominees, eight ventures were selected for recognition.

Notably, in 2022, another ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ spin-off, PURMX Therapeutics, was honored with the Special Award for University Ventures.

Commenting on the award, Professor Yamamoto said, "I am delighted that technology originating from ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ has been recognized on such a prestigious platform. We look forward to expanding this technology from Hiroshima to markets both in Japan and abroad."