Universal Materials Incubator

Universal Materials Incubator Co., Ltd. is a venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan, established in October 2015. The firm focuses on investments within the materials and chemical industries, targeting a diverse range of sectors including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, manufacturing, environmental and energy technologies, food and agriculture, electronics, mobility, and chemicals. Universal Materials Incubator manages multiple venture capital funds, including a 2017 vintage fund and a 2022 vintage fund, which extend their investment reach across Japan, the United States, Canada, Europe, Oceania, East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The firm's strategy emphasizes backing innovative companies that contribute to advancements in technology and materials science.

Yoshitaka Gunji

Principal

Wataru Mizutani

Principal

Sayuri Nonaka

Principal

Kazuko Sato

Principal

18 past transactions

EF Polymer

Series A in 2023
The agriculture sector around the world facing the big problem of water for irrigation and after cultivation waste management including after consuming waste. We came up with the idea to utilize this waste in the most efficient manner without creating any kind of pollution. We developed an Eco-Friendly Water Retention Natural Polymer named "Fasal Amrit" which is able to absorb 300 times more water than its own weight for as long as 10-12 days. It helps to reduce irrigation water requirement by 30-40% along with a 40-50% reduction in fertilizer because it prevents the leaching of fertilizer causes 10-20% fertilizer loss. The "Fasal Amrit" itself made by organic waste hence it has a great number of micronutrients to support the better growth of crop/plant. It is totally organic in nature, chemical-free, pollution-free, and what is interesting, it is 100% biodegradable in the soil after 5-6 months of application. The farmers can reduce their cost of water and fertilizer by 20-40% and can increase the yield by 10-20%. The application of "Fasal Amrit" is including but not limited to in-house plant to save them for a week or two in case you are not at your home to water them, keep your garden green forever by reducing daily watering cycle, enhance the growth of your plant in an organic way, save your plant far from your home or on hilly areas where it is difficult for your water them daily, etc.

Arzeda

Series B in 2022
Arzeda Corporation, founded in 2008 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative enzymes and specialty chemical products. The company leverages advanced computational enzyme design technology to create designer proteins and enzymes tailored for diverse applications in polymers, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. By focusing on biocatalysis, Arzeda aims to provide clients with high-performance, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions that enhance their products. The company's expertise in synthetic biology positions it as a leader in the field, enabling the development of a robust portfolio that addresses the growing demand for advanced chemical products.

SteraVision

Venture Round in 2021
SteraVision Co., Ltd. is a Japanese company established in 2016, located in Tsukuba City. It specializes in the development and manufacturing of electronic sensors and optical steering devices that enhance visual systems. Utilizing light steering device technology, SteraVision produces solid-state scanners that mimic human vision, integrating digital coherent lidar for improved obstacle detection. These products are crucial for applications in autonomous driving, industrial robotics, and security systems, enabling reliable performance even in challenging environments. As a fabless company, SteraVision focuses on creating new market value through innovative technology solutions.

Boost Biomes

Series A in 2020
Boost Biomes, Inc. specializes in developing microbiome products aimed at enhancing food production and agricultural sustainability. The company utilizes a discovery platform that employs high-throughput DNA sequencing, selective enrichment, and advanced bioinformatics to identify multi-microbial products with significant commercial applications. This innovative approach is designed to be faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods, allowing for the development of naturally occurring microbes that can effectively manage diseases affecting high-value crops. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Boost Biomes aims to contribute to food security by engineering microbiomes that improve crop health and shelf-life.

bitBiome

Series B in 2020
bitBiome, Inc. is a microbiome analysis company that focuses on genome analysis of microorganisms through single-cell technology. Founded in 2018 and based in China, the company aims to discover and understand microorganisms linked to diseases. Its innovative single-cell whole-genome analysis platform can analyze uncultured, raw samples, delivering detailed strain-level quantitative and functional insights. By specializing in cell-by-cell genome analysis, bitBiome seeks to enhance diagnostics and therapeutic options for patients, particularly in relation to bacteria that influence human health.

Tsubame BHB

Seed Round in 2020
Tsubame BHB Co., Ltd., founded in 2017 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in researching, developing, manufacturing, and supplying on-site ammonia production systems and catalysts. The company focuses on innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of ammonia production, thereby contributing to various industrial applications. Tsubame BHB aims to meet the growing demand for ammonia in a way that aligns with environmental standards and supports the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Alphatech

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Alphatech Inc. designs and manufactures temperature-controlled crushing technology that manufactures pregelatinized milling by simply crushing grains without using water. The ompany was founded in 2018 and is based in Yonezawa, Japan.

