FISHPASS Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture; CEO: Narihiro Nishimura), a provider of environmental DNA analysis services and digital recreational fishing permit apps, announced on March 13 its participation in "DocoDemo Festival OSAKA 2026" (DocoDemo Fes Osaka). The event will be held at Namba Hiroba in Osaka on Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, 2026.
At this gathering of tech-driven startups, the company will host an interactive exhibition booth themed "Biodiversity DX: Visualizing 'Invisible Ecosystems' through Environmental DNA Analysis."
Traditional ecological surveys previously required experts to perform extensive on-site labor, such as diving or net casting. However, with environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, the status of local wildlife can be determined simply by collecting a water sample and sending it to an analysis center. This process identifies DNA shed from organisms through feces, mucus, and other biological materials.
By combining "Comprehensive Analysis (Metabarcoding)" with "Species-Specific Analysis (qPCR)," FISHPASS has achieved high-precision, simultaneous detection of diverse groups, including not only fish but also crustaceans, birds, mammals, and aquatic insects.
At the booth, visitors can experience the workflow from water sampling to report generation. There will also be a demonstration of the "Data Visualization Report System," which displays species distribution at specific survey points on a digital map and tracks changes over time. Additionally, the company will introduce its R&D for sustainable river environment conservation, which was selected for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "FY2025 FORWARD Project."
As the importance of science-based ecosystem monitoring grows in line with ESG compliance and the "30by30" conservation goals, FISHPASS aims to provide strong support for environmental assessments by companies and local governments through its low-cost, eco-friendly, and non-invasive analysis services.
■ ICT Startup League
Launched in FY2023, this support program originated from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Project for Supporting Seed-stage Research and Development for Startup Creation."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four core pillars:
① R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Provides up to 20 million yen in R&D subsidies. During the program, selection committee members continue to provide hands-on support to accelerate growth. For companies highly rated by evaluators, a support system is established where the evaluators themselves offer advice on business plans and growth opportunities—acting as dedicated mentors.
② Discovery & Cultivation
Provides learning and networking opportunities to foster the business growth of league members. It also focuses on identifying aspiring entrepreneurs to expand the startup base.
③ Competition & Co-creation
Operating like a positive sports league, startups learn and compete to secure the funding they need (up to 20 million yen). Through various sessions with evaluators, it also provides a venue for "co-creation," where league members can collaborate to scale their businesses.
④ Promotion
The league works with the media to broadcast the initiatives of its members. By increasing public awareness, the program aims to create new matching opportunities and business prospects.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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FISHPASS Inc. (Official Site)
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FISHPASS Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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DocoDemo Festival OSAKA (Official Site)
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Original Press Release (Japanese)
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