TEAM – AgriFood SBIR

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Environment Agriculture
Development of Core Devices to Enable a GHG Reduction Consulting Business for Zero-Emission Agriculture

Institution National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)

Selection Year 2022

Phase Phase 2

URL https://www.naro.go.jp/laboratory/niaes/introduction/chart/0202/index.html

Email ssudo[@]naro.affrc.go.jp

To enable Scope 3–level GHG visibility, agricultural producers within the supply chain also need credible, on-the-ground decarbonization “evidence” that can be measured, verified, and communicated. In this project, we will establish a scheme to implement and validate farming systems designed around new GHG reduction methods. We will support motivated farmers who aim to contribute to the rapid conversion of these reduction practices into offset-credit methodologies, and guide their efforts toward the creation of new methodologies under Japan’s J-Credit Scheme.

Email ssudo[@]naro.affrc.go.jp

URL https://www.naro.go.jp/laboratory/niaes/introduction/chart/0202/index.html

Research Representative

National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)

Shigeto Sudo

Environment Agriculture

Development of Core Devices to Enable a GHG Reduction Consulting Business for Zero-Emission Agriculture
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Livestock
One Health Care Food Business Based on Immunobiotics

Institution National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)

Selection Year 2022

Phase Phase 2

URL https://researchmap.jp/oikehideaki

Email oike[@]affrc.go.jp

Leveraging one of Japan’s largest NARO lactic acid bacteria collections, we provide tailored probiotic strains that best fit specific animal species and individual needs. We adopt a personalized approach based on each user’s characteristics and healthcare data, and address societal challenges—such as population aging and animal welfare—from a broad One Health perspective spanning humans, livestock, and companion animals.

Email oike[@]affrc.go.jp

URL https://researchmap.jp/oikehideaki

Research Representative

National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)

Hideaki Oike

Livestock

One Health Care Food Business Based on Immunobiotics
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Fisheries
Creation of the World’s Only Aquaculture Fish “Kaiji” through Advanced Germline Stem Cell Manipulation Technologies

Institution Sakana Dream Co., Ltd.

Selection Year 2022

Phase Phase 2

URL https://sakana-dream.com/

Email https://sakana-dream.com/#contact

Using Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology’s proprietary “surrogate broodstock technology,” we aim to achieve the social implementation of “Kaiji,” a hybrid fish whose parents are both highly palatable and rare species. In this phase, we will advance the development of commercial-scale aquaculture technologies and conduct comprehensive evaluations of aquaculture suitability. Through social implementation under this program, we seek to contribute to the solution of global food challenges, while simultaneously conserving genetic diversity by deploying aquaculture fish that are inherently sterile and lack reproductive capacity.

Email https://sakana-dream.com/#contact

URL https://sakana-dream.com/

Research Representative

Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology

Tetsuro Morita

Fisheries

Creation of the World’s Only Aquaculture Fish “Kaiji” through Advanced Germline Stem Cell Manipulation Technologies
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Agriculture
Research and Development of High-Performance Biochar that Enables Both Carbon Sequestration in Farmland and Conversion to Organic-Certified Agriculture

Institution TOWING Co., Ltd.

Selection Year 2022

Phase Phase 2

URL https://towing.co.jp/

Email info@towing.co.jp

In the development of high-performance biochar that simultaneously enables carbon sequestration in farmland and conversion to land suitable for organic farming, this project builds on the microbial consortia selected in Phase 0. We will improve the physical form of the biochar for large-scale application (e.g., evaluating pelletization) and validate application methods assuming mass deployment (e.g., the use of broadcast spreaders), thereby establishing optimal manufacturing and utilization methods. In addition, we will identify technical challenges critical for commercialization and evaluate sales models as well as business models based on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction effects.

Email info@towing.co.jp

URL https://towing.co.jp/

Research Representative

TOWING Co., Ltd.

Ryoya Nishida

Agriculture

Research and Development of High-Performance Biochar that Enables Both Carbon Sequestration in Farmland and Conversion to Organic-Certified Agriculture
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Biotechnology Agriculture
Development of a Next-Generation Agricultural Production Technology: the “Plant Drug Delivery System”

Institution Kyushu University

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://kyudai-crop.com/

Email yushi[@]agr.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Development of a Nanoparticle Agent Database We will identify and develop optimal nanoparticle agents that function effectively by crop species and by plant tissue, and compile them into a comprehensive database. Development of Novel Agricultural Inputs Based on the Database (Nano-Designed Materials) Based on this database, we will develop new agricultural inputs incorporating nanoparticle agents that enable a reduction of conventional chemical pesticide and fertilizer use to less than 1/100 of current levels.

