AgriFood SBIR – blogdescription

Information on the SAC Discovery and Support Program

Empowering agriculture, forestry,
fisheries, and food with startup innovation.

By supporting the commercialization of advanced technologies,
we aim to create startups that address challenges in the agri-food sector.

About the program

Meet the Selected Research Teams
Tackling Challenges in
the Agri-Food Sector.

Selected teams are now working on their R&D themes.
Discover cutting-edge research and practical initiatives
driving the future of food and agriculture in Japan.

View the selected teams

From Research to Real‑World Impact
The Achievements and Growth Stories of Selected Teams

Selected research teams are taking on the challenge of commercialization
to address issues in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries,
and food industries. Discover their real‑world outcomes,
the challenges behind the scenes, and their visions for the future.

View Case Studies

ABOUT

About Our Startup Support Program

Operated by the Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution (BRAIN), the Comprehensive Startup Support Program is an R&D initiative designed for those seeking to launch startups or scale up their businesses.
With hands-on guidance from program managers, the program supports the commercialization of advanced technologies to solve challenges and foster growth in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food sectors.

aim

The Vision of
AgriFood SBIR

Creating new businesses that help address challenges and foster growth across the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food sectors.

target

Target Applicants

Researchers aspiring to launch startups and startups aiming to commercialize research seeds and scale up are eligible.

theme

Application Themes

Each year, we invite proposals on themes that contribute to solving challenges and promoting growth in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food industries.

step

Steps Toward Commercialization

Under a program structure tailored to each stage of commercialization, we provide seamless support from seed development through business expansion.

support

Support Menu

We offer a wide range of support services for commercialization, including mentoring, seminars, matching, and pitch events.

TEAM

Research Teams

Each year, research and development themes that contribute to solving challenges
and driving growth in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food industries are defined and publicly solicited.
Submitted proposals are reviewed by a committee
composed of external experts.

FY2024 Selected Projects

53 Applications　19 Selected

VIEW ALL

FY2023 Selected Projects

42 Applications　17 Selected

VIEW ALL

FY2022 Selected Projects

42 Applications　18 Selected

VIEW ALL

FY2021 Selected Projects

60 Applications　16 Selected

VIEW ALL

View the List of Selected Research Teams

Program Manager Introduction

Fortience Consulting Inc.

Makoto Hara (Representative Program Manager)

Managing Director of Fortience Consulting Inc., with extensive consulting experience, a broad network across business and agriculture, and deep expertise in the agri-food sector. As Representative Program Manager, he leads commercialization support for the program.

Toyohashi University of Technology

Kotaro Takayama

Professor at Toyohashi University of Technology, with extensive experience in managing research projects, including those for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. As a founder of a university spin-off startup, he offers technical insights in agriculture and engineering with a focus on commercialization.

Beyond Next Ventures Inc.

Akito Arima

Partner at Beyond Next Ventures Inc., investing in and supporting agri-food startups in Japan and globally. He provides practical guidance on commercialization, including business planning and team building.