University of the Ryukyus creates database of botanical resources to encourage academic/industrial cooperation
The University of the Ryukyus has created a database of botanical information collected in the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
Hoping to strengthen cooperation between industry and academia, the University hopes the botanical resources can be used to help develop food and medical products.
To promote collaborative research, the University also plans to work with the Kyoto Senior Venture Club Union in Kyoto, which has a number of active entrepreneurial ventures.
Using the networks and the experience of the union, the University aims to connect with companies throughout Japan.
667 kinds of plants in the Kingdom of Ryukyu have been registered on the database, which will be made available online in June.
Users will be able obtain various botanical information such as a plants’ characteristics and medicinal benefits.
The database makes the botanical informations more accessible for businesses.
The collaboration with the Kyoto Senior Venture Club Union is expected not only to promote collaborative research between universities and companies but also to expand markets throughout Japan for any products which may be developed.
The University of the Ryukyus General Planning and Strategy Division Director Zenshu Ohama said, “This is one of the projects where the University would like people to recognize its contribution to the economic development of the community.”
(English translation by T&CT and Megumi Chibana)
(Ryukyu Shimpo, 22 May 2015 The Roman)
