Key Takeaways
- Nagase Viita and Okayama University have launched a joint Laboratory of Glycobiology and Phytochemistry.
- The collaboration focuses on plant–microbe interactions and bio-compounds to support sustainable agriculture.
- The research course builds on an industry–academia partnership established in 2020.
- Key research areas include plant resilience, bio-compound applications, and high-throughput screening.
- The initiative aligns with broader efforts to address food security and environmental challenges.
Nagase Viita & Okayama University: New Industry–Academia Laboratory Established in Okayama
Nagase Viita Co., Ltd., a Japan-based company with more than 140 years of experience in glycoscience, and Okayama University have launched the Laboratory of Glycobiology and Phytochemistry, a new research course established in November 2025. The initiative is designed as a platform for industry–academia collaboration focused on advancing sustainable agriculture through research in glycobiology and phytochemistry.
The laboratory brings together Nagase Viita, headquartered in Kita-ku, Okayama City, and Okayama University, one of Japan’s leading institutions for sustainability research. The collaboration builds on open innovation projects the two organizations have conducted since 2020, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
According to the partners, the research will examine how plants, their symbiotic microorganisms, and bioactive compounds interact with environmental factors such as global warming, with the aim of improving plant health, productivity, and resilience.
Research Focus on Plant–Microbe Interactions and Bio-Compounds
The Laboratory of Glycobiology and Phytochemistry will explore several core research themes. These include studying the plant holobiont and its role in maintaining productivity under environmental stress, assessing the external application of bio-compounds to enhance plant growth and yields, and developing high-throughput screening methods to evaluate bio-compound functionality.
“We proposed this collaborative program to evolve our sustainable research into a unique global initiative,” said Jiro Kishimoto, Executive Officer and Head of the Research, Technology & Value Creation Division at Nagase Viita. “Through this course, we aim to foster pioneering research bridging academic perspectives with visionary industrial innovation.”
Linking Fundamental Science to Agricultural Applications
Dr. Ooi Lia, Principal Investigator of the course from Nagase Viita, emphasized the applied focus of the initiative. “The course seeks to deliver solutions for sustainable agriculture, contributing to food security and environmental conservation,” she said.
Agricultural science is a central focus area for Nagase Viita, whose signature product trehalose is used to support crop productivity, including soybeans. Trehalose plays a role in protecting plants and microorganisms from environmental stress and is used to improve seed storage life and crop performance. Field trials and commercial adoption in South America have demonstrated its impact on crop strength and yield.
