TEAM – AgriFood SBIR

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Research Teams

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Fisheries
AQSim, an aquaculture support software that predicts both profitability and CO₂ emissions of land-based aquaculture systems

Institution Hokkaido University

Selection Year 2023

Phase Phase 1

URL https://www2.fish.hokudai.ac.jp/

Email yukitakahashi[@]fish.hokudai.ac.jp

In recent years, land-based aquaculture has attracted growing attention; however, it faces challenges including higher operating costs and greater CO₂ emissions compared to sea-based aquaculture. In this study, we will develop “AQSim,” an aquaculture support software that predicts both profitability and CO₂ emissions of land-based aquaculture systems. AQSim will be validated through demonstration trials using yamame (Oncorhynchus masou) to verify prediction accuracy, with the goal of achieving a technical maturity level suitable for feasibility studies (FS) and proof-of-concept (PoC) in land-based aquaculture. In addition, we aim to commercialize this software through the establishment of “AQSim, Inc.”

Email yukitakahashi[@]fish.hokudai.ac.jp

URL https://www2.fish.hokudai.ac.jp/

Research Representative

Hokkaido University

Yuki Takahashi

Fisheries

AQSim, an aquaculture support software that predicts both profitability and CO₂ emissions of land-based aquaculture systems
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Agriculture
Development of Solid Materials for Controlled Release of Growth-Regulating Gases to Extend Crop Freshness

Institution Hokkaido University

Selection Year 2023

Phase Phase 1

URL https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/

Email noro[@]ees.hokudai.ac.jp

Global food shortages are becoming increasingly severe each year. This study aims to develop a solid material capable of the controlled release of growth‑regulating gases—specifically 1‑methylcyclopropene (1‑MCP), an ethylene inhibitor—that enables safe and simple suppression of crop growth by anyone. Toward commercialization, we are developing a controlled‑release unit capable of continuous gas emission for more than one month, and conducting experimental validation of its effectiveness in suppressing crop growth using this unit.

Email noro[@]ees.hokudai.ac.jp

URL https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/

Research Representative

Hokkaido University

Shin-ichiro Noro

Agriculture

Development of Solid Materials for Controlled Release of Growth-Regulating Gases to Extend Crop Freshness
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Biotechnology Food
Modeling the Production of Thickening Polysaccharides via Carob Cell Culture Using Genomic Information

Institution Miyagi University

Selection Year 2023

Phase Phase 1

URL https://www.myu.ac.jp

Email

Galactomannan, a thickening polysaccharide derived from the endosperm of carob (locust bean), is widely used as a food texture modifier; however, ensuring its sustainable supply remains difficult. To address this challenge, we will leverage genomic information and plant cell culture technologies to establish high-producing galactomannan cell lines through genome editing and/or genetic engineering, and build a technology model that enables stable, high-yield production of galactomannan.

Email

URL https://www.myu.ac.jp

Research Representative

Biotechnology Food

Modeling the Production of Thickening Polysaccharides via Carob Cell Culture Using Genomic Information
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Agriculture
Process Innovation through Smart Breeding of Ultra-High-Yield, Resilient Plant Genotypes Adapted to the Climate Crisis and Automated Agriculture

Institution Shizuoka University

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://www.green.shizuoka.ac.jp/

Email tomita.motonori[@] shizuoka.ac.jp

To address the vulnerability of Koshihikari rice to climate change, we will develop new rice varieties by combining multiple advantageous traits through smart genome breeding. These traits include robust, short and strong culms—which mitigate lodging caused by typhoons and heavy rainfall, enable compatibility with agricultural automation, and reduce labor requirements—as well as large grains, high panicle number, and increased biomass to achieve low-cost, high-yield production. In addition, early- and late-maturing traits and resistance to diseases and pests will be integrated to enhance environmental adaptability. By strategically stacking these genes, this project aims to deliver process innovation in rice breeding and production systems, enabling climate-resilient, automation-ready, and highly productive rice cultivation.

