Exciting Startups Chosen for HOKKAIDO Next Frontier Program 2025
The HOKKAIDO Next Frontier Program, organized by the STARTUP HOKKAIDO Committee and managed by CIC Institute, has recently announced the five startups selected for its 2025 cohort. This innovative initiative aims to support local economic growth in Hokkaido by nurturing startups, particularly in the fields of Space, Agri&Food, and Environmental technologies. The selected startups will benefit from extensive growth support from both CIC and external experts, emphasizing collaboration and practical testing within the Hokkaido region.
The selected startups encompass a range of industries, each bringing unique solutions to table. Below is a closer look at the five groundbreaking companies set to participate in the program:
1. ASTRA FOOD PLAN Inc. (Saitama, Japan)
ASTRA FOOD PLAN aims to address the issue of hidden food loss through its innovative 'Superheated Steam Oven-Fryer.' This cutting-edge technology can dry and sterilize food in just 10 seconds, resulting in highly efficient production at reduced costs. The company specializes in transforming often discarded food scraps into a high-value product known as ‘Gururiko®’ powder, creating a circular model for unused resources by selling equipment and distributing new ingredients.
2. Teraform Inc. (Tokyo, Japan)
Teraform develops and retailed a natural bio-based soil water-retention agent named 'SuperSponge.' This product significantly enhances soil’s ability to retain moisture, making it possible to cultivate crops even in arid regions. With superior biodegradability compared to petroleum-based products and a cost-effective manufacturing process, Teraform aims to provide sustainable solutions for farmers worldwide.
3. Ocean Eyes Inc. (Kyoto, Japan) - Promotion Support Slot
Ocean Eyes utilizes ocean numeric modeling to predict marine environments and apply AI technologies for big data analysis. Their service, 'Gyojo Navi,' forecasts optimal fishing locations to guide fishers while offering customized environmental data via 'SEAoME' to local governments. Their app 'OEView' allows easy access to maritime information, aiding in international expansion.
4. ONDO SPACE (Mongolia)
ONDO SPACE has pioneered an affordable global satellite communication ecosystem, launching Mongolia’s first commercial satellites with SpaceX in 2024. With a vision to provide low-cost communication and remote sensing services, this startup has garnered attention for its innovative approach, being selected as one of the top 10 startups in the Seraphim Space Accelerator’s latest cohort.
5. Kick Space Technologies Inc. (Fukuoka, Japan)
This startup specializes in the design, manufacturing, and testing of microsatellites, using expertise from the Kyushu Institute of Technology. Kick Space Technologies focuses primarily on 1U CubeSats, providing versatile solutions for Earth observation, communication missions, and various scientific inquiries.
The HOKKAIDO Next Frontier Program emphasizes not only the growth of these startups but aims to implement matching opportunities with Hokkaido industries for beta testing within the year. The efforts made under this program will play a critical role in building a sustainable startup ecosystem in Hokkaido.
Upcoming related events include the HOKKAIDO STARTUP NIGHT on January 15, 2026, and Japan DeepTech Night on February 16, 2026, both hosted at CIC Tokyo, which will showcase a variety of insightful panel sessions and pitches from selected startups.
This collaborative program signifies the growing synergy between startups and innovation in Hokkaido, with a focus on utilizing the region's strengths in Space, Agriculture, and Environmental sectors to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial environment. The recently formed STARTUP HOKKAIDO Committee aims to create and accelerate such ecosystems by partnering with local governments, businesses, and investors.
The CIC Institute is dedicated to fostering innovation through its extensive support of startups, especially within the deep tech sector, and plays a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion of the startup landscape across Hokkaido and beyond. By leveraging its global connections and local expertise, the CIC Institute continues to streamline the growth of startups in various fields.
For more details about the HOKKAIDO Next Frontier Program, click here.
The selected startups encompass a range of industries, each bringing unique solutions to table. Below is a closer look at the five groundbreaking companies set to participate in the program:
1. ASTRA FOOD PLAN Inc. (Saitama, Japan)
ASTRA FOOD PLAN aims to address the issue of hidden food loss through its innovative 'Superheated Steam Oven-Fryer.' This cutting-edge technology can dry and sterilize food in just 10 seconds, resulting in highly efficient production at reduced costs. The company specializes in transforming often discarded food scraps into a high-value product known as ‘Gururiko®’ powder, creating a circular model for unused resources by selling equipment and distributing new ingredients.
2. Teraform Inc. (Tokyo, Japan)
Teraform develops and retailed a natural bio-based soil water-retention agent named 'SuperSponge.' This product significantly enhances soil’s ability to retain moisture, making it possible to cultivate crops even in arid regions. With superior biodegradability compared to petroleum-based products and a cost-effective manufacturing process, Teraform aims to provide sustainable solutions for farmers worldwide.
3. Ocean Eyes Inc. (Kyoto, Japan) - Promotion Support Slot
Ocean Eyes utilizes ocean numeric modeling to predict marine environments and apply AI technologies for big data analysis. Their service, 'Gyojo Navi,' forecasts optimal fishing locations to guide fishers while offering customized environmental data via 'SEAoME' to local governments. Their app 'OEView' allows easy access to maritime information, aiding in international expansion.
4. ONDO SPACE (Mongolia)
ONDO SPACE has pioneered an affordable global satellite communication ecosystem, launching Mongolia’s first commercial satellites with SpaceX in 2024. With a vision to provide low-cost communication and remote sensing services, this startup has garnered attention for its innovative approach, being selected as one of the top 10 startups in the Seraphim Space Accelerator’s latest cohort.
5. Kick Space Technologies Inc. (Fukuoka, Japan)
This startup specializes in the design, manufacturing, and testing of microsatellites, using expertise from the Kyushu Institute of Technology. Kick Space Technologies focuses primarily on 1U CubeSats, providing versatile solutions for Earth observation, communication missions, and various scientific inquiries.
The HOKKAIDO Next Frontier Program emphasizes not only the growth of these startups but aims to implement matching opportunities with Hokkaido industries for beta testing within the year. The efforts made under this program will play a critical role in building a sustainable startup ecosystem in Hokkaido.
Upcoming related events include the HOKKAIDO STARTUP NIGHT on January 15, 2026, and Japan DeepTech Night on February 16, 2026, both hosted at CIC Tokyo, which will showcase a variety of insightful panel sessions and pitches from selected startups.
This collaborative program signifies the growing synergy between startups and innovation in Hokkaido, with a focus on utilizing the region's strengths in Space, Agriculture, and Environmental sectors to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial environment. The recently formed STARTUP HOKKAIDO Committee aims to create and accelerate such ecosystems by partnering with local governments, businesses, and investors.
The CIC Institute is dedicated to fostering innovation through its extensive support of startups, especially within the deep tech sector, and plays a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion of the startup landscape across Hokkaido and beyond. By leveraging its global connections and local expertise, the CIC Institute continues to streamline the growth of startups in various fields.
For more details about the HOKKAIDO Next Frontier Program, click here.
Topics Consumer Technology）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.