Visit of a Japanese GteX delegation to Forschungszentrum Jülich: a starting point for deeper exchange in biotechnology

IBG-1 and IBG-2 recently had the pleasure of welcoming a high-level Japanese delegation from the GteX initiative (Green Technologies of Excellence). Led by Prof. Akihiko Kondo, the visit provided an excellent opportunity to discuss research priorities, technologies, and perspectives for a more intensive collaboration between Japanese and German research groups.

Who were our guests – and why is this relevant?

The GteX initiative is a Japanese funding programme designed to enable new “Green Transformation” (GX) technologies, with a focus on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, building future industries, and linking research, industry, and training. For IBG, the biomanufacturing area is particularly relevant: here, GteX aims at next-generation biobased production systems and the corresponding infrastructure.

The delegation was led by Prof. Akihiko Kondo, who is internationally recognised in biotechnological process development and cell factory research. He is, among other roles, a professor at Kobe University and holds a leadership position at RIKEN (Cell Factory Research Team), where he works on concepts for resource- and energy-efficient bioprocesses, bioproduction, and biobased value creation. This thematic proximity makes him an important partner for collaborations in synthetic biology, biotransformation, and bioprocess development.

Key elements of the programme: focus on IBG-1 and IBG-2

The visit took the delegation to both IBG-1 and IBG-2 and combined scientific insights with strategic exchange. Following a brief introduction of the participating teams, current research priorities were outlined in concise contributions and placed into a broader context—highlighting shared interests in biotechnology, and in particular in the areas of synthetic biology, biotransformation, and bioprocess development. Prof. Akihiko Kondo personally greeted the group, thereby underscoring the value of direct scientific dialogue.

A key component of the programme were lab visits, which provided the guests with concrete insights into methods, platforms, and ongoing work. The focus was not only on getting to know the infrastructure and technical approaches, but above all on an open exchange about potential interfaces for future collaborations. This was complemented by an in-depth discussion session in which participants jointly identified where research topics can be meaningfully connected and which formats—from project ideas and early-career exchange to longer-term partnerships—appear particularly promising.

Outlook: collaboration with substance

From the perspective of Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), the visit was far more than a courtesy appointment: it was a clear impulse to systematically expand the exchange between Japanese and German teams—especially along shared interests in synthetic biology, biotransformation, and modern bioprocess development. Particularly in light of GteX’s goal of advancing biobased technologies as a key driver of green transformation, this opens up promising prospects for joint projects, early-career formats, and reciprocal research stays.

IBG-1 and IBG-2 would like to thank everyone involved for the excellent organisation and the open, constructive discussions—and would very much welcome it if this visit marks the starting point of an intensive and long-term scientific exchange.