Email yushi[@]agr.kyushu-u.ac.jp

URL https://kyudai-crop.com/

Research Representative

Kyushu University

Yushi Ishibashi

Biotechnology Agriculture

Development of a Next-Generation Agricultural Production Technology: the “Plant Drug Delivery System”
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Agriculture
Commercializing an Acoustic Emission–Based Crop Cultivation Solution for Monitoring Plant Water Dynamics

Institution 埼玉大学

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL http://mehp.mech.saitama-u.ac.jp/

Email coic[@]gr.saitama-u.ac.jp

We will develop low‑cost sensors that can be easily installed for acoustic emission (AE) measurement in greenhouse horticulture, and establish AE measurement technologies applicable to a wide range of plant species. Using AE‑based monitoring, we will quantitatively demonstrate improvements in crop production efficiency through optimized irrigation and fertilization control. These capabilities will be integrated into an automated irrigation and fertilization service (“Zero Agri”), forming a scalable and sustainable business model. In addition, by conducting AE sensing across various biological organisms, we aim to identify biological cultivation domains with strong potential for the commercialization of AE sensing technologies.

Email coic[@]gr.saitama-u.ac.jp

URL http://mehp.mech.saitama-u.ac.jp/

Research Representative

Saitama University

Kensuke Kageyama

Agriculture

Commercializing an Acoustic Emission–Based Crop Cultivation Solution for Monitoring Plant Water Dynamics
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Agriculture
Development of a Sensor for Macro-Scale, Real-Time Quantification of Crop Transpiration

Institution Akyuze Co., Ltd.

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://aquze.com/

Email info@aquze.com

Crop transpiration is a key physiological indicator of plant status. In Phase 0, we developed a sensor technology capable of quantifying crop transpiration in real time at the greenhouse scale. To advance this achievement toward advanced environmental control, this project will conduct research and development on the relationships among evapotranspiration, environmental factors, and crop growth and yield, as well as on environmental control methods based on evapotranspiration data. Through these efforts, we aim to create a new service that improves crop yield and quality beyond current levels by enabling data-driven, high-precision cultivation management.

Email info@aquze.com

URL https://aquze.com/

Research Representative

Akyuze Co., Ltd.

Jin Kawakita

Agriculture

Development of a Sensor for Macro-Scale, Real-Time Quantification of Crop Transpiration
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Agriculture
Smart Agriculture Implementation Support Service

Institution National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://www.naro.go.jp/collab/researcher_profile/laboratory/narc/078453.html

Email fmnarc[@]naro.affrc.go.jp

We are developing a farm management planning support system that proposes tailor-made management improvement strategies based on smart agriculture management indicators derived from technical and operational data collected through smart agriculture demonstration farms. Through pilot implementation as a consulting service for large-scale agricultural corporations, we are enhancing customer satisfaction and expanding our client base. We plan to establish a company and begin service provision in 2025.

Email fmnarc[@]naro.affrc.go.jp

URL https://www.naro.go.jp/collab/researcher_profile/laboratory/narc/078453.html

Research Representative

National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)

Kyoichi Miyatake

Agriculture

Smart Agriculture Implementation Support Service
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Agriculture
Development of a Novel Biostimulant Product Utilizing Methanol-Utilizing Bacteria

Institution AGRI SMILE Co., Ltd.

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://agri-smile.com/

Email https://agri-smile.com/contact/

Global warming is causing declines in crop yield and quality, threatening the stability of agricultural production and supply systems. At the same time, the global push toward decarbonization is driving the reduction of production inputs such as chemical fertilizers. Against this backdrop, biostimulant (BS) products are attracting attention as a promising solution to address both challenges. In this project, we focus on pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM), which preferentially colonize plant leaf surfaces, as a novel biostimulant resource. Our objective is to clarify their expected effects and versatility, and to evaluate their potential for on-site implementation through nationwide cultivation trials and assessments for large-scale production.

Email https://agri-smile.com/contact/

URL https://agri-smile.com/

Research Representative

株式会社AGRI SMILE

林大祐

Agriculture

Development of a Novel Biostimulant Product Utilizing Methanol-Utilizing Bacteria
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Food
Development of a Business Model for Health Realization through Self-Care–Based Personalized Nutrition Optimization

Institution Wellnas, Inc.

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://wellnas.biz/

Email https://wellnas.biz/contact/

Personalized nutrition optimization technologies have been established, and the health benefits of AI-based personalized meals, in which nutrition is tailored to improve individual physical conditions, have already been demonstrated. Wellnas has developed the AI-driven meal recommendation service “NEWTRISH”; however, because it primarily focuses on menu suggestions for home cooking, continued use can be challenging for busy individuals or those without regular cooking habits. In this project, we aim to develop a service that enables a broader population to achieve health benefits through AI-based personalized nutrition. To this end, we will conduct technology development and efficacy validation for individualized nutrition optimization utilizing ready-to-eat meals and dining-out options, and establish a new business model that supports sustainable adoption.

