QFF Selected for Kyoto Startup Project to Expand Overseas Operations

Quantum Flowers & Foods Selected for Kyoto Startup Project

Quantum Flowers & Foods (QFF), a pioneering quantum biotechnology firm based in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, has recently received significant recognition. The company was selected to participate in the Kyoto City’s “Kyoto Startup Overseas Expansion Support Project” for the fiscal year 2024.

Innovative Breeding Technology

QFF utilizes its proprietary technology known as “Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding®,” which harnesses neutron beams to support rapid breeding of plants and microorganisms. This innovative approach allows for substantial reductions in the breeding cycle while remaining non-GMO. This selection not only validates QFF's unique approach but also opens doors for collaboration with various entities, including businesses, research institutions, local governments, and startup support organizations both in Japan and abroad.

Kyoto’s Support for Startups

The “Kyoto Startup Overseas Expansion Support Project” aims to foster growth in promising startups located in Kyoto by providing practical support for overseas exhibitions and business matching. This initiative is designed to help startups expand their sales channels internationally. This year, a total of 15 startups, including QFF, were chosen as part of a program that includes two levels: support for early-phase startups in global expansion challenges and tailored matching assistance for those in middle to late stages of development.

Addressing Global Challenges

The urgency of global issues such as climate change and food security has intensified the need for innovative solutions in alternative proteins, fermentation, bioproducts, functional materials, and environmentally-friendly agriculture. In this context, the importance of improving species for specific purposes has grown immensely. However, traditional methods of plant and microbial breeding face numerous challenges, including lengthy development periods and the construction of evaluation systems.

QFF's Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding® technology significantly shortens the breeding cycle, allowing new strains to be created in as little as one year for plants, and around two months for microorganisms—substantially less than the three to five years typically required.

Technological Advantages of Neutron Breeding

The Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding® technique is capable of inducing various mutations, including point mutations, deletions, and insertions, thereby facilitating the development of new strains with desirable traits. Its high mutation induction capability, combined with a sustainable survival rate, allows for the initial exploration of breeding candidates while ensuring that promising strains are secured. Because it does not involve genetic modification or the introduction of foreign genes, it can be widely implemented across fields such as agriculture, horticulture, fermentation, and biotechnology.

Future Plans for QFF

By participating in the Kyoto Startup Overseas Expansion Support Project, QFF is poised to create opportunities for business discussions with overseas firms and research institutions. The company aims to enhance its business development in international markets and promote collaborative research, proofs of concept (PoC), and commercialization efforts. Currently, QFF is establishing connections with seed companies, food and fermentation-related enterprises, universities, and research institutions primarily in Europe. Following this selection, QFF plans to intensify its international activities, targeting markets in Europe, North America, and Asia. As a platform company accelerating the breeding of plants and microorganisms, QFF is committed to contributing to the resolution of global social issues.

CEO's Vision

Mr. Akio Kikuchi, CEO & CTO of QFF, expressed his gratitude for being selected for this project, stating, “We are honored to be part of the Kyoto Startup Overseas Expansion Support Project. QFF aims to unlock the potential of plants and microorganisms through Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding® to address challenges in climate change, food supply, fermentation, biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental sectors. This opportunity will enable us to leverage our domestic expertise and further collaborate with businesses, research institutions, municipalities, and support organizations both domestically and internationally.”