Circular businesses to shine at CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO Demo Day

Harch Inc., a company dedicated to web media operations and sustainability support, will hold the Demo Day for the first cohort of its startup support program, CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO, on August 3. The event will showcase the efforts of 16 teams that have participated in a five-month incubation program focused on fostering new businesses in the rapidly growing field of the circular economy.

The program, part of Tokyo’s “TOKYO SUTEAM” startup support initiative, aims to address pressing environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing resource constraints. By targeting individuals and teams looking to start new ventures, create innovative projects, and secure funding, CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO provides a comprehensive platform for business development.

From April 2024, the selected teams have been engaged in intensive mentoring sessions with experienced circular economy entrepreneurs and experts. They have also attended lectures on fundamental circular business practices and participated in networking opportunities with major domestic and international circular economy organizations, large corporations, financial institutions, investors, local governments, and specialists.

Demo Day will be held on August 3, where the teams will pitch their projects to an audience of potential investors, partners, and stakeholders. The event will take place at the Tokyo Innovation Base in Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, and will also be accessible online via Zoom. The event is expected to draw 100 on-site attendees, with unlimited online participation.

Among the diverse range of startups participating in Demo Day are:

• EcoLooopers: Specializing in the research, development, and sale of cellulose nanofiber derived from plant waste.
• JOYCLE: Offering small-scale resource conversion devices and data visualization systems that avoid the need for waste transport and incineration.
• Fan Circle: Transitioning product manufacturing in the sports industry to environmentally friendly practices.
• HELSIENI: Providing home mushroom cultivation kits using coffee grounds.
• YTRO DESIGN INSTITUTE: Creating an ecosystem for manufacturing using recycled and natural material paints.
• Mizu to Kominka: Developing and improving septic tanks to enhance the decomposition of sludge and synthetic detergents.
• Beautiful timeS: Designing systems that guide people towards sustainable food choices through transition design.
• Oki Circular Design Lab: Operating a fieldwork academy to educate participants on resource circulation through travel.
• PHI: Combining environmental education with local resource circulation to cultivate creators of sustainable societies.
• Heritage: Running the “CRAFSTO” apparel brand, which focuses on environmentally friendly materials and genderless themes.
• Ecofurni (Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.): Engaging in the sale and collection of reused furniture for office building tenants.
• Team FarmBot Cafe (Kashima Construction Co., Ltd.): Promoting “ecosystem buildings” that reintegrate construction into natural cycles.
• LiNk: Building a circular ecosystem through digital data sharing.
• Naoseru: Operating a device recovery platform that prices broken smartphones based on buyer demand.
• RIPPNIS: Offering a furniture space service to enhance comfortable living environments.
• Liberont: Creating a new shopping experience through a circular platform.

Mentors involved in the program have expressed their enthusiasm and support for the participants, noting the significant progress the teams have made since the project kickoff, highlighting discoveries of customers and partners, alliance formations, and business pivots. CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO’s Demo Day presents a promising glimpse into the future of sustainable business, leading the way in the circular economy.