#Japan #Synthetic Biology #KII #Fermelanta #Nonoichi, Ishikawa

KII Invests in Fermelanta

Keio Innovation Initiative (KII) has recently made a crucial investment in Fermelanta, a startup emerging from Kanazawa University. This move aims to enhance Fermelanta's development pipeline, enabling the mass production of rare natural ingredients using fermentation, a process grounded in synthetic biology.

Funding Overview

As part of this funding round, Fermelanta raised a total of 2 billion yen, thanks to contributions from KII and other investors, including grants. This capital will significantly strengthen Fermelanta’s ability to accelerate its research and development efforts, which are geared towards commercializing unique production techniques using synthetic biology.

The Promise of Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology has become a focal point in the life sciences, offering the potential to revolutionize how we produce essential materials sustainably. By employing genetic engineering, this innovative field allows microorganisms to produce diverse valuable substances, transitioning towards more sustainable production metrics. However, the commercial application of these technologies has been limited due to economic and technological challenges within the industry.

Fermelanta is addressing these issues through its proprietary technology: by introducing over 20 genes into highly productive E. coli strains, the company can manufacture complex target substances from inexpensive raw materials efficiently. This unique foundation technology promises high-quality and consistent output while maintaining economic feasibility. Furthermore, it aims to help alleviate several industry challenges, including the geopolitical risks associated with raw material procurement, rising material costs, and the environmental impact of traditional manufacturing methods.

Goals and Future Directions

With the recent funding, Fermelanta plans to further develop multiple production pipelines and reinforce its commercial development framework. The objective is to create a paradigm shift in industrial structures, replacing high-cost, low-purity manufacturing techniques that have significant environmental footprints with groundbreaking alternatives. Through these advances, Fermelanta strives to contribute to the emergence of sustainable new industries, transforming how rare natural ingredients are produced.

Company Profile: Fermelanta, Inc.

• - Name: Fermelanta, Inc.
• - Location: Nonoichi, Ishikawa Prefecture
• - CEO: Shogo Hiruzaki
• - Founded: October 19, 2022
• - Business: Manufacturing and sales of plant-derived rare ingredients through synthetic biology, along with the development of microbial strains for substance production.
• - Website: Fermelanta

About Keio Innovation Initiative (KII)

Founded in December 2015, KII was established primarily to support startups leveraging research outcomes from Keio University. Since January 2020, KII has focused on innovative investments in early-stage companies that address societal challenges, particularly in the fields of digital technology and healthcare, with the mission: "Until that research, that invention, that innovation, changes society."

In October 2023, KII launched the KII No. 3 Impact Fund, the first impact fund from a university venture capital firm, targeting the realization of a society where everyone can achieve a healthy and fulfilling life while generating positive social and environmental impacts alongside financial returns for academia-based startups.

KII Overview

• - Name: Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc.
• - Business: Nurturing university-affiliated technology ventures, operating venture capital funds.
• - Capital: 100 million yen (including a capital reserve of 50 million yen)
• - CEO: Kotaro Yamagishi
• - Website: KII

This article is based on information available as of the release date.