First Japanese Tech Transfer Firm in U.S. Establishes HQ at The Science Center.

Business Editors

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 13, 2004

The Science Center's international reputation as a center for ideas and innovation brings prestigious technology transfer firm to Center City Philadelphia

The only Japanese-owned technology transfer firm in the United States has established its base of operations at the Philadelphia Science Center, Science Center officials announced today.

The arrival of Japan Technology Group, a renowned Japanese technology transfer consultancy, establishes Philadelphia as the hub of a potentially enormous trade in evolutionary and revolutionary technologies developed by Japanese universities, startups, and research centers for U.S. companies. It will also speed the identification, license, and purchase of regionally and nationally developed highly-advanced technologies needed by companies in Japan.

After a nationwide search, which included the geographically convenient West Coast, executives of the Japan Technology Group (JTG) chose to open their new U.S. operations at The Science Center, in Philadelphia, Pa. JTG officials cite the Science Center's international reputation as center for ideas, innovation, and entrepreneurship as the reasons that drove their final decision to settle in Philadelphia. In addition, this region's rich tradition in biotechnology and pharmaceutical technologies, coupled with the strength of its academic resources, made it an ideal location for the firm.

"The Science Center has a strong reputation in Japan as a center of ideas and innovation, where companies developing new technologies have the opportunity to thrive and excel," says Taro Yaguchi, CEO of Japan Technology Group. "For 40 years, the Science Center has served as a crossroad where ideas and technology intersect with commercial intent, which is the perfect environment needed for meaningful international technology transfer to prosper."

The Japan Technology Group has leased office space in the Science Center's prestigious 'Port' building, at 3701 Market Street, Philadelphia. The Japan Technology Group's offices are situated on the third floor of this utterly unique facility, which provides the use of laboratories, conference rooms, and ultra-modern I.T. resources, in addition to contemporary office facilities with the latest amenities.

"These are some of the reasons why the Science Center's Port building is recognized by captains of industry world-wide as the Delaware Valley's finest business incubator and accelerator," says Jill Felix, president of the Science Center. "The addition of Japan Technology Group to the Science Center raises awareness of Philadelphia and the Science Center as the place to be for technology transfer. It will provide local firms with greater access to Japanese markets, and is a great benefit to emerging technology firms in the region and the nation."

The Science Center is also home to Acuity Pharmaceuticals, The Health System of the University of Pennsylvania, National Medical Imaging, Children's Hospital, and other prominent research, business, educational, and medical organizations.

ABOUT THE JAPAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP

Japan Technology Group (JTG) is an international broker of technology-based intellectual property, matching emerging opportunities with those best positioned to capitalize on them. JTG serves as a link between North American companies and untapped promising Japanese innovations. Its management team has unparalleled expertise and experience in fostering technology and intellectual property transfer between the United States and Japan. JTG and its affiliates also provide a one-stop solution for the strategic management of international intellectual property rights, helping companies and universities worldwide acquire and protect patents in Japan. Its headquarters was established in Philadelphia's Science Center, America's one of the oldest incubation facilities, in the fall of 2003.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE CENTER

The Science Center (http://www.ScienceCenter.org) nurtures entrepreneurial technology companies by providing research space, commercialization services, and advisory oversight. Support for the organization comes from top area academic and research institutions, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Temple University, the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and the University of Delaware. The Science Center is a developer of knowledge communities, and has helped launch 350 companies during its 40 years of promoting the fusion of talent, capital, and opportunity.

For more information about the Science Center and the programs offered, please contact Garrett Allen of Gregory FCA Communications Inc., at 610-642-8253, or [e-mail].