The UK and Japan have just announced that they will strengthen their science and technology collaboration with a package of joint initiatives across life sciences, quantum technologies, and advanced connectivity
This new UK-Japan partnership shows that both countries have ambitions to drive economic growth and to strengthen and deliver real benefits for patients, researchers, and businesses in both countries.
The announcement was confirmed during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Japan.
Creating a boost for life science and gene therapy
A huge part of the package is the new investment in the UK’s life sciences sector. Orchard Therapeutics, the UK subsidiary of Japanese pharmaceutical company Kyowa Kirin, plans to invest around £11 million in the UK, subject to final agreements under the government’s Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund.
This investment will support the research and development of advanced gene therapies to treat severe and rare genetic diseases. It also strengthens the UK’s position as a global hub for cell and gene therapy, a sector that already includes more than 90 advanced therapy companies.
The funding builds on the success of treatments already developed in the UK, including life-saving therapies for rare childhood neurological conditions.
Alongside improving patient outcomes, the investment is expected to support high-skilled jobs and further R&D activity across the life sciences ecosystem.
Genomics collaboration for rare disease screening
The UK and Japan are also advancing collaboration in genomics through a new multi-year partnership between Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Japanese genetic testing provider Genesis Healthcare. The partnership will launch a national rare disease genomics pilot in Japan, scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.
Using next-generation nanopore sequencing technology, the pilot aims to streamline multiple diagnostic tests into a single genome-based screening approach. Initially focused on neuromuscular disorders, the programme will enable screening for more than 70 underdiagnosed conditions.
The package is expected to accelerate the transition of genomic research into clinical care, while creating sustained demand for UK-manufactured research into platforms and consumables.
It will also help strengthen life sciences supply chains and support innovation in diagnostics and treatment models in both countries.
Joint quantum research to tackle global challenges
Three new UK-Japan quantum technology research projects will bring together leading scientists to address challenges ranging from drug discovery and secure communications to navigation in GPS-denied environments.
The projects cover quantum computing, advanced quantum sensing, and early foundations for a future quantum internet. They are jointly funded by £4.5 million from the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and just over £5.2 million from the Japan Science and Technology Agency.
By combining expertise and resources, the collaboration aims to accelerate progress in quantum technologies with real-world applications across healthcare, security, and infrastructure.
In a further step, both the UK and Japanese governments have launched a £6 million joint research programme focused on advanced connectivity technologies. The funding is evenly matched, with £3 million from the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and £3 million from the Japanese government.
The programme will explore artificial intelligence in telecoms, non-terrestrial networks such as satellite communications, and high-capacity optical networks. These technologies are intended to deliver seamless mobile coverage, improve energy efficiency, and ensure digital networks remain resilient to cyber threats and natural disasters.
