#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #PSI GAP Fund #Antimicrobial Agents

Driving Innovation in Animal Medicine: Okayama University's New Antimicrobial Project

Okayama University is once again in the spotlight as Professor Junpei Uchiyama from the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences has been selected for the PSI GAP Fund, specifically Stage 2, aiming to pioneer new antimicrobial agents for animal use. This funding will not only provide monetary support but will also encompass an acceleration program for startup development, guidance from experienced professionals, and support for broader, global outreach.

The PSI GAP Fund is part of the Peace & Science Innovation Ecosystem (PSI), a collaborative platform involving multiple universities in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. The primary goal of this initiative, backed by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), is to expedite the societal implementation of promising technological innovations. The fund is structured in two stages: Stage 1 supports preliminary verification for startups, while Stage 2, which Professor Uchiyama has been awarded, focuses on substantial preparations for market licensing and actual entrepreneurial activities.

Uchiyama's project addresses a significant global issue: antibiotic-resistant bacteria. His approach involves harnessing the potential of antimicrobial enzymes, which have garnered international attention as a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics. By leveraging a uniquely developed database of antimicrobial enzymes along with advanced molecular design techniques, the project aims to create highly effective and stable antimicrobial agents targeted at specific bacterial strains.

The research period is set from April 2025 to March 2028, with a total funding amount of approximately 60 million yen. In an interview, Professor Uchiyama remarked, "With increasing restrictions on the use of antibiotics in animals, antimicrobial enzymes represent a promising new option that's drawing global interest. This study aims to develop high-performance antimicrobial enzymes using our innovative technologies, addressing both domestic and international needs for new veterinary pharmaceuticals. We aspire to open new possibilities in the agri-bio sector from Japan to the world."

Through this project, there is a strong expectation that the commercialization of Japan-originated antimicrobial enzyme pharmaceuticals will accelerate, contributing to the global challenge of antibiotic resistance while enhancing Japan's international competitiveness in the agri-tech field.

As part of its commitment to innovation, Okayama University encourages researchers and doctoral students with promising research ideas to apply for the upcoming PSI GAP Fund program, which will open for applications soon in 2025. Interested parties can reach out to the Startup and Venture Creation Headquarters of Okayama University for support from application to commercialization.

The expectations are high for Professor Uchiyama's work, as it not only represents a significant stride towards tackling antibiotic resistance but also showcases the university's role as a center for unique and impactful research. This initiative reiterates Okayama University's mission as a core educational institution with distinctive research capabilities, paving the way for breakthroughs that merge academic excellence with real-world solutions.

For further information about this project or the PSI GAP Fund, please refer to the university’s official website or the dedicated PSI ecosystem page.