Commercialization of a Next-Generation Antibody Development Platform Enabled by Underutilized Shark Resources and Land-Based Rearing Technologies
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 […]
Development of a Digital System to Streamline Seafood Trading Operations at Local Fish Markets
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 […]
An Efficient Peptide Production Method Based on Amino Group Detection Technology
Peptides are promising candidates as next-generation materials. With this in mind, we conducted research aimed at improving reaction efficiency and reducing production costs. First, scale-up was performed using a reversible amino group detection technology. We confirmed that production was feasible at approximately ten times the laboratory scale, even with the amount of reagents reduced to […]
Development of Navigation, Mooring, and Feeding Modules for Autonomous Robotic Fishing Vessels
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 […]
Labor-Saving Monitoring of Fisheries Resources and Aquatic Environments Using Fully Automated Systems Based on Environmental DNA (eDNA) Technology
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 […]
Development of a Platform for the Production of Functional Compounds Using Marchantia polymorpha
We are developing Marchantia polymorpha (liverwort) as a novel functional crop that does not compete with existing agricultural resources. Marchantia exhibits vigorous growth and a high capacity for genetic transformation, enabling the accumulation of functional compounds at high levels. We have established proprietary varieties and cultivation systems that fully unlock the plant’s potential. Building on […]
Development of Potato Cyst Nematode–Resistant Tomato Varieties and Production of Decoy-Based Pesticides
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 […]
Development of Biomass-Based Feed for Rearing Cold-Water High-Value Fish and Shellfish Using Underutilized Local Resources
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 […]
Next-Generation Food Industry Enabled by AI-Driven Proteomics
We aim to develop Marchantia polymorpha as a novel functional crop that does not compete with existing agricultural resources. Marchantia polymorpha exhibits vigorous growth characteristics and enables high-level accumulation of functional compounds due to its high genetic transformability. We have established cultivars and cultivation systems that maximize the potential of Marchantia polymorpha. Building on this […]
Development of a Business Model for Health Realization through Self-Care–Based Personalized Nutrition Optimization
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 […]
