#Tokyo #bioeconomy #Morus #MorSilk

Morus Secures ¥700 Million Funding in Series A Round

Morus Inc., a pioneering bio-material manufacturer focused on silk derived from silkworms, has successfully raised ¥700 million in its Series A funding round. This financing involved participation from several key investors including Sparx Asset Management's Future Creation Fund No. 3, Mizuho Capital, and many prominent angel investors.

This funding will expedite Morus's clinical trials regarding their proprietary silk bio-material, MorSilk® Powder, and establish a robust production system. Furthermore, the company is set to intensify its international expansion, specifically targeting ASEAN markets such as Singapore and parts of the EU.

The Significance of Bioeconomy and Morus's Role

As global challenges like climate change and resource depletion intensify, the importance of eco-friendly, high-functional bio-materials is gaining critical traction. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) predicts that by 2030, the global bioeconomy market could reach approximately ¥200 trillion (about $1.6 trillion). Japan’s government, acknowledging this trend, has laid out a plan to grow the domestic bioeconomy to around ¥53 trillion by 2030, implementing various initiatives since June 2019.

Revitalizing Tradition with Cutting-Edge Technology

Silkworms have been cultivated for over 5,000 years, treasured in Japan as “Oka-san.” Historically, Japan was renowned for its superior silk production, but this industry diminished with the rise of synthetic fibers. However, silkworms are now being reevaluated for their potential in healthcare and functional materials.

Morus is not only reviving the domestic silk industry but is leading the charge in redefining it by focusing on producing high-functionality materials. By collaborating with prestigious institutions such as Shinshu University, Morus stands at the forefront of technological innovation in this sector.

Expanding Applications for Health and Nutrition

Morus aims to leverage the unique properties of silk for various applications in food, healthcare, and cosmetics. Some of the prospective uses include:

• -### Functional Food Ingredients:

Materials that control blood sugar levels, inhibit lipid absorption, and improve gut health.

• -### Nutritional Supplements:

Silk as a protein source for health products.

• -### Healthcare Materials:

Traditional resources like herbal medicine and silk-based supplements for disease prevention.

Morus's endeavor is to establish partnerships with various domestic and international firms, promoting the sustainable production of high-functional raw materials while contributing to decarbonization and circular economy initiatives.

Robust Research Infrastructure

Morus has created a comprehensive research framework that spans basic studies to application developments in collaboration with prestigious institutions like University of Illinois and Singapore’s A*Star research agency. They are the first Japanese company to be selected as part of Singapore's food tech accelerator