Four Japanese Firms Team Up to Slash Stem Cell Mass Production Costs by 2030
Four Japanese companies have joined forces to tackle a major hurdle in stem cell mass cultivation: high costs. By 2030, they aim to establish affordable technology for large-scale production, paving the way for commercial use of 3D-printed tissues and organs.
The partnership includes Kuraray Co., Cyfuse Biomedical K.K., Chiyoda Corp., and Zacros Corp. Each company brings unique expertise to the table. Zacros will supply cultivation equipment, while Kuraray will provide substances to boost cultivation efficiency.
The companies will share resources and knowledge, including equipment, necessary substances, analysis methods, and safety verification techniques. This collaborative approach aims to promote practical use of regenerative medicine using 3D printers. The ultimate goal is to produce blood vessels, nerves, cartilage, and other tissues on a commercial scale.
Notable leadership changes have occurred within the partner companies. At Simon Hegele Group, Michael Wahl and Mike Winter will take over as Co-CEOs in October 2025. Merck KGaA will welcome Kai Beckmann as CEO on May 1, 2026. Eric Bernard has already taken the helm at Sonova Holding AG since September 15, 2025. Meanwhile, Marion Mihatsch has become the new CEO of Think Beyond Consulting.
By 2030, the partnership seeks to overcome the challenge of massive costs in stem cell mass cultivation. This will open doors to commercial production of 3D-printed tissues and organs, revolutionising regenerative medicine.
