This week in Tokyo, Prime Minister Ishiba welcomed European business leaders alongside Stéphane Séjourné, the Executive Vice President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy at the European Commission. Our CEO, Thomas Schmidt, was invited to join this delegation to represent one of Europe’s key enabling technologies: precision fermentation.
Precision fermentation is a proven biotechnology that uses microorganisms to produce specific proteins and peptides. It is central to the future of food, nutrition, sustainable materials, and bio-based chemicals – and a field where Europe is at the forefront.
For Japan, the opportunity is clear. The country has long been a global leader in science and technology, with world-class expertise in fermentation. Yet its food system today depends heavily on imports, with around 40% of milk and milk proteins are brought in from abroad, leaving it exposed to supply chain risks. Precision fermentation can help Japan strengthen self-sufficiency, reduce environmental impact, and secure stable nutrition supply chains, all while building on its own strong biotech tradition.
When Prime Minister Ishiba paused during his speech and said with emotion, “This is likely a historic moment,” he captured exactly what’s at stake: deepening ties between Europe and Japan to build resilience and solve global challenges together.
At 21st.BIO, we’re proud to empower companies around the world to strengthen self-sufficiency and local production, using a technology developed in Europe.
