FISHPASS Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture; CEO: Narihiro Nishimura), a provider of digitalized recreational fishing permits and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis services, and Nippon Coke & Engineering Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroaki Matsuoka) announced on March 16 the launch of a co-creation project to develop a new "Blue Carbon Sequestration Evaluation Method" utilizing eDNA analysis.
Through this collaboration, the companies will work to build a new Blue Carbon evaluation model that complements conventional survey methods by extracting and analyzing biological information of seaweed and other marine life directly from DNA.
Currently, the evaluation of "Blue Carbon"—carbon captured and stored by marine ecosystems—primarily relies on manual, high-load methods such as diving surveys and visual observations. These methods face challenges including high costs, qualitative results, and difficulties in ensuring comparability and reproducibility across different sites or years. These factors often hinder business decision-making and sustainable investment in carbon sequestration projects.
In this co-creation, the companies aim to establish a new evaluation model characterized by quantitativity, reproducibility, and labor-efficiency by utilizing the eDNA analysis technology provided by FISHPASS. The goal is to build a system where anyone can compare and explain results based on the same standards, significantly improving transparency for stakeholders.
The two companies have already begun trial analyses at Blue Carbon sites provided by Nippon Coke & Engineering, verifying technical constraints and the scope of application.
Moving forward, they plan to formulate specific strategies for the PoC (Proof of Concept) phase and proceed with the social implementation of the evaluation method. Ultimately, the goal is to develop this into an "Advanced Blue Carbon Sequestration Model" that bridges the gap between validation and commercialization, creating a framework scalable for various locations and operators nationwide.
■ ICT Startup League
Launched in FY2023 by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), this support program was triggered by the "Program for Promoting Strategic R&D toward Startup Generation."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Subsidies of up to 20 million yen are provided for research and development. In terms of hands-on support, the selection committee members who evaluated the startups continue to provide guidance after selection. For companies that committee members "absolutely wanted to adopt," a support system is established where members themselves provide advice on business plans and growth opportunities—acting almost as dedicated "advocates."
2. Discovery & Incubation
Providing opportunities for learning and networking to accelerate the business growth of league members. It also focuses on discovering future entrepreneurs to expand the startup ecosystem.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Designed like a sports league, it fosters a positive competitive environment where startups learn together and strive to win the funding they need (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 committee members and other networking opportunities.
4. Promotion
Collaborating with media to broadcast the initiatives of league members. By increasing public awareness of these businesses, the program aims to broaden matching opportunities and new 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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Nippon Coke & Engineering Co., Ltd. (Official Site)
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Original Press Release (Japanese)
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