In the SusHi Tech Challenge 2025, 3D Architech, Inc., represented by CEO Narita, was highly evaluated for its innovation and future potential, winning the grand prize. 3D Architech offers cutting-edge metal 3D printing technology that enables micro-level design control. This innovative technology allows for precise design control of metals, which was difficult with existing manufacturing techniques, and is expected to significantly improve efficiency and performance in fields such as data center cooling and green hydrogen production, attracting considerable attention from domestic and international investors and industry stakeholders.
- ――― Congratulations on winning the grand prize at the SusHi Tech Challenge 2025. Today, I would like to reflect on SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 and hear your thoughts as well as your company's initiatives.
- ――― First, could you tell us why you decided to enter the SusHi Tech Challenge 2025?
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The main reason was our goal to strengthen recruitment and increase awareness in Japan. Our company is a startup based in the United States, but we also have a presence in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. When we considered enhancing our recruitment efforts in Japan, we realized the need to raise our visibility.
We recognized that SusHi Tech Tokyo is a large-scale event organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, making it a very attractive venue for gathering domestic and international stakeholders. Therefore, we set our sights on winning the SusHi Tech Challenge and decided to take on the challenge. - ――― Your company has successfully achieved its goal. What initiatives or innovations did you implement during the pitch contest and booth exhibition on the day of the event?
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In our pitch, we focused on conveying how our technology can have a significant global impact, keeping the judging criteria in mind. Specifically, we presented concrete examples of how much cost savings can be achieved in data center cooling and hydrogen production to clearly demonstrate the value of our technology. Emphasizing that our technology contributes to a sustainable society was also one of our key strategies.
At our booth, we showcased posters and prototypes to highlight the specificity of our technology, allowing attendees to have a clear image of the actual product.
- ――― Has there been any response internally and externally since winning the grand prize?
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Right after the event, we received a lot of messages from venture capitalists and business companies with whom we had established relationships, resulting in quite a significant response. Having the title of "winner of the SusHi Tech Challenge" has made it easier for business representatives to explain our company during internal approvals. I feel that the recognition from the SusHi Tech Challenge has helped enhance our credibility in both domestic and international activities.
Internally, the photo taken with Governor Koike at the grand prize award ceremony has been a great source of encouragement for our engineering-focused team in Sendai, significantly boosting good atmosphere. Experiencing the scale of the event has also increased the motivation of our members. - ――― Please tell us about the specific outcomes you achieved by participating in SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025.
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One significant achievement was the opportunity to network with a wide range of individuals, including venture capitalists, consulting firms, and business companies.
Firstly, we are currently advancing concrete negotiations with VCs, including the creation of term sheets for fundraising. We had conducted fundraising prior to participating in SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, but we are now planning additional fundraising of the same scale or larger with the VCs we established relationships with during the event, preparing to accelerate our business. Additionally, we are continuing discussions with business companies regarding partnerships in the data center cooling sector, which will serve as important groundwork for future fundraising and business collaborations. Furthermore, we received opportunities from consulting firms to participate in events and have our reports published, which has helped increase our visibility. - ――― Which types of companies do you think would benefit from SusHi Tech Tokyo?
- I believe that SusHi Tech Tokyo is very effective for startups that need fundraising. Not only does it increase visibility, but it also enhances reputation among venture capitalists. There are many opportunities to connect with business companies, allowing for the establishment of a broad network that includes both past acquaintances and new contacts. I think this can significantly aid in accelerating business and improving recognition.
- ――― Can you share your vision and enthusiasm for your company's future business growth?
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In the near term, we will focus on the data center cooling sector and make the most of the fundraising and partnership opportunities that arose from SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 to accelerate our business plans.
On the other hand, challenges associated with business expansion include recruitment and strengthening our organizational structure. In particular, I believe it is crucial to secure CXO-level talent and establish a system that can effectively manage a rapidly growing organization.
Our vision is to "transform manufacturing itself" towards a sustainable society. We aim not just to reduce CO₂ emissions, but to optimize materials and structures from the ground up, significantly enhancing energy efficiency. It is our mission to deliver theories that have only been discussed in academia as feasible technologies to society. - ――― Finally, please share a message for startups considering participation in SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026.
- I believe that SusHi Tech Tokyo is a platform where companies can challenge themselves, regardless of their stage. In fact, our company was an early-stage business among the semi-finalists and finalists, but we were able to win the grand prize by effectively showcasing the potential of our business. There are opportunities for even companies that have just started their operations to be recognized. In addition to expanding visibility and building networks with VCs and business companies, it is a valuable opportunity to communicate your strengths to the world, so I encourage you to actively take on the challenge!
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■ Company Profile
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Company Name: 3D Architech, Inc.
Representatives: Kai NaritaCountries: U.S., Japan
Website: https://www.3d-architech.com - ■ SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026
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Dates: April 27 (Mon) – April 29 (Wed/Holiday), 2026
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Apply for Startup Booth Exhibition:
https://sushitech-startup.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/booth-exhibition/
Apply for the SusHi Tech Challenge 2026 Pitch Contest:
https://sushitech-startup.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/recruiting-pitch/