Mizuho Bank Expands Its Investment in Uninomics Group for Sustainable Marine Agriculture

In a move aimed at bolstering sustainable environmental practices, Uninomics, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has announced that its parent company, Verdant Bloom Ltd. from Ireland, has successfully secured an investment from Mizuho Bank. This investment is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of Uninomics and further its initiatives in sustainable sea urchin farming, a business model that not only aims to tackle ecological issues but also creates economic opportunities for local fishermen.

Addressing Coastal Degradation

Uninomics takes a proactive approach to combatting the increasingly pressing problem of "ishi-yake" or coastal degradation, a situation where undernourished sea urchins destroy underwater kelp forests, leading to serious ecological consequences. Kelp forests are crucial as they not only serve as habitats for various marine species but also significantly contribute to carbon fixation as a blue carbon ecosystem.

Since its founding, Uninomics has promoted a sustainable model of sea urchin farming that balances economic viability with environmental conservation. They purchase underperforming sea urchins from local fishermen and cultivate them using a unique land-based closed-loop farming system. This advanced technology continuously regulates water temperature, oxygen levels, and flow rates. By feeding the urchins a specially formulated diet derived from natural algae, Uninomics can transform these once-thought useless creatures into high-quality edible sea urchins in a short time.

Creating Economic Value and Circular Business Models

By reintroducing economic value to the "problematic" sea urchins, Uninomics offers steady revenue opportunities for local fishermen while promoting the restoration of kelp habitats. A portion of the sales revenue is reinvested into initiatives aimed at combating coastal degradation and restoring marine ecosystems. This successful model establishes a circular economy framework that benefits both environmental preservation and the local economy.

Notably, Uninomics's innovative approach has garnered international acclaim, and they have been officially recognized as one of only three for-profit companies by the United Nations as part of their Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development initiative. This endorsement highlights their dual commitment to marine ecosystem restoration and local industry revitalization.

Collaboration with Mizuho Bank

Mizuho Bank's investment aligns with an increasing recognition that addressing major environmental challenges—such as climate change, circular economies, natural capital, and biodiversity—requires interconnected approaches. The blue economy, particularly the initiatives surrounding marine environments, represents a critical intersection of these efforts. Both Mizuho Bank and Uninomics are determined to enhance their strategies through collaborative actions aimed at achieving a sustainable society.

With this investment, Uninomics plans to accelerate its global expansion in regions including Northern Europe, North America, and Asia. By leveraging their kelp restoration and sea urchin cultivation technologies, they aspire to establish “regionally optimized marine restoration models” tailored to the specific environmental and legal contexts of various areas. This initiative aims to concurrently recover marine resources, sequester carbon, and generate new local industries, effectively transforming marine environments into a sustainable societal asset.

Advancing the Blue Economy

As champions of the blue economy, Uninomics commits to enhancing income for fishermen, supplying high-quality sea urchins, and creating employment opportunities within communities. This growing business model intends to revitalize local economies while improving environmental conditions.

Commenting on this pivotal investment, Giles Cadman, Chairman of Verdant Bloom Ltd., stated, "The completion of our Series A funding round marks a significant milestone for Verdant Bloom. Mizuho Bank's participation not only validates our environmental restoration-focused aquaculture model but also underlines our multifaceted system aimed at marine environmental recovery. Together, we are committed to building a foundation for marine environmental restoration, contributing to global food security, CO2 sequestration, and enhanced resilience within local communities."

Shintaro Ishida, President of Uninomics, expressed profound appreciation for Mizuho Bank’s recognition of their core values and business model: "The support from Mizuho, a leading financial institution in Japan, adds immense significance to our mission. The restoration of our oceans represents a reconstructive effort in terms of climate, food systems, and local community infrastructures. With this investment, we look forward to collaborating with more regions and partners, contributing to the advancement of the blue economy."