GRANHOLM - Governor Granholm, Michigan Universities Promote State's Life Sciences Industry to Japanese Firms

Seminar in Osaka Encourages High-Tech Investment

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today joined Michigan university presidents and top researchers to promote Michigan’s life sciences industry at a seminar in Osaka, Japan. The seminar is part of the Governor’s five-day investment mission to attract international business and job creation opportunities to the state.

“Michigan is the North American intersection of cutting-edge research, life sciences talent, and high-tech innovation,” Granholm said. “The combination of our world-class universities and targeted commercialization initiatives like the Technology Tri-Corridor creates a fertile ground for life sciences companies to grow and create jobs.”

Invitees attending the seminar included representatives of 70 companies that specialize in pharmacology, oncology and the research and commercialization of treatments for cardiovascular ailments and diabetes, as well as contract research organizations.

Hosted by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce, the seminar included comments and presentations by University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman, Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon, Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid, and top Michigan researchers. Governor Granholm’s comments focused on the success of Michigan’s Technology Tri-Corridor and her proposed $2 billion initiative to support high-tech research and commercialization biotechnology, micro- and nanotechnology, and other fields related to the life sciences.

Since 2000, the state of Michigan has invested more than $230 million in life sciences research and commercialization efforts through the Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor and its predecessor, the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor. As a result, more than 100 new life sciences companies have been created in the state during that time, making Michigan the fastest-growing state in the nation for life sciences company formations. Jobs in the industry are typically high-tech, high-wage positions.

In addition to the bio-sciences seminar, the Governor’s five-day schedule in Japan this week includes individual meetings with high-level executives from 14 Japanese companies. She is reaching out to another 70 companies through group-setting meetings and an automotive seminar. Her delegation is making contact with more than 150 representatives of business, higher education, and government during the week. The Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor is administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information about the initiative, visit the MEDC Website at www.michigan.org.

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