BIOTECHWORKS-H2 Drives Sustainability Through Waste Transformation
Startup Genome launched the first cohort of the Global Hypergrowth Tokyo late-stage scaling program in March 2024 in partnership with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The initiative aims to propel the best Tokyo tech companies into successful global commercialization and expansion into international target markets.
The program addresses a significant support gap for fast-growing startups, recognizing them as drivers of economic growth and competitiveness, and creators of sustainable jobs and societal wellbeing. In its inaugural cohort, Hypergrowth provides 21 companies from Tokyo with access to global mentors, expert scaling advice from leading executives, go-to market support, and connections to potential new customers and investors.
The companies selected represent a variety of sub-sectors, including Deep Tech, Life Sciences, and AI, and have raised close to $100 million in total funding as they look to expand overseas.
In this article series, Startup Genome introduces the cohort companies, exploring the groundbreaking technologies each startup is developing to make a positive impact on the world.
Introducing Energy Startup BIOTECHWORKS-H2
BIOTECHWORKS-H2 transforms waste into clean hydrogen and renewable energy through innovative technology, driving sustainability and reducing environmental impact. The company specializes in converting difficult-to-recycle organic waste into clean hydrogen and renewable energy using proprietary waste analysis and sorting technology in combination with advanced gasification technology.
By using proprietary IoT devices to perform component analysis and optimization of waste before it enters the gasification furnace, a stable amount of hydrogen can be extracted. Complete digitization of the process ensures transparency and traceability, and BIOTECHWORKS-H2 provides real-time data such as CO2 reduction levels and hydrogen extraction volumes to waste producers. Its solution not only addresses the environmental challenges of waste management but also provides a sustainable alternative for energy production. With a zero-waste, zero-CO2 emission, the company aims to transform the waste-to-energy landscape globally, starting with pilot plants in Japan.
Its technology supports local governments, waste management companies, and industries looking to reduce costs and environmental impact while contributing to a circular economy. BIOTECHWORKS-H2 promises to fuel a serious commitment to environmental conservation, approached through the lens of business as a powerful means of enacting change and finding solutions.
Q&A with BIOTECHWORKS-H2 CEO Akihide Nishikawa
Startup Genome spoke to BIOTECHWORKS-H2 for a look into its groundbreaking technology, biggest challenges, and future innovations.
Startup Genome (SG): Can you explain the core mission of your organization and how your technologies are advancing the field?
Akihide Nishikawa (AN): With a focus on waste to energy conversion, we utilize proprietary gasifiers that accelerate the production of synthesis gas (syngas) from organic waste, converting it into high-purity hydrogen.
Our digital platform automates waste sorting and processing, ensuring high traceability and transparency. This data-driven approach not only optimizes operations, but also supports environmental protection and corporate social responsibility reporting.
By partnering with technology and research facilities and leveraging the technology of in-house developed IoT devices, we integrate state-of-the-art solutions to monitor and optimize the entire process from waste input to hydrogen production.
Prior to plant sales, we will provide environmental impact visualization services to help stakeholders understand the benefits of our technology in reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.
Through these innovations, we aim to lead the transition to a circular economy and contribute to global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.
SG: What are the biggest challenges your organization faces and how are you addressing them?
AN: Navigating complex regulations in waste management and energy production can be challenging. We engage with regulatory bodies early in project development to ensure compliance and adapt our technologies to meet local standards.
The waste management market is projected to grow to $5.6 trillion by 2050, presenting immense business opportunities. Many companies are targeting this sector, making intense market competition unavoidable. It is essential for us to enhance added value by building strong partnerships with major corporations and municipalities.
In addition, securing funding for large-scale projects is essential but can be challenging. We pursue diverse funding sources, including public-private partnerships and grants, while clearly demonstrating the economic and environmental returns on investment.
Finally, implementing advanced IoT devices and digital solutions requires significant expertise. We invest in training our team and collaborate with technology partners to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of our systems.
By proactively addressing these challenges, we aim to position Biotechworks-H2 as a leader in the waste-to-renewable energy field, driving innovation and sustainability forward.
SG: How does your organization differentiate itself from other companies in the sector, particularly in terms of technology and business model?
AN: Our company offers a fully differentiated service by seamlessly integrating proprietary waste component analysis and optimization for stable hydrogen extraction with traceability. This allows us to simultaneously deliver waste business solutions and environmental impact visualization.
We leverage a digital platform to automate waste sorting and processing, enabling real-time monitoring and optimization throughout the entire operation. This use of IoT devices not only enhances operational efficiency but also provides comprehensive traceability and data for environmental reporting.
While hydrogen production from single-material waste has been realized, there is currently no gasification process capable of handling difficult-to-recycle organic waste in general. We are confident that our solution is truly one of a kind.
This integrated approach not only addresses multiple needs within the waste-to-energy sector but also strengthens our value proposition in a competitive market.
SG: What support has your organization received through Startup Genome/Hypergrowth?
AN: Startup Genome allowed us to gain insight into market trends, best practices, and strategies to effectively expand our operations in the waste-to-energy sector.
Participation in the program allowed us to connect with other startups, industry leaders, and potential partners, fostering collaborative relationships that can enhance our technical and operational capabilities.
The program also provided us with valuable resources, including workshops, mentorships, and tools to help streamline our operations and improve our business model.
Startup Genome Hypergrowth has finally provided us with investment readiness. With help refining our pitch and value proposition, we were better prepared to engage with potential investors and secure funding for our project, giving us the opportunity to present our business to international stakeholders!
SG: How does your organization plan to contribute to sector growth, and what are your long-term goals for the company?
AN: We aim to be a solution to the global waste management crisis, particularly in countries that currently rely on direct landfilling without pretreatment. We are confident in our ability to address the associated costs, environmental challenges, and land shortages. By developing innovative waste treatment facilities, we seek to create a profitable model that not only resolves these issues but also allows us to return savings, such as reduced taxes, to citizens, ultimately contributing to a better quality of life.
For a deeper look at the Tokyo ecosystem and to learn more about the Global Hypergrowth Tokyo cohort companies, Explore Tokyo.