Tiem Factory

Venture Round in 2018
Tiem Factory Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in the research, development, manufacturing, and sale of aerogel products under the brand name SUFA. Founded in 2012, Tiem Factory focuses on producing ultra-light transparent insulation materials designed for thermal insulation applications. Notably, the company has developed a unique method for creating its insulation materials without utilizing supercritical drying processes, allowing clients to obtain insulation composed primarily of air. This innovative approach positions Tiem Factory as a leader in the field of advanced insulation solutions.

micro-AMS

Venture Round in 2018
micro-AMS Co., Ltd. is a Japanese company founded in 2018 that focuses on the development and sale of innovative molding technologies, specifically "Photon Molding" devices used in resin molding. The company aims to revolutionize the thermoplastic resin molding industry by offering contract molding services and working on advanced systems that utilize microwave and near-infrared ray irradiation. By implementing these technologies, micro-AMS seeks to reduce the costs associated with plastic product development, making it a significant player in the field of plastic molding products.

Advanced Material Technologies

Venture Round in 2018
Advanced Material Technologies manufactured equipment by surface processing of various materials using high vacuum plasma. Its services include manufacturing and R & D centering on high functional thin film deposition equipment such as plasma CVD equipment. It was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

SoPros

Venture Round in 2018
SoPros is a developer of microalgae cultivation technology intended to innovate new methods. The company technology offers research on algae production, processing, sales and import and export of processed algae, enabling business based on algae to generate revenue.
The Carbon Fiber Recycle Industry co.ltd. specializes in the recycling of carbon fiber, providing services that convert waste materials into reusable fiber. Established in 2006 and located in Kani Gun, Japan, the company also engages in the sale of recycled carbon fiber and offers equipment and plants designed for carbon fiber recycling. By focusing on sustainability and resource recovery, the company plays a significant role in reducing waste and promoting the circular economy in the carbon fiber sector.

Carbon Fiber Recycle Industry

Venture Round in 2018
The Carbon Fiber Recycle Industry co.ltd. specializes in the recycling of carbon fiber, providing services that convert waste materials into reusable fiber. Established in 2006 and located in Kani Gun, Japan, the company also engages in the sale of recycled carbon fiber and offers equipment and plants designed for carbon fiber recycling. By focusing on sustainability and resource recovery, the company plays a significant role in reducing waste and promoting the circular economy in the carbon fiber sector.

Green Earth Institute

Venture Round in 2018
Green Earth Institute Co., Ltd., established in 2011 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the production of carbon-neutral biofuels and green chemicals derived from non-food biomass, such as plant leaves and stems. The company's product range includes vehicle and jet fuels, as well as various green chemicals like resins, carbon fibers, and feed additives. Utilizing a bioprocessing technology originally developed by the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth, Green Earth Institute aims to create efficient, low-cost green products while addressing significant global challenges, such as greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and the diversion of food crops for fuel production. The company also operates a research center in Kisarazu, Japan, to further its commitment to sustainable innovation.

Arzeda

Series A in 2017
Arzeda Corporation, founded in 2008 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative enzymes and specialty chemical products. The company leverages advanced computational enzyme design technology to create designer proteins and enzymes tailored for diverse applications in polymers, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. By focusing on biocatalysis, Arzeda aims to provide clients with high-performance, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions that enhance their products. The company's expertise in synthetic biology positions it as a leader in the field, enabling the development of a robust portfolio that addresses the growing demand for advanced chemical products.

Lightnix

Venture Round in 2017
Lightnix Inc. is a Japanese company based in Nishinomiya that specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of medical devices. Founded in 2002, the company focuses on innovative solutions to enhance patient care, particularly through its unique plant-based resin lancet needle. This product is designed to minimize pain during injections by mimicking the shape of a mosquito's proboscis, allowing for micro incisions with minimal needle exposure. Lightnix aims to provide a safer and less painful injection experience for patients, thereby improving overall healthcare outcomes.

Jitsubo

Venture Round in 2016
Jitsubo Co., Ltd. engages in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of peptides that modify amino acid sequence for the creation of physical, chemical, and pharmacological properties. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Koganei, Japan. As of December 26, 2014, Jitsubo Co., Ltd. operates as a subsidiary of Sosei Group Corporation.

Goryo Chemical

Venture Round in 2016
Goryo Chemical, Inc. specializes in the development of fluorescent probes and dyes used in chemical biology and biological applications. The company offers a range of products, including AcidiFluor, CalFluor, GlycoFluor, ProteoFluor, MetalloFluor, ROSFluor, and the IndoCyanine green dye series, alongside bioluminescent probes and custom synthesis services. These products are designed for cellular analysis, assay, and imaging, and can selectively stain acidic organelles such as lysosomes and late endosomes, aiding in the detection of acidic environments. Goryo Chemical provides its products through a network of distributors both in Japan and internationally. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Sapporo, Japan, with an additional office in Tokyo, the company is recognized as the sole manufacturer of fluorescent dyes in Japan.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.