Sustainable Bioproduction

Through improving the productivity and functions of plants and microorganisms, and creating a biomanufacturing system, we contribute to stabilizing the food supply and building a society that does not depend on fossil resources.

In the field of food production, climate change and population growth are urgent challenge that need to be addressed. This program focuses on enhancing the productivity and functions of plants and microorganisms, aiming to develop “resilient” species that have improved adaptability to environmental stress and increased material productivity. This program also promotes sustainable biomanufacturing using synthetic biology techniques.

Creation of Resilient Plants and Microorganisms

We aim to enhance the ability of plants and microorganisms to adapt to climate change and environmental stress, enhance material productivity, increase resource use efficiency, and contribute to carbon neutrality. To achieve these goals, we conduct single-cell omics analyses of plants and microorganisms to identify new genes and functional small molecules useful for trait improvement, and develop and validate technologies to enhance their functions. Additionally, we work on developing control technologies for cultivation and culture methods that are effective in improving the productivity and functions of plants and microorganisms.

Biomass and Biomanufacturing

We work on redesigning the metabolic networks of plants and microorganisms to enable biomanufacturing that produces useful substances sustainably and efficiently. Furthermore, we work on building a new production platform that is independent of fossil fuels.