Chairman’s message
JMAC was established in 2007 as the Japan Microarray Consortium and has since been renamed the Japan bio Measurement & Analysis Consortium from 2018. It aims to support the industrialization of a wider range of biotechnologies, not only focusing on biochips and related technologies but also on the latest biotechnologies, materials, information, and their applications in medical care, drug discovery, diagnostics, food, health, and other life science-related products.
Since its inception, JMAC has promoted collaboration among companies within Japan, striving to compete in international markets under fair rules with the support of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. JMAC has contributed to the development of eight published international standards under ISO so far, and continues to be involved in the development of international standards in related fields. By continuing these activities, JMAC supports the formation of international rules and inter-company collaboration in the bioindustry for the benefit of national and industrial interests.
The development of various bio-measurement devices has primarily progressed in Europe and the United States. However, many of the devices and materials used are developed and manufactured in Japan. The bio-related industry is a complex industry that consists of not only manufacturing, but also integrating various technologies and measures, and it is very important to create things as a system. As the market becomes increasingly globalized, the existence of appropriate global rules is essential for market expansion, and international standardization is considered to be the most important activity in this context.
Overseas, companies actively participate in the development of international standards and utilize certification systems to expand business opportunities, which is widely accepted as a corporate strategy. In contrast, the importance of standardization activities is not widely recognized in Japan. In the rapidly expanding bio-related market, the development of international standards and the establishment of certification systems are being promoted in various fields such as medical care, food inspection, and environmental inspection. JMAC is strongly aware of the issues and necessary measures related to the accuracy control of inspections using bio-measurement technology and is engaged in international standardization activities and industrial support initiatives related to new measurement technologies.
To deliver Japan’s excellent products to the global market, JMAC will continue to contribute to the promotion of the industrialization of biotechnology through support activities with a long-term perspective, including international standardization activities.
November 2024
Chairman, Japan bio Measurement & Analysis Consortium Ryo Matoba (DNA Chip Research Inc.)