As part of the Fukuoka Bio Community Project, National University Corporation, Japan’s Kyushu University has started a joint research project with Bridgestone Corporation to contribute to the improvement of guayule-derived natural rubber productivity.
Unlike the paragum tree, which grows unevenly in the tropics and is susceptible to disease and climate change, guayule can be grown in arid regions. This project aims at practical application of guayule by researching methods to improve the amount of rubber that can be harvested from guayule and developing technology to improve varieties with superior rubber yield.
Through this initiative, Kyushu University will be even more proactive in developing activities that lead to solutions to regional issues, it adds.
Fukuoka Bio Community is one of the regional bio-communities that are developing distinctive bio-field initiatives tailored to the region, as authorised by the Cabinet Office based on the “Bio-Strategy”.In June 2021, the first “regional bio community” was certified based on the national bio strategy, and in July 2022, the “Fukuoka Bio Community Promotion Council” was established as the core organisation.
Fukuoka Prefecture and Kurume City are working together to create new industries and bio ventures centered on Kurume City, with biotechnology at the core, and to form a bio community with a concentration of biotechnology-related companies and research institutions.
Meanwhile, Bridgestone is promoting the search for a business model for guayule, a promising raw material for diversifying natural rubber obtained from Para rubber tree, based on “co-creation” with external partners.
In the past, Kyushu University has conducted joint research with Bridgestone, and both parties have been working to solve apparent and latent issues toward the realisation of their vision