Osaka on Track to Become a Global Life Sciences Hub — The Perfect Time to Launch Your Business

With world-class research institutions, a robust industry cluster, a strong environment for international collaboration, and comprehensive business support, Osaka is drawing growing attention as a global center for life sciences innovation.

Osaka’s Momentum Accelerates with Expo 2025

The Osaka–Kansai Expo 2025, held under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” welcomed participants from 158 countries and regions as well as seven international organizations, attracting approximately 29 million visitors in total. Positioned as a “living laboratory” for the future, the Expo showcased cutting-edge technologies—life sciences, AI, robotics, and environmental solutions—capturing worldwide interest.

The Osaka Prefectural Government and the City of Osaka brought together the collective wisdom and creativity of “All-Osaka,” working alongside 118 sponsoring companies and 17 partner organizations to present the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. Within the pavilion, the “Reborn Challenge” featured exhibits by 432 SMEs and startups, each unveiling future-oriented products and breakthrough technologies to visitors.

Building on the Expo’s success, Osaka is further strengthening its international presence in the life sciences sector. Industry, academia, and government will continue to work together to provide an ecosystem that contributes to innovation in life sciences.

Major Life Sciences Innovation Areas in Osaka

Saito (彩都) A major hub for drug discovery and life sciences, home to research institutes such as the National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, along with companies, startups, and incubation facilities.

Kento (健都) An open-innovation district focused on health and medicine, centered around two national research institutes: the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, and the National Institute of Health and Nutrition.
Companies and hospitals are also concentrated in the area, creating a strong ecosystem for collaborative innovation in healthcare.

Nakanoshima Qross A leading commercialization hub for “future medicine”, built on regenerative medicine and designed to respond quickly to advances in medical technology. Medical institutions, companies, startups, and support organizations are co-located under one roof, creating a continuous cycle of “practice,” “creation,” and “sharing” to accelerate the industrialization of future medical solutions.

International Collaboration

Following the Expo, Osaka has signed multiple MOUs, taking international cooperation—particularly in life sciences—to a new stage.

Promoting economic exchange in life sciences and startups

Osaka Prefecture & City × Business Sweden (Swedish Trade and Invest Council)
In May 2025, the Sweden Business Summit held at the Expo site served as a catalyst for discussions between Osaka and Business Sweden on future collaboration opportunities. Given Sweden’s strong concentration of life sciences institutions and advanced technologies—which align closely with Osaka’s strengths—an MOU was signed in October 2025 to promote economic exchange in fields such as life sciences and startups.

Strengthening collaboration between Osaka Bio Headquarters and global clusters

Osaka is also advancing partnerships to promote collaboration among companies and research institutions between Osaka Bio Headquarters and international clusters, including:

• Montréal InVivo(Quebec, Canada)
• Clust-ER HEALTH(Emilia-Romagna, Italy)
• Bioindustry Park Silvano Fumero / bioPmed Cluster (Piedmont, Italy)
• BioValley France(Grand Est Region, France)

Example initiative: In September 2025, Clust-ER HEALTH and Osaka Bio Headquarters hosted a workshop at Nakanoshima Qross, welcoming life sciences experts from both regions. Going forward, based on the MOU, they will organize events to deepen mutual understanding and provide support for business matchmaking and other collaborative activities.

Learn more:

https://osaka-bio.jp/en

Business Support

Osaka Business and Investment Center (O-BIC) was established in April 2001 by the Osaka Prefectural Government, the Osaka City Government, and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry in a joint initiative.

As your one-stop service center for business investing, O-BIC provides prospective foreign investors with a comprehensive yet detailed support system. International companies, foreign government offices and economic organizations as well as foreign-capitalized companies located in Japan are invited to use the center to obtain accurate information and essential advice for entering the Osaka market.

Key services provided by O-BIC

• Bilingual (English/Japanese) essential information on doing business and living in Osaka
• Referrals to service providersfor administrative procedures, including company registration and visa/status of residence applications
• Real estate informationfor offices, warehouses, factories, and housing
• Introductions to professional experts and companies, including interpreters, translators, market research firms, and specialists in legal, tax, and accounting matters
• Information on incentivesoffered by the Osaka Prefectural Government and the City of Osaka
• Business intelligenceto help identify and connect with potential business partners
• Practical information for daily life, such as schools and healthcare facilities
  

Learn more:

https://o-bic.net/

Toward Further Growth

Osaka Prefecture positions the life sciences industry as a strategic growth sector in which it holds clear competitive strengths. By supporting private-sector “challenges” to bring innovative technologies into real-world implementation—particularly in areas such as regenerative medicine and healthcare—Osaka and the Kansai region aim to generate next-generation industries and expand their reach into global markets.

In addition to its geographic advantage as a gateway to Asia, Osaka leverages its deep talent pool, robust R&D infrastructure, and international networks to offer an attractive environment for global business partners seeking investment and collaboration opportunities.

As Osaka continues to evolve even further in the wake of Expo 2025, we invite you to keep a close eye on what comes next.