#Japan #Tokyo #FoodTech #Cool Innovation #Sea Vegetable

Three Startups Selected for Food/AgriTech Seed Acceleration Program

The CIC Institute, headquartered in Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, has announced the three startups that will participate in the Food/AgriTech Seed Acceleration Program, a project endorsed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's ‘TOKYO SUTEAM’ initiative to support diverse stakeholders in the startup ecosystem. These startups are now preparing for practical tests by matching with businesses in Aichi Prefecture.

Participating Startups

The selected startups are as follows (listed in alphabetical order):

1. Cool Innovation Japan Co., Ltd.

Cool Innovation Japan specializes in manufacturing and selling refrigeration systems that can maintain a stable high-humidity environment of over 90%. Their technology ensures that fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and various meats, can be stored for extended periods without losing quality. By utilizing vapor to generate high humidity, their refrigeration units can now include cardboard packaging, a feat that traditional humidifier models cannot achieve. Additionally, they provide container rental services for producers and wholesalers and aim to establish an energy-efficient cold chain globally through partnerships that include international maritime transport and refrigerated trucks.

2. Sea Vegetable Co., Ltd.

This startup focuses on collecting seed algae to produce seedlings, cultivating seaweed both on land and at sea. Their innovative methods for preservation and processing are aimed at fostering new culinary developments and revitalizing dwindling food cultures. They started with the cultivation of ‘sujiaonori’, a type of seaweed that has nearly disappeared from natural sources, and are working on similar offerings like ‘habaniro’, ‘tosakanori’, and ‘suna’. Future plans involve the mass production of black seaweed and kelp to expand their array of products further.

3. Toy Medical Co., Ltd.

Toy Medical employs a salt-reducing technology utilizing alginate derived from seaweed that suppresses salt absorption in the human body. They produce and sell supplements that inhibit the absorption of dietary salt and are developing food additives for manufacturers and restaurants, thus creating an innovative approach to maintaining flavor while significantly reducing salt intake. Their initiatives are paving the way for a new category of food known as salt-offset diets, diverging from traditional low-sodium meals.

Upcoming Events

An important event featuring these startups will take place during the SusHi Tech Tokyo FOODTECH exhibit:

• - Date: May 8, 2025
• - Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• - Location: Tokyo Big Sight

This event will facilitate pitch presentations and networking opportunities involving these leading food tech startups, emphasizing innovations in the food technology sector. Detailed information about the event can be found here.

About the Food/AgriTech Seed Acceleration Program

The objective of this collaborative project is to foster innovation in food by supporting new business ventures and developing talent that will contribute to the future of food. The program aims to create an ecosystem that encourages cooperation among various stakeholders, promoting a sustainable society and enhancing people's lives.

In addition to domestic programs aimed at business growth and collaboration, an international program will connect participants with chefs and researchers in the gastronomic field from Spain’s Basque region to facilitate product development and market expansion.

About CIC Institute

CIC Institute is dedicated to building innovation ecosystems and supporting startups, particularly in deep tech. By collaborating with governments, local authorities, and universities, they help startups achieve global success. The CIC Institute is currently involved in numerous projects with government sectors and educational institutions, directly contributing to economic development through ecosystem enhancement and innovation. As demand continues to grow, they are committed to executing more projects while closely coordinating with CIC Tokyo to facilitate the creation of new innovations.