JAXA Introduces a New Framework in High Quality Protein Crystal Growth Project Service ― Private business partner to produce results together ―

JAXA has conducted the high quality protein crystal growth (PCG) experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) over ten years. In this project, JAXA has developed and utilized its own crystallization techniques, which is unique to Japan, and produced various results, which accelerate new drug discoveries.

In line with the “Kibo Utilization Strategy”, JAXA intends to transfer the user service providing business in the PCG project to a private entity, who runs the business as a partner of JAXA.

In November 2020, JAXA issued an RFP (Request for Proposal) to select a partner. After a fair and strict review of the proposals, Space BD Inc. has been selected on the date of March 22, 2021 followed by signing the basic agreement on May 6, 2021.

Under the agreement, JAXA supports the partner to learn the technical and operational process of the PCG experiments, while the partner and JAXA work together on improving and upgrading the services. The partner will be allocated some experimental resources from JAXA to develop the partner’s own business and market research, taking a step forward to establish private leading businesses in space.

JAXA and the partner will closely cooperate to promote the LEO utilization.