#Japan #Tokyo #Green Tech #Startup Support #Shibuya

Support for Green Tech Startups in Shibuya

On October 2023, Tokyu Land Corporation, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, announced its collaboration with Shibuya Startups Inc., the Entrepreneur Roundtable Accelerator, and Nomura Research Institute to support burgeoning green technology startups through a program called "GREEN VALLEY SHIBUYA". This initiative is funded in part by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and is designed to foster the growth of promising green tech enterprises aimed at solving urban environmental challenges.

The program has officially chosen six domestic and international startups to participate, showcasing innovative solutions tailored for the unique challenges faced by urban environments. Participants will be given access to public spaces in the wider Shibuya area and various assets of Tokyu Land’s real estate portfolio, including office buildings, commercial facilities, and hotels, for their demonstration experiments, which are set to commence this summer and continue until March 2027.

Selected Startups for GREEN VALLEY SHIBUYA

Let’s delve into the selected green tech startups, each showcasing groundbreaking solutions focused on sustainability and urban environments:

1. ChopValue Manufacturing Japan (Japan/Canada) - Aiming to promote a circular economy, this startup takes used chopsticks and upcycles them into durable furniture. By introducing upcycled furniture from chopsticks collected in Shibuya, visitors will experience the value of resource recycling first-hand. Website

2. D Weather (Japan) - This startup utilizes AI to predict microclimates with remarkable precision, and aims to enhance public awareness of heat risks by displaying real-time heat index alerts on digital signage located throughout Shibuya. Website

3. LEP (Japan) - Focused on clean energy technology, this company is developing plants that can emit light without any power source, purely depending on photosynthesis. A display featuring these luminescent plants will help gauge visitor receptiveness to the concept of biological lighting. Website

4. Mokable (Japan) - Innovating in the food tech sector, Mokable is creating “edible coffee” using entire coffee beans to minimize food waste. Their collaboration with local cafes will introduce unique new menu items incorporating this concept, allowing visitors to assess their taste and raise environmental awareness. Website

5. Midwest Composites Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia) - This startup transforms agricultural waste into high-performance bio-composite materials. They will set up furniture made from these materials in Shibuya, allowing the public to engage with and understand the durability and potential reduction of environmental impact from such innovations. Website

6. Xatoms Inc. (Canada) - Developing next-generation water purification technology utilizing AI and photonic materials, Xatoms will demonstrate how contaminated water can be cleaned with light in real-time, educating visitors on the purification process. Website

Overview of the GREEN VALLEY SHIBUYA Program

This initiative is not just about testing new technologies; it's a comprehensive support structure for startups addressing significant environmental issues. Participants will not only have their innovations placed into real-world scenarios but also gain access to vital networking with investors and partnerships within the industry.

Additionally, there will be a competitive showcase to present and evaluate the outcomes of these startups’ projects, with judges including notable researchers, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists. This competitive environment aims to create pathways for funding and collaboration, propelling these startups to greater heights.

Tokyu Land's Commitment to Startup Support

Tokyu Land Corporation is committed to fostering an innovative business ecosystem that encourages new industries and collaborative businesses through partnerships with startups. By providing facilities and continual financial support, as well as facilitating connections with various stakeholders, Tokyu Land aims to be a substantial contributor to the growth of these startups in the Shibuya area.

In 2025, they plan to launch the "SAKURA DEEPTECH SHIBUYA" as a global innovation community hub for deep tech startups, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to supporting innovation in collaboration with prominent institutions, including MIT.

TOKYO SUTEAM Initiative

This program is part of the broader initiative by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government known as "TOKYO SUTEAM", developed to supercharge startup growth and innovation in the capital. By aiming to significantly increase the number of unicorns and businesses in Tokyo within five years, this strategy aims to position Tokyo as a leading hub for startup activity globally.

Through programs such as GREEN VALLEY SHIBUYA, the government is working to create an ecosystem that is not only supportive but also significantly enhances the urban environment by integrating green technologies and sustainable practices into everyday life in Tokyo.

Conclusion

The future of urban living hinges significantly on the successful integration of innovative solutions for environmental sustainability. The GREEN VALLEY SHIBUYA program exemplifies a concerted effort towards creating a vibrant community where technology aligns with ecology, all while fostering the growth and success of the startups that are championing this necessary change.