Fermenstation Selected for Tokyo's SusHi Tech Global Growth Acceleration Program

Fermenstation, a bio-manufacturing startup based in Funabashi, Chiba, has announced its selection for the Growth Acceleration Program (first phase) under Tokyo's SusHi Tech Global initiative. This program aims to support startups looking to scale globally by providing financial support of up to 200 million yen (about $1.8 million) and expert mentoring. With the global market potential in mind, Fermenstation is committed to utilizing its unique fermentation technology to create a sustainable society through the repurposing and circulation of underutilized resources.

Background

Fermenstation specializes in leveraging diverse underutilized resources alongside microbial combinations to develop a fermentation product library. Recognizing the importance of addressing societal challenges, the company aims to expand its technological foundation and maximize growth potential in the global market. The initiative is expected to bring significant benefits to both the startup and Tokyo, as well as contribute to solving societal issues related to resource circulation.

Key Areas of Focus

Through the Growth Acceleration Program, Fermenstation will focus on enhancing its capabilities in several key areas:
1. Accelerating New Ingredients in Food and Beverage: Fermenstation aims to develop and scale up bio-based raw materials from by-products and substandard products generated in food factories, effectively utilizing what would otherwise be wasted resources.

2. Expansion into International Markets: Efforts will be directed towards exploring market validation and partnerships in North America to drive global expansion. This international outreach is critical for Fermenstation to position itself effectively in the competitive bio-manufacturing landscape.

3. Expanding Technology and Business Models: The startup plans to investigate the unique functionalities inherent in underutilized resources through its fermentation technology. The goal is to explore the potential of bio-based raw materials that not only enhance taste and flavor but also contribute to health, thereby implementing their findings into society through technology transfers and sales of proprietary materials.

The current acceptance into the program is a significant step for Fermenstation in fostering systemic circulation across society and to accelerate the adoption of materials derived from underutilized resources.

Co-Creation of Technology and Business

Currently, effective utilization of underutilized biomass, including food loss and by-products from the food manufacturing process, poses a pressing global challenge as we move toward a sustainable future. However, the methods of connecting distinct forms of underutilized biomass with upcycled materials exhibiting specific properties in cosmetics and food are limited.

Fermenstation employs sophisticated fermentation technology utilizing diverse microorganisms to create high-value functional bio-materials from by-products and food waste generated in collaboration with partner companies.

For more detailed information about their technology, visit Fermenstation Technology.

For co-creation business opportunities, you can find more information at Fermenstation Collaboration.

About Fermenstation

Fermenstation operates with the purpose of "Fermenting a Renewable Society." As a bio-manufacturing startup, it is committed to building a society that reuses and circulates underutilized resources. By utilizing its unique database of underutilized biomass and microbial species, Fermenstation develops and produces bio-materials derived from food waste and other forms of biomass. The company engages in a wide range of activities, from manufacturing and marketing raw materials for cosmetics derived from upcycled sources to collaborative projects with partners aimed at developing bio-materials from food production waste.

Fermenstation has a dedicated factory located in Okushi, Iwate Prefecture, allowing it to manage the entire process from development to production seamlessly. This integrated approach minimizes waste as the fermentation by-products are repurposed into cosmetics, animal feed, and fertilizers, nurturing a circular model.

Moreover, the company is certified under the international "B Corp certification" system, which recognizes businesses that create inclusive and sustainable benefits for society, the environment, customers, and employees. Fermenstation has also been selected as a part of the "J-Startup" and "J-Startup Impact" initiatives by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

For any inquiries related to this news, please contact:
Makiko Watanabe
Fermenstation Co., Ltd.
Email: [email protected]