Lansing - Gov. Jennifer Granholm and presidents of some of the state's universities focused on biosciences Wednesday as the governor's five-day economic development mission to Japan continued.
The Michigan delegation met at a seminar in Osaka with researchers and representatives of about 70 companies that specialize in pharmacology, oncology and various medical treatments, Granholm's spokeswoman Liz Boyd said.
MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon joined University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman and Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid in a seminar hosted by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce.
Simon chaired a panel to talk about MSU's biotech research and its connection with Japanese businesses. Three of the seven presenters on the panel were from MSU.
Among the MSU faculty members also in attendance were Acting Provost John Hudzik and biochemistry Professors Justin McCormick and Rawle Hollingsworth.
Granholm's comments focused on Michigan's Technology Tri-Corridor and her proposed $2 billion initiative to support high-tech research and commercialization of biotechnology, micro- and nanotechnology and other life sciences research.
The state has invested more than $230 million in life sciences research and commercialization through the Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor and its predecessor, the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor, since 2000, according to Granholm's office.
The governor began her five-day schedule in Japan on Monday by leading a seminar of 65 Japanese auto-related companies on the sidelines of the 2005 World Expo.
On Tuesday, Granholm met with the governor of the sister state of Shiga Prefecture and talked about freshwater preservation and prevention of invasive species. She also visited the Japan Center for Michigan Universities in Hikone, which allows students to study Japanese or environmental programs.
The governor's trip is designed to tout Michigan's workforce and education system in hopes of drawing international business to the state.
"Michigan is the North American intersection of cutting-edge research, life sciences talent and high-tech innovation," Granholm said in a statement.
It's the governor's second global investment mission, but the first-time university leaders have accompanied her, Boyd said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Amy Davis contributed to this report.
