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

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 […]

Commercialization of a Large-Scale Edible Cricket Rearing System That Does Not Rely on Complex Machinery and Commercialization of Edible Cricket Feed Derived 100% from Food Loss

We will establish a rearing system that enables low-cost, large-scale production of edible crickets, which are attracting attention as a sustainable protein source, without requiring substantial upfront investment or complex infrastructure. In parallel, to contribute to the reduction of food loss, we will develop specialized feed for edible crickets derived entirely from food waste.

Development of a Wire-Type Sensor for Monitoring Seafood Freshness and Maturation Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer–Modified Electrodes

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 […]

Creation of a Genome-Edited Breeding Platform for Aquatic Species

Although global seafood production—particularly through aquaculture—continues to increase, Japan’s fisheries industry is in decline. We believe that the revival of Japan’s fisheries sector requires the development of more robust strains through selective breeding. As a solution, we have established an ultra-rapid breeding approach utilizing genome editing, along with a production framework for farmed fish. In […]

Direct Protein Delivery of Domestically Developed Genome Editing Tools into Plants

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 […]

Creation of Molecular Targeted Herbicides Effective Against Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

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 […]

Establishment of Seawater Agriculture Technologies Using Highly Diluted Seawater and Development of a Circular Food Production System

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, […]

Development of Genome Editing Technologies for Precise Control of Gene Expression Driven by AI

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 […]

Development of a Functional Protein Synthesis System Derived from Rice Bran

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 […]

Feasibility Study on Commercializing Marine Thraustochytrids Cultivated from Industrial Waste as Alternative Aquaculture Feed Ingredients to Fishmeal and Fish Oil

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 […]