Email tomita.motonori[@] shizuoka.ac.jp

URL https://www.green.shizuoka.ac.jp/

Research Representative

Shizuoka University

Motonori Tomita

Agriculture

Process Innovation through Smart Breeding of Ultra-High-Yield, Resilient Plant Genotypes Adapted to the Climate Crisis and Automated Agriculture
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Fisheries Environment
Labor-Saving Monitoring of Fisheries Resources and Aquatic Environments Using Fully Automated Systems Based on Environmental DNA (eDNA) Technology

Institution Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://www.jamstec.go.jp/j/

Email bafuk[@]jamstec.go.jp

To dramatically reduce labor requirements and enhance the sophistication of continuous monitoring of fisheries resources, including fish, using environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, we aim to commercialize a compact, low-cost, and practical device called the “eDNA Sampler.” Centered on the manufacturing and sale of the eDNA Sampler, we plan to establish a startup company that also provides device leasing, on-site deployment consulting, and data provision services.

Email bafuk[@]jamstec.go.jp

URL https://www.jamstec.go.jp/j/

Research Representative

Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)

Tatsuhiro Fukuba

Fisheries Environment

Labor-Saving Monitoring of Fisheries Resources and Aquatic Environments Using Fully Automated Systems Based on Environmental DNA (eDNA) Technology
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Livestock
Commercialization of a Phosphate Fertilizer Production Method Using Recycled Livestock Bone Waste and Verification of Its Plant Growth Effects

Institution Kindai University

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://www.kindai.ac.jp

Email

Through prior research and development, we have established a technology that completely solubilizes raw livestock bones and enables the recovery of all bone-derived components, including phosphate, as a bone-dissolution nutrient solution at low energy cost. In this project, we will focus on reducing production costs and scaling up the manufacturing process for both phosphate extracted from bones and the bone-dissolution nutrient solution. In addition, we will demonstrate the plant growth–promoting effects of vegetables cultivated using this solution through morphological observation, compositional analysis, and gene expression analysis, and ultimately complete a prototype fertilizer based on the bone-dissolution nutrient solution.

Email

URL https://www.kindai.ac.jp

Research Representative

Kindai University

Koichi Morimoto

Livestock

Commercialization of a Phosphate Fertilizer Production Method Using Recycled Livestock Bone Waste and Verification of Its Plant Growth Effects
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Fisheries
Improvement of SPALOW (Solar-Powered AirLift for Ocean Water), a Self-Sustaining Seabed Water-Lifting System, for the Practical Deployment and Widespread Adoption of Oyster Aquaculture

Institution Hiroshima University

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL kazkoike[@]hiroshima-u.ac.jp

Email https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/

Through prior research and development, we have prototyped a self-sustaining seabed water-lifting system that enables increased production of cultured oysters. The system lifts 10 tons of nutrient-rich bottom seawater per hour, together with seabed sediments containing high-quality plankton, which serve as food for oysters. As a result, we achieved a 48% increase in shucked meat weight compared to control conditions. In this project, we will advance the practical deployment and widespread adoption of the system by pursuing miniaturization and cost reduction, while simultaneously integrating ICT functions to enhance operability, monitoring, and scalability.

Email https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/

URL kazkoike[@]hiroshima-u.ac.jp

Research Representative

Hiroshima University

Kazuhiko Koike

Fisheries

Improvement of SPALOW (Solar-Powered AirLift for Ocean Water), a Self-Sustaining Seabed Water-Lifting System, for the Practical Deployment and Widespread Adoption of Oyster Aquaculture
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Fisheries
Development of Biomass-Based Feed for Rearing Cold-Water High-Value Fish and Shellfish Using Underutilized Local Resources

Institution Kitasato University

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://www.kitasato-u.ac.jp/jp/index.html

Email

With the aim of strengthening the production capacity of high-growth, high-quality cold-water premium fish and shellfish, we will develop collection and primary processing technologies to enable the mass utilization of food processing by-products, primarily generated in the Tohoku region, as feed ingredients. Using these technologies, we will manufacture nutrient-rich, highly functional biomass feed and supply it to cold-water premium aquaculture operations. Through this initiative, we aim to establish a venture company whose business focuses on the production and supply of sustainable, high-value biomass feed that enhances the productivity and quality of cold-water aquaculture species.

