UP pushes for bio-innovation, pharma, rare earth, and EV tech collaborations with Japan

A high-level delegation from Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday held a series of strategic meetings in Japan aimed at strengthening collaborations in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and emerging technologies.

In Osaka, the delegation, led by Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Vijay Kiran Anand, CEO, Invest UP and Inderjit Singh, Director, UPNEDA, held productive discussions with senior representatives of the Kansai Pharmaceutical Industries Association (KPIA), including Director General Dr. HAYASHI Yoshikazu.

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The discussions focused on potential collaborations in novel drug development, diagnostics, medical devices, and clinical research.

The delegation presented Uttar Pradesh’s forward-looking Pharma and Medical Device Park, its Semiconductor Policy, and the FDI & FCI Policy 2023. KPIA expressed strong interest in supporting bio-innovation through technology and knowledge exchange. Special emphasis was placed on gene-altered medicines and a proposal to establish a Bio-Innovation Cluster in the state.

In a forward-looking visit to Osaka’s National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) and NLAB, Invest UP CEO Vijay Kiran Anand—accompanied by Indian Consul General Chandru Apar—engaged in strategic discussions and presented Uttar Pradesh’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy, highlighting the benefits and incentives available for establishing GCCs in the state.

The discussions also covered technology transfer, applied research, and the establishment of Centres of Excellence.

The dialogue focused on collaborative ventures in high-tech EV battery manufacturing and testing infrastructure, aiming to position Uttar Pradesh as a leading hub for next-generation clean mobility and industrial innovation.

In Tokyo, the delegation met with Chairman Takeo Tanaka and the team at Tanaka Electric Co. Ltd. to explore investment opportunities in rare earth materials, semiconductors, and precision equipment manufacturing. Particular focus was placed on near-net shaped rare earth magnet fabrication—a cutting-edge method that minimizes material waste and post-processing.

This technique is critical for producing high-performance magnets such as NdFeB and SmCo, which are vital for clean energy, electric mobility, and defense sectors. The UP team highlighted the state’s potential to emerge as a key player in rare earth magnet innovation.

During the recent outreach in Osaka, Invest UP officials, led by the CEO, held high-level meetings with key stakeholders. Notable engagements at Nakanoshima Qross included discussions with Asahi Intecc—a global leader in minimally invasive medical devices—and Link-J, a premier life sciences innovation network. These interactions opened avenues for collaboration in medtech innovation and startup incubation.

Further, the meeting with Morabu Hanshin explored opportunities in skill development, the recruitment of skilled manpower from Uttar Pradesh, and technology exchange—aligning with the state’s vision to attract high-value investments and foster global industrial linkages.

These engagements reaffirm Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to positioning itself as a preferred global destination for innovation-driven investment.