We had the opportunity to interview Ms. Sakai, the CEO of
Fermenstation Co., Ltd., the grand prize winner of SusHi
Tech Challenge 2024.
Fermenstation is a bio-manufacturing startup that aims to
build a society that regenerates and recycles unused
resources. Using its unique database of unused biomass and
microorganisms and fermentation upcycling technology, the
company develops and manufactures biomaterials derived from
food loss/waste and other unused biomass.
Fermenstation is a bio-manufacturing startup that aims to
build a society that regenerates and circulates unused
resources. Leveraging their proprietary database of unused
biomass and microorganisms along with fermentation upcycling
technology, they develop and manufacture biomaterials
derived from food waste and other unused biomass.
Winning the SusHi Tech Challenge 2024 has garnered them
significant attention. Ms. Sakai shared her experience at
the event and her vision for the future.
- ―――Congratulations on winning the grand prize at SusHi Tech Challenge 2024! Today, we’d like to look back on the event and ask you about your thoughts and company’s efforts and initiatives.
- ―――To start, could you tell us what motivated you to participate in SusHi Tech Challenge 2024?
-
We were driven by a strong desire to showcase our
technology and services to the global market. We
previously participated in City-Tech Tokyo 2023*1
but unfortunately didn’t reach the finals, so this time,
we were determined to succeed.
Our purpose is ‘Fermenting a Renewable Society’—to find new value in unutilized resources and create a society where these resources are reborn, regenerated, and circulated. Expanding into the global market is essential, and we felt it was crucial to communicate our mission on an international stage.*1 City-Tech Tokyo was a global event hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and served as the predecessor of SusHi Tech Tokyo. (https://city-tech.tokyo/)
- ―――With such determination, you achieved impressive results. Could you describe the preparation process for the pitch competition?
-
We’ve participated in numerous pitch competitions
before, but for SusHi Tech Challenge 2024, we focused on
two points: "Incorporating the feedback from City-Tech
Tokyo 2023" and "Delivering a globally oriented
pitch".
Although we did not make it to the finals of City-Tech Challenge 2023, we sought feedback from the judges. We were able to identify areas for improvement, such as clarifying the market and explaining our global expansion plan better.
I also consulted overseas mentors and they introduced pitch videos of globally successful bio startups and I studied thoroughly. That helped me understand the unique format and style of global pitches.
I even asked knowledgeable contacts abroad to review our slides, noting that design and structure differ significantly between Japan and other countries.
Once the pitch deck was finalized, I practiced it over and over again. If any expression didn’t flow naturally, I realized that it was not essentially what I wanted to convey, so I had a hard time searching for phrases that can convey the true message.
- ―――On the day of the pitch, how did you feel?
- I was determined to reach the finals, so when it was announced, I was both thrilled and relieved. I also saw the finals as a great opportunity to receive valuable feedback from the judges and the audience, and I was eager to learn from this experience.
- ―――Ultimately, Fermenstation won the grand prize and six sponsor awards. Could you share your thoughts on these achievements?
- Initially, I thought it would be a great achievement to win just one sponsor award, let alone the grand prize. Winning the prize of 10 million JPY was a wonderful surprise, and directly connecting with sponsors has opened doors for future partnerships.
- ―――How did you use the 10 million JPY prize money?
-
From the outset, I intended to use the prize money for
our global expansion. Recently, I traveled to the U.S.
with some team members, utilizing the prize money to
explore opportunities there.
We feel a strong responsibility to live up to the recognition we’ve received by achieving new milestones with this funding.
- ―――Did winning the awards lead to any other response from inside or outside the company?
-
At our booth, we networked with media representatives
and received coverage on a television program.
The entire team was incredibly excited, and we received positive feedback from industry peers as well. The visibility has also benefited our recruiting efforts.
- ―――Could you share your vision and plans for Fermenstation's future growth?
- While expanding domestically and internationally, we aim to enhance our technology and scale up our business. Our core mission is to create functional products from unused resources. Besides raising awareness about our company, we also want to share our vision. We’re committed to demonstrate that profitability and social responsibility can coexist, making us a case study in sustainable business growth.
- ―――What value do you see in SusHi Tech Tokyo's initiatives?
- I believe SusHi Tech Tokyo, as a global startup event originating in Tokyo, is a remarkable initiative. It gathers ecosystem players from around the world, offering opportunities to build global networks. The strong commitment from Tokyo Metropolitan Government is also apparent, and I hope to see the event continue.
- ―――Finally, do you have any words of advice for startups considering participating in SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025?
-
If you’re aiming for global expansion, this is the
perfect event to challenge yourself. Japanese startups
rarely get recognized internationally, so events like
SusHi Tech Tokyo can put Japanese startups on the map.
After participating, we even received an invitation to a
global ClimateTech startup program.
With many domestic corporations and government representatives in attendance, it’s a great opportunity for startups seeking partnerships or investments.
Fermentstation has received a great opportunity at SusHi Tech Tokyo. We’re looking forward to SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 as well. See you at the venue!
-
■Profile Information
Company: Fermenstation Co.,Ltd.
CEO: Rina Sakai
Country: Japan
Website：https://fermenstation.co.jp/
Overview: With the purpose of “Fermenting a Renewable Society,” Fermenstation aims to create a society that regenerates and circulates unused resources. Utilizing a unique database of unused biomass and microorganisms and fermentation upcycling technology, they develop biomaterials from food waste and other unused biomass. Their business includes raw materials for food and cosmetics, as well as collaborative projects that upcycle by-products from food and beverage production. -
■ SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025
＜SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025＞
Dates: Thursday, May 8 – Saturday, May 10, 2025
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
For information on startup booth exhibitions at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, please visit here.
（https://sushitech-startup.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/booth-exhibition/）
To apply for the pitch contest "SusHi Tech Challenge 2025," please visit here.
（https://sushitech-startup.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/pitch-contest/）