The non-profit organization, Hokkaido Bio-Industry Association, was founded in September, 2002. A predecessor organization was founded in April 1985 as an informal Hokkaido Bio-technology Information Club (HOBIC). When counting from the establishment of HOBIC (April 1985), we have had a history of 33 years from April, 2018. The term, “Biotechnology”, is used by Bio-industry based on life science. It is one of the core technologies of life science, and we can make good use of the functions of life processes. It is a technology that makes it useful for human life, and has made significant progress over the past 33 years.

Hokkaido now faces a serious problem of a declining population and economic downturn, in addition to becoming a rapidly aging society).  In order to revitalize the Hokkaido economy from a medium- to long-term perspective, it is necessary to convert the industrial structure into a self-sustaining in-house structure utilizing regional resources. Hokkaido is the largest food supply site in Japan, mainly in the agriculture and fishery industry, and was is designated as “Hokkaido Special International Strategic Zone for focusing on Foods ” at the end of 2011. Hokkaido is positioned as the national strategic area for the food industry complex of Japan.
The Hokkaido Bio-Industry Association is composed of a wide range of members from industry, government and academia, and utilizes the abundant bio-resources of Hokkaido in areas such as cosmetics, pharmaceutical raw materials, agri-bio etc. as well as foods covering all the national strategic areas. We would like to strive to play an important and crucial role in the industrial promotion of Bio-industry covering all the areas as shown above.
Kunihiro Kitano, Chairperson

 

1. Bio-industry Promotion Projects

1) Regional Bio-Development Promotion Courses

We will promote information, technology and human exchanges with the aim of implementing the promotion of bio-projects required by the regions. We collaborate with bio-industry promotion organizations in Hokkaido to provide elemental information and human resources necessary for the activation of the bio-industry. We hold also seminars and meetings every year.

2) Interaction with Hokkaido bio-technology associations in local areas

We invite bio-related organizations from all over Hokkaido to Sapporo, and hold a full-bio group conference, to exchange information. We gather requests from them for holding regional bio-development promotion courses.

3) Interaction among members

We promote the construction and utilization of human and information networks with universities, bio-related organizations, organizations, enterprises, etc.

4) Interaction with bio-organizations outside Hokkaido

There are many bio-organizations that are active in the country, and exchanges with each group are extremely effective for acquiring information

and future business collaboration. Thus, we participate in exchanges such as nationwide bio-group exchange meetings and exchanges with other regions. In particular, we have a long history of exchange with the Japan Bio-industry Association and the Kinki Bio-industry Promotion Council.

and share opportunities for information exchange and business development.

2. Bio-information business

1) Organizing a bio-related symposium

We will provide the latest information as soon as possible, with the goal of uncovering future hidden information . We invite researchers, engineers or administrative staff to fully utilize the wide network of planning and guiding committee members to distribute that valuable information in an easy form for members to understand. These sources are diverse with medical, microbial, plant, bioinformatics, bio-administration information

2) Bio-information commentary and study group

Taking topics related to biology in a timely manner, we will hold study meetings with the mass media and general public. By disseminating correct knowledge about bio, we aim to improve public acceptance.

3) Study Tours

We a visit facilities related to bio to learn activities and exchange information among participants.

3. Bio-technology workshop

In order to learn biotechnology where rapid development can be seen, we are conducting experiential learning missions. For example, learning through experimentation that a particular gene expresses a specific trait and that it can be transferred to other cells.

4. Subcommittee project

3. At HOBIA, we are working towards commercialization through activities of group meetings requiring biotechnology to solve issues related to Hokkaido as a whole, or regional issues. It is a place of activities of members sharing specific commercialization themes. Participation by general members is also welcome.

1)Agri-Bio Subcommittee

In order to promote agriculture, forestry and fishery industries and the food industry, which are the most important industries of Hokkaido, we study the latest science and technology from the viewpoint of producers and manufacturers as well as disseminate information for the general public and gather desired information . We will hold lectures, questionnaire surveys and group meetings for that. We will send requests of the committee etc. to related academic societies and administrative agencies.

2) Biomass Subcommittee

We will learn about current and future prospects of commercialization of utilization of biomass as renewable energy, which is also important from the viewpoint of environmental conservation, through cases including overseas cases and explore the possibility of dissemination in Hokkaido.

5. Projects on public relations and investigation

We collect and provide bio-related information and promote networking of related information and related investigation.
(1) “HOBIA NEWS” (on line)
(2) Fulfilling website
(3) Survey Reports on Research for bio-related issues

6. Other activities

We conduct the following projects and co-host the following projects.
(1) Cooperation and participation in bio-related administration of government agencies
(2) Participation in various bio-related projects
(3) Advice and corrections to corporate R & D planning documents and presentation materials

 Our History

The aim is to develop and utilize biotechnology, an indispensable element in the development of Hokkaido, by gathering the wisdom, skills, and strengths of industry and academia and providing support for everyone involved in biotechnology.
April 1, 1985 Began as Hokkaido Biotechnology Information Club (HOBIC)
September 27, 1990 Organized by Hokkaido Bio-Industry Association (HOBIA)
September 10, 200Approved as a nonprofit organization (NPO)

We are always welcoming persons, companies and organizations who are participating (in) to HOBIA and working together with us.
Individual Membership Benefits

1. Receive HOBIA NEWS every month online.
2. The participation fee for the meeting that picks up most recent progress in the bio-area is free of charge.
3. Exchange information among members.

Corporate membership benefit(s)

1. Multiple employees receive the same benefits as individual members.
2. We will promote communication among member companies and organizations.
3. Provide information and consultation on product development.

Membership Application procedure

Request a membership application form from contact us.