Fermenstation is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Grand Prize at the SusHi Tech Challenge 2024, a global startup pitch contest held as part of the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 Global Startup Program on May 15–16, 2024.

The competition brought together selected startups from around the world to present technologies and ideas addressing critical global challenges. Out of more than 500 applications from 43 countries, Fermenstation was honored with the top prize.

In addition to the Grand Prize, we also received multiple Sponsor Awards presented by leading companies, including Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd., Tokyo Kiraboshi Financial Group, Inc., Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd., and Mori Building Co., Ltd.

Recognition for Our Biomanufacturing Model Using Unused Biomass and Fermentation Technology

Since our founding, Fermenstation has consistently focused on upcycling unused biomass—such as food processing byproducts—into high-value ingredients using our proprietary fermentation technology. Our approach contributes to reducing environmental burden, while promoting a circular economy by converting potential waste into sustainable bio-based materials.

Our pursuit of both business viability and social impact has earned us selection in Japan’s J-Startup and J-Startup Impact programs by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, as well as B Corp certification.

At the SusHi Tech Challenge 2024, our business model was praised by a panel of global investors and experts for being “a sustainable and impactful solution with strong potential to scale through broad partnerships,” leading to our selection for the Grand Prize.

🔗 Learn more about the SusHi Tech Challenge 2024 and award details here:
https://sushitech-startup.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/challenge2024/

We are also pleased to share that Fermenstation received the “Global Startup Award” under the SusHi Tech Award program, which recognizes outstanding startup exhibitions at the event.

Looking Ahead

Fermenstation will continue accelerating the development and production of sustainable ingredients for cosmetics and food, using its fermentation-based upcycling technology and focusing on underutilized biomass such as byproducts and off-grade materials from manufacturers.
To support this growth, we will also strengthen recruitment, particularly in R&D and business development.