Inauguration of Bali’s First Stem Cell Laboratory: NUFM–CEPT Laboratory as a Strategic Collaboration Between Udayana University and Nacalai Tesque Inc., Japan

The Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University (FK Unud), officially inaugurated the Nacalai–Udayana Faculty of Medicine Cell Engineering and Production Technology Laboratory (NUFM–CEPT Laboratory) on October 13, 2025. This establishment is the result of a collaborative partnership between Udayana University and Nacalai Tesque Inc., Japan.

The inauguration ceremony took place in the Prof. A.A. Made Djelantik Room, Faculty of Medicine Building, followed by a visit to the NUFM–CEPT Laboratory located at the Cakra Vidya Usadha (CVU) Building.

The event was attended by the Vice Rector for General Affairs and Finance of Udayana University, Prof. Agoes Ganesha Rahyuda, S.E., M.T., Ph.D., representing the Rector of Udayana University, and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. dr. I Gede Eka Wiratnaya, Sp.O.T., Subsp.Onk.Ort.R(K). Also present were representatives from Nacalai Tesque Inc., Japan, led by Dr. Putu Adi Andhika, as well as executives from teaching hospitals and partner universities across Bali.

In his remarks, Prof. Agoes Ganesha Rahyuda stated that the inauguration of the NUFM–CEPT Laboratory marks a significant milestone in Udayana University’s journey toward advancing research and innovation in health technology. He emphasized that this laboratory symbolizes a cross-national collaboration aimed at developing cell engineering–based research and improving human health through innovation and interdisciplinary synergy. He further reaffirmed the university’s commitment to actively addressing global health challenges through academic collaboration and international research partnerships.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Eka Wiratnaya, highlighted that the partnership with Nacalai Tesque Inc. represents a tangible form of sustainable collaboration between academia and industry. Beyond serving as a research and development center for cell-based therapy, the laboratory is also expected to become an income generator for the university in its efforts toward achieving Legal Entity State University (PTNBH) status.

This strategic collaboration opens new opportunities for the Faculty of Medicine at Udayana University to develop and implement cell-based therapies in hospitals across Bali, including Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital. Moreover, the NUFM–CEPT Laboratory is envisioned to serve as a collaborative hub for research and technological innovation in health sciences, accessible to medical faculties from universities throughout Indonesia.

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the laboratory’s name plaque at the CVU Building by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, followed by a facility tour for the distinguished guests. The establishment of the NUFM–CEPT Laboratory marks a concrete step for Udayana University in strengthening its international research network and realizing its commitment to advancing science and improving the quality of human life.