Email https://wellnas.biz/contact/

URL https://wellnas.biz/

Research Representative

Wellnas, Inc.

Masahiro Koyama

Food

Development of a Business Model for Health Realization through Self-Care–Based Personalized Nutrition Optimization
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Biotechnology Agriculture
Research on Methods for the Discovery and Evaluation of Biostimulant Candidate Compounds

Institution Yokohama National University

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL http://www.plantech.ynu.ac.jp/

Email hiratsuka-kazuyuki-pz[@]ynu.ac.jp

Biostimulants (BS) are defined as a broad range of substances, microorganisms, or their mixtures that, when applied to the plant growing environment, promote favorable physiological conditions in plants. In recent years, they have attracted increasing attention as sustainable agricultural inputs. However, the discovery and evaluation of biostimulant candidate compounds have been constrained by the lack of effective technological breakthroughs. In this study, we aim to develop and apply a novel bioluminescent reporter system to enable the discovery of next-generation biostimulants, and to expand this technology into a contract research and development service for biostimulant screening and evaluation.

Email hiratsuka-kazuyuki-pz[@]ynu.ac.jp

URL http://www.plantech.ynu.ac.jp/

Research Representative

Yokohama National University

Kazuyuki Hiratsuka

Biotechnology Agriculture

Research on Methods for the Discovery and Evaluation of Biostimulant Candidate Compounds
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Agriculture
Development of Potato Cyst Nematode–Resistant Tomato Varieties and Production of Decoy-Based Pesticides

Institution University of Shizuoka

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://sweb.u-shizuoka-ken.ac.jp/~kenji55-lab/

Email kenji55[@]u-shizuoka-ken.ac.jp

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) cause severe damage to solanaceous crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants worldwide; however, no effective and sustainable solution has yet been established. We identified a putative biosynthetic intermediate of solanoeclepin A, a hatching stimulant secreted from the roots of solanaceous plants, and demonstrated its hatching-inducing activity, thereby opening a new avenue for decoy-based pesticide development. We successfully identified genes involved in solanoeclepin A biosynthesis and, by knocking down these genes, for the first time in the world, developed tomato varieties that do not synthesize solanoeclepin A, conferring resistance to potato cyst nematodes.

Email kenji55[@]u-shizuoka-ken.ac.jp

URL https://sweb.u-shizuoka-ken.ac.jp/~kenji55-lab/

Research Representative

University of Shizuoka

Kenji Watanabe

Agriculture

Development of Potato Cyst Nematode–Resistant Tomato Varieties and Production of Decoy-Based Pesticides
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Biotechnology Livestock
Development of a Diffusion-Driven Microalgae Reactor Utilizing Biogas Digestate Liquid Fertilizer Derived from Cattle Manure

Institution Hokkaido University

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://smcs.eng.hokudai.ac.jp/

Email k-ishii[@]eng.hokudai.ac.jp

To address the treatment needs of cattle manure–derived biogas digestate liquid fertilizer, which is generated in excess and poses potential environmental risks, we developed a reactor that aims to both treat the digestate and cultivate microalgae using nutrients such as nitrogen contained in the digestate. The reactor enables simultaneous microalgae cultivation while extracting nutrients from the liquid fertilizer through energy-free, diffusion-driven processes. We also constructed a business model and evaluated project economics. Although economic challenges and uncertainties remain, the project has successfully cleared the first stage toward commercialization.

Email k-ishii[@]eng.hokudai.ac.jp

URL https://smcs.eng.hokudai.ac.jp/

Research Representative

Hokkaido University

Kazuei Ishii

Biotechnology Livestock

Development of a Diffusion-Driven Microalgae Reactor Utilizing Biogas Digestate Liquid Fertilizer Derived from Cattle Manure
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Fisheries
Development of Navigation, Mooring, and Feeding Modules for Autonomous Robotic Fishing Vessels

Institution Robotics Sailing Lab. Co., Ltd.

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://www.robosailing.com/

Email info[@]robosailing.com

Reducing labor associated with feeding operations in marine fish aquaculture is an urgent challenge. There is strong demand for the practical deployment of robotic fishing vessels capable of automated feeding. Key functions of such vessels include automatic berthing and mooring at fish cages. In SBIR Phase 3, we will develop a robotic vessel module that enables robotic fishing vessels by integrating sensors, thrusters, and related components, and will advance the technology toward real-world sea trials.