Email

URL https://www.kitasato-u.ac.jp/jp/index.html

Research Representative

Kitasato University

Syunsuke Moriyama

Fisheries

Development of Biomass-Based Feed for Rearing Cold-Water High-Value Fish and Shellfish Using Underutilized Local Resources
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Fisheries
Development of a Digital System to Streamline Seafood Trading Operations at Local Fish Markets

Institution Kagoshima University

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://www.fish.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/

Email ebata[@]fish.kagoshima-u.ac.jp

Video https://youtu.be/CjhddxwvFBc

Many production-area fish markets, which play a vital role in supplying domestic seafood, are located in regions facing severe depopulation and population aging, making labor shortages an extremely serious challenge. To address this issue, we are developing a digital seafood trading system that enables labor-saving operations by collecting landing information as digital data, conducting electronic auctions on digital devices, and automating catch reporting and document issuance.

Video https://youtu.be/CjhddxwvFBc

Email ebata[@]fish.kagoshima-u.ac.jp

URL https://www.fish.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/

Research Representative

Kagoshima University

Keigo Ebata

Fisheries

Development of a Digital System to Streamline Seafood Trading Operations at Local Fish Markets
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Biotechnology
Development of a Functional Protein Synthesis System Derived from Rice Bran

Institution NUProtein Inc.

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL http://nuprotein.jp/ja/

Email masataka.minami[@]nuprotein.jp

Cell-based foods, such as cultured meat, have attracted significant attention for their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the high cost of functional proteins required for their production remains a major bottleneck to industrialization. In this proof-of-concept study, we aimed to enable low-cost production of functional proteins in vertical farming systems by genetically modifying dwarf rice to accumulate functional proteins in rice grains.

Email masataka.minami[@]nuprotein.jp

URL http://nuprotein.jp/ja/

Research Representative

NUProtein Inc.

Masataka Minami

Biotechnology

Development of a Functional Protein Synthesis System Derived from Rice Bran
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Agriculture
Establishment of Seawater Agriculture Technologies Using Highly Diluted Seawater and Development of a Circular Food Production System

Institution Cultivera, Inc.

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://lit.link/pomonafarm

Email

As climate change accelerates, freshwater scarcity and soil salinization are becoming increasingly severe. While agricultural production methods using seawater desalination systems or relying solely on condensation water have been developed worldwide, their widespread adoption has been limited due to high costs and low production efficiency. Our technology enables direct cultivation using nutrient solutions containing salinity, significantly reducing energy costs. Moreover, this unique cultivation approach supports not only leafy vegetables but also fruiting crops with high water demand, representing a novel and highly differentiated seawater-based agricultural technology.

Email

URL https://lit.link/pomonafarm

Research Representative

Cultivera, Inc.

Shohei Toyonaga

Agriculture

Establishment of Seawater Agriculture Technologies Using Highly Diluted Seawater and Development of a Circular Food Production System
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Biotechnology
Direct Protein Delivery of Domestically Developed Genome Editing Tools into Plants

Institution Platinum Bio Co., Ltd.

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://www.pt-bio.com/

Email

Genome editing enables crop improvement in a much shorter time frame than conventional breeding methods. However, for industrial use of genome‑edited crops, it is generally necessary to remove introduced genome‑editing genes through crossing or similar processes, which is often technically difficult and time‑consuming. To accelerate industrial deployment, this research aims to establish a technology that allows direct delivery of genome‑editing proteins into crops without generating genetically modified organisms (GMOs). By doing so, we seek to develop an end‑to‑end business platform that seamlessly integrates genome analysis, target gene identification, and genome editing, thereby significantly lowering the barrier to practical and industrial application.

Email

URL https://www.pt-bio.com/

Research Representative

Platinum Bio Co., Ltd.

Kazuya Kiyokawa

Biotechnology

Direct Protein Delivery of Domestically Developed Genome Editing Tools into Plants
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Livestock
Development of a Fundamental Technology for Sex Selection to Produce Male Piglets

Institution Lulabio Co., Ltd.

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://lullabio.com/

Email info[@]lullabio.net

he global “protein crisis” has drawn increasing attention, and a range of solutions—including plant-based meat alternatives, cultured meat, and insect-based foods—are being developed. However, from a consumer perspective, these options still face significant resistance. To address this challenge, Lulabio is developing male sex-selection technology that enables the production of conventional meat using fewer resources. We have successfully demonstrated sex selection at commercial production farms, confirming the practical feasibility of this approach.

Email info[@]lullabio.net

URL https://lullabio.com/

Research Representative

Lulabio Co., Ltd.

