The CEO and others from Japanese biotech startup miibio visited Thailand's Ministry of Industry to discuss plans to use sugarcane-derived materials in semiconductor manufacturing. They discussed how to proceed with cooperation, including selecting candidate sites for a commercial production plant and determining investment conditions.
Hayamizu Kensho (ハヤミズ・ケンショウ), CEO of Japanese biotech startup miibio, and others visited Thailand's Ministry of Industry to discuss cooperation to create value from sugarcane and biomass. The meeting was held in the office of the ministry's permanent secretary.
The central concept under discussion was to use biotechnology to link agricultural products with biochemicals, advanced materials, electronic components and semiconductors. Particular attention was given to using sugarcane-derived biomaterials in semiconductor manufacturing as alternatives to petroleum-derived materials.
Thailand is pursuing policies to shift its sugar industry and agricultural resources toward high-value-added products, and related investment is also expected from the perspective of the BCG Economy. The BOI is supporting investment in bioplastics and biochemicals.
Discussions are expected to continue on candidate sites for a commercial production plant in Thailand, investment decision criteria, and the framework for Japan-Thailand cooperation and investment. No specific investment amount or timing has been disclosed.