IDDK Co., Ltd. (IDDK) and the United Arab Emirates’ Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) have announced the signing of a strategic alliance aimed at innovating space bio-experiments.
IDDK and MBRSC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in providing space bio-experiment services using One-Chip Microscopic Observation Technology (MID). This partnership aims to offer space bio-experiment services using IDDK’s microscopic observation technology to UAE researchers and scientists, and also to spread this service to other countries.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC and Soichiro Ueno, CEO of IDDK.
The MoU was exchanged in front of both Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the UAE-Japan Business Forum, held in conjunction with the summit meeting between the two leaders.
Soichiro Ueno, CEO of IDDK, said:
“This partnership with MBRSC aims to provide IDDK’s technology and services to UAE researchers, scientists, and bio-companies, and to advance the construction of an international space bio-experiment platform by combining the power of the UAE as a global hub.
It is anticipated that multi-faceted bio-experiments related to human life, such as food and housing, not just medical and healthcare, will be required for humanity’s advancement into space. It is considered difficult to conduct these vast experiments only in space stations due to spatial constraints and staffing issues.
A new space bio-experiment platform could provide scalable and sustainable opportunities and environments for bio-experiments in space using artificial satellites. Furthermore, we believe that by utilizing this new bio-experiment environment in education to nurture talent in both Japan and the UAE, we can promote technological innovation for humanity’s aim towards space and contribute to a better future for mankind.”
H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, said in a press release dated 18 July 2023:
“This partnership represents our commitment to foster innovation and drive forward the UAE’s position as a global player in space exploration and technology. By promoting advanced biotechnology for space missions, we are not only strengthening the scientific capabilities of the UAE but also creating a platform for international collaboration that transcends borders. This MoU is also a testament to the shared vision between the UAE and Japan in unlocking the full potential of space science, with far-reaching implications for humanity.” *1
ABOUT MOHAMMED BIN RASHID SPACE CENTRE (MBSRC):
MBRSC is an advanced scientific and technological hub, responsible for making the UAE a world leader in space services and exploration.
Established in 2006, the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) started out with five engineers, who took it upon themselves to develop their capabilities and expand their knowledge in the field of space, relying on strong will and solid determination. Since then, the centre has continued its journey to be the incubator of the “UAE National Space Programme”. The MBRSC has undertaken the tasks of building, developing, and operating a number of Earth observation satellites, providing imaging services, analysing and studying them, as well as producing relevant data to scientific communities and research centres around the world. Among the satellites that the centre operates are DubaiSat-1 & DubaiSat-2. The MBRSC is also responsible for KhalifaSat, celebrated as the first satellite that was fully built by Emiratis in 2018. Recently, the centre revealed its plan to develop the new satellite MBZ-SAT, which is expected to be launched at the end of 2023 and to be the latest in the field of high-resolution imaging from outer space.*2
*1 *2 July 18, 2023 MBRSC and IDDK partner to push the frontiers of space biotechnology Sign MoU at UAE-Japan business forum https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/mbrsc-and-iddk-partner-to-push-the-frontiers-of-space-biotechnology-j5xlhvli
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