#Japan #Innovation #Koto City #I-ne #JBIST

I-ne's Innovative Leap with JBIST

I-ne, headquartered in Osaka and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, has taken a significant step in innovation by launching its first research institute, the Japan Beauty Institute of Science and Technology (JBIST). This new facility aims to implement a hybrid model of 'fabless R&D,' combining internal development of differentiated technologies with external collaboration for product commercialization.

Background and Purpose of Establishment

Traditionally, R&D focuses on enhancing company value through proprietary ingredients, patents, and technology licensing. However, in-house manufacturing can sometimes limit flexibility in development and costs. I-ne seeks to leverage its expertise in fabless product development and strong partnerships with OEM and ODM collaborators to create a development system centered on market creation, driven by a marketing-first approach. The goal is to balance speed and uniqueness in product development.

Uniqueness of JBIST

JBIST's fabless R&D model enables I-ne to develop and patent core technologies and unique formulations on-site. At the same time, it collaborates with OEM and ODM partners for formulation and mass production. This mitigates the need for massive capital investments while facilitating advanced product development. Moreover, by integrating marketing with research and development, JBIST aims to support the creation of products that are 'sellable, chosen, and sustainable' through a dynamic and responsive research organization.

This system opens up various opportunities, including:

• - High-quality product development and supply without owning a manufacturing plant.
• - Achieving 'open innovation and open development' through co-creation with diverse OEM and ODM partners.
• - A timely and flexible product development system that responds to consumer needs and market signals.

Future Prospects

1. Research Results Set for Market Launch in 2026
Utilizing the in-house lab, I-ne plans to quickly prototype and verify new products, expecting to release findings from JBIST as commercial products starting in 2026.

2. Consortium Collaboration
A consortium model will be established around JBIST, connecting internal and external technologies, knowledge, and personnel. I-ne has already begun collaboration with leading experts in drug delivery systems, and partnership efforts with academic institutions will ramp up to produce public announcements of breakthroughs.

3. Light-Asset R&D using AI
I-ne is committed to creating a lean, high-mobility laboratory system that employs cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, to transform resource-intensive processes like formulation design and quality management. By doing so, JBIST can foster innovation even with a smaller-scale lab.

Overview

• - Name: Japan Beauty Institute of Science and Technology (JBIST)
• - Established: August 1, 2025
• - Location: Koto City, Tokyo
• - Director: Hiroki Takeuchi

About the Director

Hiroki Takeuchi began his career at Pola Chemical Industries. Since 2011, he engaged in significant research at Boston University, focusing on wrinkle mechanisms. After returning to Japan, he led various projects and contributed to the development of groundbreaking products, such as Japan's first wrinkle-improving pharmaceutical product, Wrinkle Shot. In 2023, he joined I-ne, establishing the Value Creation Research Room while also serving as the Director of JBIST starting in 2025.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: I-ne Co., Ltd.
• - Founded: March 2007
• - CEO: Yohei Onishi
• - Location: Osaka, Japan

For more information about I-ne and its brands, visit I-ne Official Site. Brands include BOTANIST, SALONIA, YOLU, DROAS, Qurap, Tearal, SOLAMY, and ReWEAR.

The launch of JBIST marks a pivotal moment in I-ne's commitment to innovative, effective R&D, ensuring the creation of premium quality products that resonate with consumer insights and needs.