Joint Research and Collaboration Case Study] Started a joint project between MeeBio Inc. and Mr. Yatame of Tsukuba University!

We are pleased to announce that we have decided on the adopted themes from the ad-venture scholarships for which applications were received at the ad-venture forum held in April 2025.

For information on the Ad Venture Scholarship, please contactthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)

<Adopted theme

Theme: We would like to work with companies to improve new proteins!
Company: MeBio Inc.
Researcher: Shori Yatame, 3rd year student at the University of Tsukuba
Below are the scholarship applications from students.

Details of Cooperation

Proteins are used in various fields, and protein improvement is an important industrial and commercial factor. Existing protein improvement methods have problems with experimental cost and development time, and new protein improvement methods are required. Therefore, I would like to explore new protein improvement methods together with you, an expert in structural biology. Within this theme, I would also like to use the iGEM TSUKUBA community, of which I am a representative, to promote interaction between students and companies.

Reason for Application

Currently, I am a member of iGEM TSUKUBA, where I am conducting research on protein improvement methods using machine learning. In the course of my research, I have received advice from experts via e-mail, etc. However, there are only a limited number of professors within the university who specialize in protein improvement. In addition, although protein modification and related experimental (WET) techniques are very important, they are not well understood among students. Therefore, I would like to actively promote exchanges between your company and students in order to receive expert advice on research and at the same time to disseminate knowledge and techniques related to biomanufacturing.

Vision for the future

There are two goals within this activity: 

1. Research activities related to protein improvement
   We would like to proceed with our current protein improvement project with advice from your company. Specifically, I am considering the selection of proteins to be improved and the experimental system for assays.
   
2. Exchange between your company and students on bio-manufacturing
   iGEM TSUKUBA, of which I am the representative, is a student organization of about 25 students who love biology. I would like to increase students' interest in biomanufacturing through exchanges between this organization and your company. The group also operates a social networking service and participates in and manages on-campus events. We believe that it is possible to promote your company at such events. Therefore, we would like to make this activity mutually beneficial.