#Japan #Okayama #Glutathione #KII #WAKU

Strategic Investment in Agricultural Innovation

Keio Innovation Initiative (KII), headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, is making strides in addressing pressing agricultural challenges by investing in WAKU, a pioneering agritech startup from Okayama. This investment is part of KII's mission to support early-stage ventures that leverage research for societal benefit. With a total of 180 million yen raised through a third-party allotment increase, WAKU aims to revolutionize crop production through innovative glutathione bio-stimulants.

The Challenge of Modern Agriculture

In recent years, global agriculture has faced severe challenges due to extreme weather conditions, leading to significant impacts on crop yield and quality worldwide. In Japan, for instance, soaring temperatures have resulted in heat stress adversely affecting rice and vegetables. Coupled with rising fertilizer costs and a declining workforce, the agricultural sector is evolving under increasingly difficult circumstances.

Against this backdrop, the development of bio-stimulants—substances designed to enhance plant growth and resilience—has gained considerable attention. The trend is particularly evident in Europe, where regulatory frameworks are being established. The global market for bio-stimulants is projected to grow annually by 11.8% through 2028, signifying a robust opportunity for innovation in agriculture.

WAKU's Innovative Approach

WAKU is uniquely positioned in this landscape by focusing on glutathione, a naturally occurring compound that plays a crucial role in plant stress resistance and overall health. Since its establishment in July 2022, WAKU has made significant advancements in developing bio-stimulants that not only enhance crop resilience but also contribute positively to the environment.

The investment from KII will allow WAKU to accelerate the research and development of new products, expand its sales organization, and prepare for international operations, with a particular focus on the European market where testing has already commenced. The goal is to improve agricultural production efficiency while reducing environmental impact, aligning with global objectives for sustainable agriculture and stable food supply systems.

KII's Commitment to Innovation

Founded in December 2015, KII was created to support startups that utilize research results primarily from Keio University. Since January 2020, KII’s mission has evolved to encompass leading investments from seed to early-stage ventures that seek digital and technological innovations aimed at solving medical, health, and societal issues.

In October 2023, KII took a significant step setting up its first impact fund, KII Impact Fund No. 3, which aims to foster a societal framework where everyone can achieve health and happiness throughout their lives. By investing in academic startups with the potential for significant environmental and social impacts, KII is paving the way for a culture of innovation that balances financial returns with positive societal outcomes.

Conclusion

The collaborative efforts between KII and WAKU signify a pivotal move towards sustainable agricultural practices. With advancements in glutathione bio-stimulants, there is hope not only for improved crop yields but also for addressing broader environmental challenges. The future of agriculture may well depend on such innovative solutions, enhancing food security in an increasingly unstable climate.

会社概要

• - WAKU Inc.

- Location: Okayama City, Okayama
- CEO: Ryosuke Himeno
- Established: July 2022
- Website: wakuwakudriven.com

About Keio Innovation Initiative (KII)

• - Company Name: Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc.
• - Business: Development of university-based technology ventures and operation of venture capital funds.
• - Capital: ¥100 million (including ¥50 million in capital reserves)
• - CEO: Hirotaro Yamagishi
• - Website: keio-innovation.co.jp

This release contains information as of the date of publication.