Participating teams selected for the second cohort of “CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO,” a circular economy-focused startup support program

Participants for the second cohort of CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO, a startup support program focused on the circular economy and operated by Harch, Inc. in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, has been selected.

Following the success of the first cohort, which saw 16 groups and 24 participants complete the program, the second round received a significant response. A total of 178 people attended the guidance session, and 29 groups submitted applications. After a rigorous selection process, including document reviews and interviews, 16 groups and 20 participants were selected to join the second cohort.

Two specialized courses

For the second cohort, the program now offers two tailored courses:

• Scale-Up, Funding, and IPO Preparation Course: Designed for participants seeking rapid business scaling with a focus on funding and IPO readiness.
• Social Impact Creation and Business Foundation Building Course: Geared towards participants aiming to address social challenges and create sustainable impact during the early stages of their ventures.

The program includes lectures, mentoring by experts, and demo presentation, fostering business development based on circular value chain principles. From early-stage development of new materials, products, and services to addressing resource recovery and recycling challenges, the initiative supports building solutions that promote Tokyo and Japan’s transition to a circular economy.

Key activities and objectives

The program features:

• Eight lectures to guide participants through the essentials of circular business models.
• Mentoring sessions with dedicated mentors and specialists in the field.
• Midterm and final demo presentations to showcase progress and pitch solutions.

Through these efforts, the program accelerates the creation of an ecosystem for the circular economy in Tokyo and beyond.

Participant highlights

Below are some of the participants and their comments on joining the program:

Scale-Up, Funding, and IPO Preparation Track

Yuta Ara & Yuji Harada, Ripples Co., Ltd.

“We aim to create change with our horizontally recyclable plastic containers. Through this program, we look forward to expanding our network and scaling our business, staying true to the ‘ripples’ in our name.”

Masashi Shimizu, Microbiofactory Co., Ltd.

“Thank you for selecting us. We are developing technology to recover and reuse indigo dye from discarded denim fibers. This program will help us build a sustainable business model and secure funding for growth.”

Takahiro Tsubonuma & Hanae Noda, Shibuya Fertilizer LLC

“Can we shift Shibuya from the ‘end point of consumption’ to the ‘starting point of a new circular economy’? Through this program, we aim to scale our urban circular economy model from Shibuya to Tokyo and beyond.”

Yudai Tsurusaki & Park Min, Seafood Co., Ltd.

“We tackle challenges in the seafood industry using technology. This program will help us solidify our resource-circulating model and realize a sustainable seafood industry.”

Shuta Nakamura, Circloop Inc.

“With a mission to make sustainability mainstream, we provide reusable cup services for offices and coworking spaces. This program will accelerate our efforts in resource circulation.”

Ryota Hirama, 4Nature, Inc.

“Since our establishment in 2018, we have built our business with the principles of the circular economy at its core, accumulating valuable insights along the way. Through this program, we aim to expand the potential of our initiative, which represents the culmination of these efforts: a self-sustaining and decentralized cycle of food and resources. We look forward to the exciting and stimulating days ahead!”

Social Impact Creation and Business Foundation Building Track

Hiroshi Isobe, Next Newman Networks Inc.

“To transform the fashion industry into a circular economy, we are building a platform for sustainable product purchases and sharing. Through this program, we aim to expand our network and advance our project.”

Takeshi Enomoto, University of Shizuoka

“Focusing on safety and security, I am working on constructing a circular economy for plastic by adding new value to recycled plastics. With support from the program’s mentors and participants, I aim to accelerate this initiative.”

Wang Zhenjiang, Toshiba Corporation

“Our goal is to use AI to promote the reuse of bulky waste and reduce its volume through a new platform. With like-minded participants, we aim to contribute to the realization of a circular economy.”

Hiroko Sudo, Bluebird

“As a household service provider, we are closely tied to individuals who form society’s backbone. Step by step, with collective support, we aim to establish a robust business model that contributes to the circular economy.”

Masachika Nagasue, GMG Corporation

“Through this program, we aim to engage with diverse experts and further initiatives like CO2 reduction using algae, algae protein utilization, composting for circular agriculture, and developing algae oil for cosmetic ingredients. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to a circular economy.”

Takeo Hirata, Cyclas LLC

“Our business centers on care and repair, extending the life of products such as clothing. Through this program, we seek to refine our business model and foster collaborations across industries, contributing to a sustainable society aligned with nature’s cycles.”

Akiha Matsue

“I am delighted to be part of this program. My goals include advancing diaper recycling and circular human resource practices while collaborating with others to work towards a sustainable society.”

Atsushi Morita & Yuriko Wada, Paper Parade Inc.

“Outdoor advertisements, despite their durability and recyclability, are often discarded due to intellectual property issues. By applying watermark patterns to conceal proprietary content, we aim to unlock the potential of discarded ads, creating value as urban-derived materials.”

Miyu Yagami, Gaiapost Inc.

“We are developing biodegradable diapers for infants and working on composting used diapers instead of incineration. This compost is used for agriculture, creating a full-circle system. We are eager to learn from mentors and participants to propel our business forward.”

Chol Gyu Lee

“Our mission is to eliminate the concept of ‘food waste.’ We aim to reposition food waste as a resource, contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.”

Program overview

• Program name: CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO – Cohort 2
• Duration: November 14, 2024 – March 7, 2025
• Program activities:
  • Incubation: Kickoff and nine lectures
  • Mentoring: Dedicated and specialist mentoring sessions
  • Demo Days: Midterm and final presentations
• Participants: 16 groups (20 individuals, maximum 2 members per group)
• Operating company: Harch Inc.
• Program URL: https://circularstartup.tokyo/en/
• List of Program Partners: https://circularstartup.tokyo/en/#program-partners

A scene from the final Demo Day of CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO, 1st cohort