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Unlocking the Future of Food: An Overview of Food Tech Venture Day NEO Vol. 4

The Food Tech Venture Day NEO Vol. 4 event is set to take place on August 26, 2025, uniting key players from pioneering companies and major businesses in Japan's food industry. This event aims to explore the future of food through a blend of mechanics and devices, building upon Japan’s renowned strengths in manufacturing technology.

Co-hosted by Innovators

UnlocX, a company dedicated to unlocking food potential through technology and collective knowledge, organizes this event in partnership with Livness, known for their commitment to applying scientific advancements to society. The Food Tech Venture Day NEO represents a stage where innovative startups and ventures present pioneering ideas, encouraging collaboration with established companies in the food sector.

Mechanisms and Devices: The Core of Food Innovation

Japan is celebrated for its formidable manufacturing capabilities, particularly in device development and mechatronics. Despite the growing integration of digital technologies and AI in agriculture and food production, the essential tools and machines remain vital at every stage—from farming and ingredient production to cooking. Therefore, leveraging Japan’s superior manufacturing acumen is crucial for advancing the food sector's future.

During this year’s event, discussions will focus on the opportunities for food innovation that can arise from the strengths of mechanics and devices. Attendees can expect presentations from various pioneering companies harnessing cutting-edge technologies to reimagine food and agricultural practices.

Notable Participants Set to Present

By August 7, 2025, several companies have been confirmed to participate:

1. Alphatec - Specializes in a temperature-controlled grinding technology, Amorfast®, enabling non-water and instant crystallization of starch and cellulose, facilitating eco-friendly material innovations.
2. Mplus - Developed the Storm Freezer, a liquid rapid freezer operating without harmful refrigerants, utilizing a dual non-fluorinated engine and natural refrigerants.
3. Thinker - Innovated a next-generation robotic hand equipped with proximity sensors that mimic human dexterity and movement.
4. Byte Bites - Focusing on 3D printing technologies to facilitate low-cost and small-batch food product development.
5. F-EAT - Merging state-of-the-art 3D food printing with spatial computing to innovate food culture.
6. Plantex - Supports the establishment and operation of the world’s first sealed plant factory, optimizing resources and space.
7. Morilabo - Aimed at streamlining the crepe-making process with their Q robot, producing seamless, pro-quality dough.

Judging Companies and Awards Structure

Companies that will participate as judges include major organizations like Tokyo Building Co., Ltd., Tokyo Regenerative Food Lab, and the Japan Urban Renaissance Agency. These illustrious partners provide not only validation but also opportunities for collaboration, mentoring, and potential investments.

The NEO Vol. 4 will also feature awards aimed at empowering emerging ventures, focusing on business acceleration through the various resources and assets offered by established companies, rather than standard cash prizes.

Event Schedule Overview

The event will kick off at 5:00 PM at the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center, with doors opening at 4:30 PM. Participants must register in advance, securing tickets priced at 5,000 yen.

Here’s a brief schedule for the evening:

• - 5:00 PM: Opening Session
• - 5:10 PM: Opening Discussions
• - 5:40 PM: Pioneer Presentations (6 min pitch + 4 min Q&A)
• - 7:00 PM: Networking and Sharing Session
• - 7:30 PM: Networking and Award Announcements

Participants are encouraged to network and share insights throughout this vibrant event, exploring new partnerships and opportunities arising from collaborative innovation.

As the event approaches, additional participating companies and judges may join, further enriching the network of collaboration within Japan's food tech landscape.

For more details and ticket purchases, visit UnlocX's event page.