Industry-Academia Collaboration, Research Support, and Research Bases

At the Keio University School of Medicine, a University Research Administrator (URA) in charge of intellectual property and industry-academia collaboration has been stationed at the Center for Integrated Medical Research since fiscal year 2014. The URA works in collaboration with relevant departments to provide support for the promotion of research.

The Research Park is a rental space within the Center for Integrated Medical Research that was completed in 2001. In principle, we provide a research environment (research space of approximately 90 to 121 square meters per unit) necessary for carrying out specific research projects under prescribed conditions for a maximum of five years (initial application for three years, extendable up to two years upon review). A maximum of 42 units can be operated. There are the following six types.

Research projects conducted by concluding a joint research agreement with a company

Research projects conducted by concluding a joint research agreement with a company originating from a Keio University-related startup that meets specific requirements

Projects based on collaboration at the level of a department/division or higher, aimed at promoting fusion research in different fields such as basic and clinical sciences, internal medicine and surgery, or the School of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy

Research projects conducted through public projects from the government, etc.

Projects in which young researchers conduct research independently

Projects conducted by forming a consortium with multiple companies and research institutions, etc.

Research Courses are established for the purpose of advancing and enhancing human resource development through research and research activities in the School of Medicine, etc., responding quickly to social demands and changes in conditions regarding the university's social contribution through academic and industry-academia collaboration, and contributing to the diversification and promotion of internationalization of research and human resource development systems. These Research Courses are divided into "Endowed Research Courses" and "Joint Research Courses."

Courses established and operated to conduct research using donations from individuals, corporations, or organizations

Courses established and operated to conduct research using research funds based on joint research agreements, etc., with companies, etc.

Keio University and JSR Corporation have constructed and will jointly operate the "JSR-Keio University Medical and Chemistry Innovation Center (commonly known as JKiC)," a joint research building with three floors above ground and one basement floor, positioned as a base for industry, academia, and medical collaboration on the Shinanomachi Campus (opened in 2017).

Such collaboration between a university school of medicine and a chemical materials manufacturer is an unprecedented attempt in the world. By having researchers from Keio University's School of Medicine and Hospital, which develop integrated medical sciences and medical care from basic to clinical stages, and chemical materials researchers from JSR, which positions the life sciences field as a strategic business and develops advanced materials and products, interact closely under the support of industry-academia-medical collaboration, we will realize a wide range of needs and advanced ideas in the medical field. We will create research and businesses that lead to the establishment and dissemination of new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies and medical support technologies that support a healthy and long-lived society.

On October 21, 2020, Keio University and RIKEN signed a memorandum of understanding regarding collaboration and cooperation based on the basic agreement concluded in 2008. The purpose is to establish a joint research base through their cooperation, expand joint research opportunities, further promote collaboration with industry, develop human resources, and create innovation, thereby promoting co-creation and contributing to the strengthening of Japan's research capabilities and industrial competitiveness.

Accordingly, the RIKEN-Keio University Shinanomachi Campus Joint Research Base has been established within the Shinanomachi Campus.