FISHPASS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture; CEO: Narihiro Nishimura), the developer of online recreational fishing permit systems, announced on March 11 its upcoming exhibition at "WORK AND ROLE 2026." One of Northern Kyushu's largest innovation conferences, the event will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Kitakyushu International Conference Center.
This event serves as a festival for industrial innovation, gathering top-tier talent in Kitakyushu with the aim of generating deals that lead to tangible business outcomes. FISHPASS will utilize the conference to introduce its proprietary "Environmental DNA (eDNA) Analysis" service and share various business application case studies.
Traditionally, biological surveys of rivers and marine areas required expert diving or large-scale on-site investigations. However, FISHPASS’s "Environmental DNA Analysis" makes it possible to comprehensively and quantitatively identify inhabitant species simply by collecting and sending water samples from the site.
By combining this patented technology with its extensive network of 411 fisheries cooperatives nationwide, the company has built a unique infrastructure that visualizes vast ecosystem data through specialized "Digital Transformation (DX) Reports."
In recent years, international frameworks such as the TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures) have been established, placing a strong demand on companies to disclose data regarding natural capital and biodiversity.
FISHPASS’s "Biodiversity DX" does more than just support corporate Nature Positive initiatives and ESG disclosures with scientific evidence. It is also utilized to solve a wide range of regional issues, including tourism and industrial promotion for local governments, and the visualization of habitats for large wild animals—such as bears and wild boars—to aid in wildlife damage prevention. Through this exhibition, the company intends to accelerate the establishment of new partnerships and the social implementation of its technology.
■ ICT Startup League
Launched in FY2023, this support program was triggered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Support Project for Seed-stage R&D for Startup Creation."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding & Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million yen in R&D funding is provided via subsidies. Furthermore, the selection committee members who evaluate the startups continue to provide hands-on support to foster growth. For companies that committee members are "passionate about adopting," the members themselves provide continuous assistance, including business plan advice and growth opportunities—a support system akin to "fandom-driven" mentorship.
2. Discovery & Nurturing
The league provides opportunities for learning and networking to accelerate the business growth of its members. It also seeks to expand the ecosystem by discovering individuals aiming to launch future startups.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Functioning like a positive sports league, the platform allows startups to learn from one another while competing for necessary funding (up to 20 million yen). It also provides a space for "co-creation," where league members can collaborate and expand their businesses through sessions with selection committee members.
4. Promotion
The league collaborates with media outlets to broadcast the initiatives of its members. By introducing these businesses to a wider audience, the program aims to broaden the scope for new matching opportunities and business chances.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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FISHPASS Co., Ltd. (Official Site)
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FISHPASS Co., Ltd. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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WORK AND ROLE 2026 (Official Site)
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Original Press Release (Japanese)
For more details on STARTUP LEAGUE's startup support, please see here.
