SAC
TOP SAC (Super Agri Creator) Discovery Support Program
ABOUT
What Is the SAC (Super Agri Creator)
Discovery Support Program?
The First Step Toward Becoming
Young Research Entrepreneurs in the Agri-Food
and Fisheries Sectors, Creating a Sustainable Future
This program, implemented as part of the MAFF SBIR initiative, aims to identify and develop outstanding young talent who will lead the future of agri-food technology. Selected SAC candidates receive support such as seminars and mentoring by Program Advisors (PA).
Startup Comprehensive Support Program (SBIR Support)
Target SAC Talent
The program focuses on developing research entrepreneurs
who advance commercialization based on technological seeds.
What Is a Research Entrepreneur?
A research entrepreneur is a talented young individual with innovative technological seeds or ideas who is expected to lead business as a future CXO and contribute to solving challenges and advancing the agri-food and fisheries industries.
We expect SAC (Super Agri Creator) candidates selected for this program to aspire to become either entrepreneurs with the world's leading technological seeds, or entrepreneurs capable of engaging and bringing together individuals who possess such world-class technologies.
For more information about the SAC Discovery Support Program,
please feel free to contact us.
FLOW
Program Flow
The program includes seminars, mentoring by Program Advisors (PA),
SAC camps, and pitch and other related events.
SUPPORT
Examples of Support for SAC Candidates
Kickoff Event
The objectives and background of the SAC program, as well as the goals SAC candidates should aim for and how they should approach their activities, will be explained.
Seminar
Seminars are held to provide essential knowledge for aspiring startup founders in the agri-food tech field, including emerging social challenges, approaches to monetization, the startup process, fundraising strategies, and intellectual property strategies.
PA Mentoring
Each SAC candidate is assigned a Program Advisor (PA) with experience in business development and operations, as well as specialized expertise required for startups in the agri-food tech field. Regular mentoring is provided on research and development and business commercialization planning.
SAC Camp
SAC candidates, Program Advisors (PA), Program Managers (PM), and the program secretariat come together to participate in seminars, discussions on future roadmaps, and mid-term progress presentations.
CERTIFIED
SAC-Certified Members
Iyo Uchiyama
Faculty of Medicine, Okayama University
Visiting Researcher (Pathogenic Bacteriology)
Research Project Theme
Research and Development of Artificial Antimicrobial Enzymes for Veterinary Use to Reduce the Risk of Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria
Vision
A Future Without Infectious Diseases (50-Year Vision)
Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (100-Year Vision)
Takuya Fujinaga
Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University
Assistant Professor
Research Project Theme
Development of a Bud-Sampling End Effector Capable of Simultaneously Generating High-Resolution Plant Digital Twins
Vision
The Future of Agriculture Where Humans and Robots Coexist and Co-Create Value
Yuta Sawasaki
Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University
Research Project Theme
Advancing Biopharmaceuticals through Rice Seed–Produced Antibodies
Vision
Contributing to a Sustainable Society of Health and Longevity through Pharmaceuticals Produced as Next-Generation Crops
Yutaro Ueno
National Institute of Technology, Ichinoseki College
Specially Appointed Assistant Professor
Research Project Theme
Development of a Closed-Loop Land-Based Aquaculture System and Feed to Promote the Utilization of Sea Urchins Affected by Coastal Barren Grounds (Isoyake)
Vision
Creating a World Where Aquaculture Can Be Practiced Anywhere through Innovative Water Purification
Naho Yashiro
MizLinx Inc.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Research Project Theme
Development of an Integrated Coastal Monitoring System for Sustainable Fisheries
Vision
Igniting an Industrial Revolution of the Ocean
Becoming Pioneers of the Ocean
Takahiro Agari
CurveGen Inc.
Head of Asia Business Division
Research Project Theme
Development of an Early Diagnosis Technology for Mastitis Using Automated Gram Staining and AI-Based Microbial Identification
Vision
Creating a Society Where Humans and Animals Can Live Healthy Lives through the Development and Adoption of Advanced Technologies in Veterinary Medicine
Hajime Noda
SAKIYA Inc.
Co-Chief Executive Officer (Co-CEO)
Research Project Theme
Development of a Millimeter-Wave Nondestructive Inspection System for Wood
Vision
Toward a Society Where Wood Is Properly Valued and Circulates
VOICE
Voices of SAC Candidates
Future Timeline
Through this program, I was able to understand the significance of developing a future timeline with a long-term perspective, making it a very meaningful learning experience.
Future Timeline
Since I don't often have the chance to think seriously about the future beyond five to ten years, this program helped me clearly define my own vision and dreams.
PA Mentoring
PA mentoring helped me refine my future timeline and gain a deeper, clearer understanding of my own vision.
PA Mentoring
My dedicated Program Advisor was always available when I had questions, and I received valuable feedback on multiple occasions.
Networking
Meeting Program Advisors, senior entrepreneurs, and fellow SAC candidates through the program inspired me to push myself further.
Networking
Meeting Program Advisors, senior entrepreneurs, and fellow SAC candidates through the program inspired me to push myself further.
Support structure
Because so many experts were involved in supporting the program, I received thorough and timely support from various specialists whenever challenges came up.
Camp and Other Activities
I was given many opportunities to learn through the program. The camp, in particular, was extremely valuable for shaping my mindset, building networks, and improving my business skills.
*These comments reflect the actual voices of individuals certified in FY2024.
SCENE
Highlights of the SAC Discovery Support Program
Kickoff Event
The 1st SAC Seminar
The 2nd SAC Seminar
The 3rd SAC Seminar
CONTACT
Contact us to learn more about
the SAC Discovery Support Program.
