#Japan #Mito #QuantumBio #QFF #MethaneFermentation

Quantum Flowers & Foods Selected for Strategic New Product Development Program

Quantum Flowers & Foods (QFF), based in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, has announced its recent selection for the "2023 Strategic New Product Development Promotion Program" initiated by Ibaraki Prefecture. This initiative supports small and medium-sized enterprises in the region focusing on advancing technology and developing new products or entering new fields.

QFF specializes in quantum biotechnology, leveraging its proprietary Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding technology to aid in the enhancement of plant and microbial species. With a targeted project entitled "Dramatic Improvement of Methane Fermentation Efficiency from Untapped Biomass Using Neutron Beam Breeding and AI Modeling and Monitoring Software", QFF will work on improving methane-producing microorganisms through neutron beam breeding. Additionally, the company will employ artificial intelligence to model and monitor the fermentation processes.

Overview of the 2023 Strategic New Product Development Program

The purpose of this program is to support the development of new products and services in promising sectors such as AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, biotechnology, aerospace, food tech, and renewable energy. The financial support can cover necessary expenses for machinery, raw materials, technical consulting, and external processing, with a funding cap of 10 million yen, and a subsidy rate of two-thirds of eligible costs. A total of 25 businesses, including QFF, have been granted funding under this program, showcasing Ibaraki's commitment to fostering technological innovation.

Importance of Methane Fermentation

Amidst the urgent global shift towards carbon neutrality, the role of converting unused biomass—such as livestock waste, food scraps, and agricultural residues—into energy through methane fermentation is becoming increasingly crucial. This bioconversion process involves microorganisms decomposing organic matter and generating gas suitable for energy production. The challenge lies in fluctuating methane production rates and fermentation conditions, which are influenced by the properties of the biomass feedstock and the fermentation environment. Ensuring a consistent and efficient fermentation process requires not only enhancing the microorganisms involved but also having robust monitoring and predictive technologies in place.

QFF's Unique Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding Technology

The proprietary Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding technology allows for diverse mutations to be induced in plants and microorganisms by utilizing neutron beams. This innovative technique is not limited to point mutations; it can also initiate large-scale deletions and insertions, paving the way for new strains with desirable traits. Importantly, this non-GMO breeding approach allows for significant advancements in the agriculture and biotechnology sectors while maintaining high survival rates for promising strains.

Future Outlook

Through this project, QFF aims to blend its neutron breeding technology and AI capabilities to promote the efficient use of untapped biomass for energy production. The company seeks to collaborate with various stakeholders, including businesses that operate methane fermentation facilities, waste management agencies, food and agriculture industries, municipalities, energy firms, and research institutions. By leveraging this synergistic approach, QFF hopes to create robust and sustainable technologies for the circular economy.

Comment from QFF’s CEO & CTO, Akihiro Kikuchi

"We are deeply honored to be selected for Ibaraki's 2023 Strategic New Product Development Program. Methane fermentation is vital for reducing waste while simultaneously generating renewable energy. Our focus is on enhancing fermentation efficiency and stability by utilizing our neutron beam breeding technology and AI modeling. We look forward to teaming up with businesses, municipalities, and research institutions to implement new solutions that convert unused biomass into valuable energy sources, contributing to a sustainable and circular society filled with carbon neutrality."

Company Overview

Company Name: Quantum Flowers & Foods, Inc. (QFF)
Location: 2563-77 Mikawa-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
CEO & CTO: Akihiro Kikuchi
Founded: July 2018
Website: qff.jp

For inquiries, please contact:
Quantum Flowers & Foods, Inc.
CMO Shunsuke Naito
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 03-6661-1611