Email info[@]robosailing.com

URL https://www.robosailing.com/

Research Representative

Osaka Metropolitan University

Yasunori Nihei

Fisheries

Development of Navigation, Mooring, and Feeding Modules for Autonomous Robotic Fishing Vessels
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Biotechnology Fisheries
Commercialization of a Next-Generation Antibody Development Platform Enabled by Underutilized Shark Resources and Land-Based Rearing Technologies

Institution Ehime University

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://www.pros.ehime-u.ac.jp/proteodrugdiscovery/data/Members.html

Email takeda.hiroyuki.mk[@]ehime-u.ac.jp

VNAR antibodies, the smallest antibodies derived from sharks, represent a next-generation antibody modality characterized by high engineering flexibility and plasticity, as well as low-cost production. By utilizing small sharks from underutilized marine resources, we aim to generate high-value VNAR antibodies. We plan to establish a startup company that provides the “Fukabody Platform”. With support from the SBIR program, we have advanced VNAR development and improved shark rearing technologies. In parallel, we actively conducted commercialization activities, including customer interviews, to refine our business plan and clearly define key milestones toward commercialization.

Email takeda.hiroyuki.mk[@]ehime-u.ac.jp

URL https://www.pros.ehime-u.ac.jp/proteodrugdiscovery/data/Members.html

Research Representative

Ehime University

Hiroyuki Takeda

Biotechnology Fisheries

Commercialization of a Next-Generation Antibody Development Platform Enabled by Underutilized Shark Resources and Land-Based Rearing Technologies
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Fisheries
Feasibility Study on Commercializing Marine Thraustochytrids Cultivated from Industrial Waste as Alternative Aquaculture Feed Ingredients to Fishmeal and Fish Oil

Institution Miyazaki University

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://www.miyazaki-u.ac.jp/fishery/staff/#a03

Email hayash-m[@]cc.miyazaki-u.ac.jp

Aquaculture feeds are currently dependent on fishmeal and fish oil as their primary ingredients, creating a fundamental dilemma: producing a small amount of high-value farmed fish by consuming large quantities of low-cost wild fish. To address this challenge, our project aims to eliminate reliance on fishmeal and fish oil by utilizing marine thraustochytrids as both a protein source and a source of essential fatty acids. Through this approach, we seek to develop and commercialize a sustainably producible fishmeal-free aquaculture feed ingredient.

Email hayash-m[@]cc.miyazaki-u.ac.jp

URL https://www.miyazaki-u.ac.jp/fishery/staff/#a03

Research Representative

Miyazaki University

Masahiro Hayashi

Fisheries

Feasibility Study on Commercializing Marine Thraustochytrids Cultivated from Industrial Waste as Alternative Aquaculture Feed Ingredients to Fishmeal and Fish Oil
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Agriculture
Development of Genome Editing Technologies for Precise Control of Gene Expression Driven by AI

Institution Grand Green Co., Ltd.

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://www.gragreen.com/

Email info@gragreen.com

Genome editing technologies enable the rapid creation of new varieties, and in recent years there has been growing demand for diverse approaches beyond gene knockout–based methods, including genome editing techniques that increase or decrease gene expression levels. In response, we set a goal to establish genome editing technologies that induce desired changes in gene expression intensity, and successfully developed and evaluated a deep learning–based model for predicting gene expression levels. Going forward, we will expand our business by integrating this technology with our existing proprietary technologies and services.

Email info@gragreen.com

URL https://www.gragreen.com/

Research Representative

Grand Green Co., Ltd.

Masaki Niwa

Agriculture

Development of Genome Editing Technologies for Precise Control of Gene Expression Driven by AI
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Agriculture
Creation of Molecular Targeted Herbicides Effective Against Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

Institution Agro Design Studio Co., Ltd.

Selection Year 2022

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://www.agrodesign.co.jp/

Email info@agro.design

Video1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIzdmII8KT4

Video2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw7v6bIcbaI

In recent years, the problem of herbicide-resistant weeds resulting from long-term herbicide use has become increasingly serious, necessitating the development of novel agrochemicals effective against resistant weeds. The new agrochemicals will be molecularly targeted herbicides that inhibit metabolic enzymes involved in amino acid biosynthesis. We will develop novel compounds identified through structure-based agrochemical discovery methods grounded in protein three-dimensional structural analysis.

Video1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIzdmII8KT4

Video2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw7v6bIcbaI

Email info@agro.design

URL https://www.agrodesign.co.jp/

Research Representative

Agro Design Studio Co., Ltd.

Yuki Nishigaya

Agro Design Studio Co., Ltd.

Tadashi Satoh

Agriculture

Creation of Molecular Targeted Herbicides Effective Against Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

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Challengers Shaping the Future–Agri-Food Startups_Kyoto University/ Team Midori Navi

Challengers Shaping the Future–Agri-Food Startups_Sunlit Seedlings

Challengers Shaping the Future–Agri-Food Startups_Hyper Food Aqua（short）

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Challengers Shaping the Future–Agri-Food Startups_NARO/GCOF

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Information on the SAC Discovery and Support Program