Mitsuhiko Shirakawa

Livestock

Development of a Fundamental Technology for Sex Selection to Produce Male Piglets
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Fisheries
Development of a Wire-Type Sensor for Monitoring Seafood Freshness and Maturation Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer–Modified Electrodes

Institution Shibaura Institute of Technology

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL www.shibaura-it.ac.jp

Email gaibushikin[@] sic.shibaura-it.ac.jp

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHMVsxAFUAA

In seafood markets, there is a strong demand for objective methods to evaluate seafood freshness. In this project, we are developing a sensor in which molecularly imprinted, immobilized graphite particles are integrated onto a flexible electrode surface and inserted into the bleeding incision of fish. This sensor enables sequential detection of compounds that serve as objective indicators of freshness and “palatability.” We aim to advance the technology toward commercialization once the sensor is able to detect the “K-value,” a freshness index defined under Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS).

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHMVsxAFUAA

Email gaibushikin[@] sic.shibaura-it.ac.jp

URL www.shibaura-it.ac.jp

Research Representative

Shibaura Institute of Technology

Yasuo Yoshimi

Fisheries

Development of a Wire-Type Sensor for Monitoring Seafood Freshness and Maturation Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer–Modified Electrodes
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Fisheries
Development of a Low-Cost, High-Performance γ‑Oryzanol Nanoparticle–Enriched Feed to Improve Production Efficiency through Gut Microbiota Modulation in Farmed Fish and Achieve Disease-Free Aquaculture

Institution SENTAN Pharma Co., Ltd.

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

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

Email

Although γ‑oryzanol has an established track record as a functional additive in aquaculture feeds for its antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects, its widespread use has been limited by cost constraints. Using our proprietary technology, we nano-formulate γ‑oryzanol, dramatically enhancing its bioavailability. This enables a substantial reduction in inclusion levels, resulting in significant cost reduction. Furthermore, γ‑oryzanol nanoparticles improve the gut microbiota of farmed fish, suppressing infectious diseases and thereby enhancing production efficiency in aquaculture.

Email

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

Research Representative

SENTAN Pharma Co., Ltd.

Takeru Matsuo

Fisheries

Development of a Low-Cost, High-Performance γ‑Oryzanol Nanoparticle–Enriched Feed to Improve Production Efficiency through Gut Microbiota Modulation in Farmed Fish and Achieve Disease-Free Aquaculture
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Food
Creation of Alternative Proteins through the Functional Enhancement of Cricket‑Based Ingredients

Institution ecologgie Inc.

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://ecologgie.com/

Email info@ecologgie.com

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoAeBsxN4JU

We aim to build a sustainable food production system by utilizing edible crickets. As the development of protein sources that can replace conventional animal-based proteins has become increasingly urgent, this research focuses on nutrient-rich crickets as a promising alternative. By elucidating the functional properties of crickets, we seek to clarify their potential as novel protein and functional ingredients, and to develop technologies for their large-scale production.

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoAeBsxN4JU

Email info@ecologgie.com

URL https://ecologgie.com/

Research Representative

ecologgie Inc.

Seiya Ashikari

Food

Creation of Alternative Proteins through the Functional Enhancement of Cricket‑Based Ingredients
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Forestry
Development of Drone-Based Forest Resource Assessment Technology for Carbon Credit Generation

Institution DeepForest Technologies Co., Ltd.

Selection Year 2023

Phase Previously Selected

URL https://deepforest-tech.co.jp/

Email mail[@]deepforest-tech.co.jp

Accurate assessment and continuous monitoring of forest conditions are essential for carbon credit generation, yet these processes are typically costly and labor-intensive. To make forest monitoring simple and affordable for anyone, we have successfully developed a new technology that automatically analyzes forests using laser-equipped drones. In addition, we have established a method capable of analyzing broadleaf forests, which have traditionally been difficult to assess. On the business side, we have successfully secured funding, achieving outcomes that will enable further technological development and international expansion.

Email mail[@]deepforest-tech.co.jp

URL https://deepforest-tech.co.jp/

Research Representative

DeepForest Technologies Co., Ltd.

Masanori Onishi

Forestry

Development of Drone-Based Forest Resource Assessment Technology for Carbon Credit Generation

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Information on the SAC Discovery and Support Program