Shanghai Nod Biotech to build AI-managed factory in Songjiang

Shanghai Nod Biotech Co Ltd, known for supporting the Chinese space station, Tiangong, will construct a new AI-managed factory on Xutang Road, Zhongshan Street. The facility marks the company's next step in intelligent manufacturing.

Founded in 2009, Nod Biotech specializes in pharmaceutical cleanroom microbiological testing. The company serves over 1,500 domestic and international clients and has become a key bio-safety partner for China's Tiangong space program.

The firm pioneered automated production lines for agar plates and liquid media. Its high-quality products ensure zero defects, earning trust from pharmaceutical clients and enabling the 2018 deployment of sterile media aboard the Tiangong space station.

At the current Songjiang production base, only five employees monitor a fully automated line producing 75,000 culture media units daily. The control center tracks real-time production, quality, and traceability across the entire process.

The upcoming AI factory, with a 150 million yuan ($22 million) investment and a 20-acre (8.09-hectare) footprint, will integrate advanced AI for management and task allocation. Production capacity is expected to triple by 2028, achieving full Industry 4.0 standards.

Rendering of the upcoming AI factory of Nod Biotech. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh_songjiang]

Nod Biotech also leads industry standardization efforts, drafting the world's first group standard for prefilled cleanroom microbiological agar plates. Plans include expanding into food and cosmetics testing and automating reporting for client facilities.