Expanding Stem Cell Manufacturing Capacity
MADISON, Wis. (May 20, 2026) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers joined executives from FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics and local officials to celebrate the opening of the company’s new human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) development and manufacturing facility in Madison, marking a significant expansion of the state’s growing biohealth and biotechnology ecosystem.
The new 175,000-square-foot facility is expected to quadruple the company’s research products and services manufacturing capacity while broadening capabilities across its stem cell research portfolio. The expansion is part of a previously announced $200 million strategic investment by FUJIFILM and further strengthens Madison’s role as a hub for regenerative medicine innovation and advanced life sciences manufacturing.
“FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics is a Wisconsin success story,” Gov. Evers said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This expansion reflects decades of innovation that began with pioneering stem cell research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and demonstrates how strong collaboration between academia, industry, and global partners can create lasting economic and scientific impact.”
Evers also highlighted Wisconsin’s longstanding relationship with Japan and the importance of international partnerships in driving investment and growth. The governor noted that his first international trade mission in 2019 included a visit to FUJIFILM headquarters and discussions with company leadership.
The facility comes as Wisconsin continues building momentum as a national leader in biohealth and personalized medicine. The state received a major boost in 2024 when the U.S. Economic Development Administration designated Wisconsin as a Regional Technology Hub for biohealth and personalized medicine, supporting approximately $49 million in funding intended to strengthen collaboration and accelerate innovation throughout the state. Over the next decade, the Wisconsin BioHealth Tech Hub initiative is projected to generate more than 30,000 direct jobs and over 111,000 indirect jobs statewide.
Company executives said the expansion arrives at a pivotal point for the induced pluripotent stem cell sector as demand continues increasing among pharmaceutical firms, research organizations, and academic institutions pursuing next-generation therapies.
“Completion of this facility comes at a critical time in the iPSC field,” said Toshihisa Iida, director and corporate vice president of FUJIFILM Corporation and chairman of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies. “The new facility positions us to meet growing demand while advancing our mission to support life-changing medical innovations.”
The facility includes advanced capabilities such as cell culture manufacturing laboratories, process development labs, and a center of excellence dedicated to gene editing. The expanded footprint will support research-grade iPSC products and provide development services for partners advancing emerging cell therapies.
Tomoyuki Hasegawa, president and CEO of FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, said the investment strengthens the company’s ability to scale manufacturing infrastructure needed to support the next generation of regenerative medicine and drug development.
Delara Motlagh, chief operating officer of FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, added that the expansion reinforces Madison’s standing as a global center for stem cell innovation.
“This facility reflects our commitment to strengthening the region’s biotechnology ecosystem while supporting customers worldwide,” Motlagh said.
The expanded site is expected to support continued development, manufacturing, and commercialization efforts across FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics’ growing portfolio of regenerative medicine and research solutions.
