#Japan #Tokyo #Environmental Award #Quantum Flowers #Neutron Breeding

Quantum Flowers & Foods: A Leader in Environmental Innovation

In a significant achievement for sustainable agricultural practices, Quantum Flowers & Foods (QFF) has been honored with the Environmental Startup Selection Committee Award at the Environmental Startup Award organized by the Ministry of the Environment in Japan. This prestigious recognition highlights innovative startups working on climate change response, resource recycling, and nature conservation. On February 20, 2026, the announcement event took place at the Tokyo International Forum, where QFF’s Director and Founder, Hidetaka Uruno, presented at the Green Startup Pitch event.

Overview of the Environmental Startup Award

The Environmental Startup Award aims to encourage entrepreneurial solutions to pressing environmental issues through the work of startups characterized by groundbreaking technologies and services. The selection committee, comprised of experts from the Ministry and outside evaluators, identifies projects that stand out in their potential to tackle social challenges. The goal of the award is to promote innovation and social implementation toward a sustainable future, showcasing businesses that contribute to environmental problem-solving.

QFF's Innovative Technology

QFF specializes in a revolutionary breeding technique called Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding®, which utilizes accelerator-derived neutron rays to induce random mutations in the DNA of organisms. This non-GMO method significantly shortens the breeding cycle compared to traditional techniques, offering a solution to various challenges in agriculture, food, and the environment that have been exacerbated by climate change. Unique to QFF, this groundbreaking approach has successfully been implemented socially, making it the world's first to achieve such results in this capacity.

Notably, the applications of Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding® extend far beyond conventional plant breeding. The technology shows great potential in producing sustainable materials, biofuels, and solutions for circular bioeconomies, indicating its adaptability across diverse sectors, including renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

The recognition from the Environmental Startup Award reflects the alignment of QFF’s innovative technologies with the objectives of fostering a greener future. It is a testament to the impact that QFF strives to make in moving toward a sustainable society.

The Award Ceremony and Green Startup Pitch

The award announcement took place on February 20, 2026, running from 14:00 to 17:30 JST with registration opening at 13:30. This vibrant event at the Tokyo International Forum featured not only the award ceremony but also presentations by award recipients, a keynote speech, panel discussions, and business matching opportunities for attendees. The event was accessible online for a broader audience, allowing participation from those unable to attend in person.

Participation and Registration

Free registration was required for participants, both for on-site attendance and for the online broadcast. This engagement method was instrumental in reaching a larger audience and fostering discussions around sustainability and innovation in environmental practices.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, QFF remains committed to leveraging its non-GMO breeding technologies to further contribute to solutions in the fields of environment, food security, and energy sustainability. The company is dedicated to advancing agricultural sciences and promoting eco-friendly practices that align with the urgent demand to address pressing global challenges.

CEO's Statement

In a statement following the award announcement, CEO and CTO Akio Kikuchi expressed immense pride in receiving the Environmental Startup Selection Committee Award. He articulated QFF's mission as a deep-tech company focusing on innovative breeding and bio-technologies. He emphasized the importance of sharing their revolutionary technology widely to contribute actively to the realization of a sustainable society. The accolade marks an encouraging step towards overcoming the ever-growing environmental and social challenges accelerated by climate change.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please reach out to Shunsuke Naito, the CMO of QFF, at [email protected] or call 03-6661-1611.

Company Overview

Quantum Flowers & Foods

• - Headquarters: 2563-77 Mikawa, Mito, Ibaraki, Japan
• - CEO/CTO: Akio Kikuchi
• - Established: July 2018
• - Website: Quantum Flowers & Foods

As the agricultural and environmental sector shifts rapidly, QFF's recognition at the Environmental Startup Award positions it as a frontrunner in embracing innovation for a sustainable future.