C2i and Hitachi Celebrating Innovation: Launch of Hong Kong's First Automatic Organoid Culture System and New Collaborations in 3D-Printed Airway Organoids

On the occasion of a joint seminar celebrating their partnership established in 2023, the Centre for Immunology & Infection Limited (C2i), its spin-off company C2iTech and Hitachi East Asia Limited are strengthening their collaboration on biomedical innovation.

A Letter of Intent has been signed between C2itech, Hitachi, and Cyfuse to advance the clinical application of personalized airway organoids. Signed by Professor Michael Chan, CEO, C2iTech, Ms. Shizuka Akieda, CEO, Cyfuse and Mr. Yuichi Sato, General Manager, Hitachi Global Life Solutions, this collaboration focuses on utilizing 3D printing technology to develop innovative airway solutions for transplantation. By combining expertise from each organization, this initiative aims to enhance patient outcomes and revolutionize airway treatment options.

Additionally, C2i proudly introduced its state-of-the-art automatic organoid culture machine, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, located in Science Park (HKSTP). This advanced facility will enhance research capabilities and support the growing demand for high-quality organoid culture. This innovative system, developed in collaboration with Hitachi, aims to streamline the organoid production process. The first phase of development focuses on automating the organoid culture maintenance process, a critical step in ensuring the viability and growth of organoids.

A demonstration has been performed to visitors for the first time under the supervision of Professor Leo Poon, Managing Director, C2i, and Professor Michael Chan.

“This innovative system is designed to enhance the efficiency and scalability of organoid production, providing a more standardized approach that is critical for the development of this field” said Professor Leo Poon.

“I’m very happy to witness Hong Kong’s first automated cell culture facility and IoT data-lake delivered by Hitachi.  This facility is built with IoT solutions under OneHitachi, the manufacturing of regenerative medicine can be operated 7x24 with remote monitoring system for reaching the industry highest standard” said Ms. Naoko Tsuzuki, Managing Director, Hitachi East Asia Limited.

C2i and Hitachi are committed to advancing automation in organoid development. Future phases will involve the automation of human stem cell isolation from clinical samples, organoid subculture and maintenance, paving the way for a automated organoid development system. By enhancing the efficiency of organoid production, this system has the potential to accelerate research in drug development, personalized medicine, and regenerative therapies. The ability to automate complex processes will facilitate larger-scale studies and improve reproducibility, ultimately leading to advancements in understanding disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.

Ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of C2i's new facility for the automatic organoid culture machine – From left to right: Ms. Naoko Tsuzuki, Managing Director, Hitachi East Asia Limited, Professor Michael Chan, CEO, C2iTech, Professor Leo Poon, Managing Director, C2i and Mr. Yuichi Sato, General Manager, Hitachi Global Life Solutions.

Letter of Intent presentation – From left to right: Ms. Shizuka Akieda, CEO, Cyfuse, Professor Michael Chan, CEO, C2iTech and Mr. Yuichi Sato, General Manager, Hitachi Global Life Solutions.