Harch Inc. will host the final Demo Day for the first cohort of CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO, a startup incubation program specializing in the circular economy, on August 3, 2024.
What is CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO?
CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO is a five-month incubation program operated by Harch Inc. as part of TOKYO SUTEAM, a startup support initiative by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The program supports aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses aiming to launch new ventures or raise capital in the circular economy—an area drawing increasing global attention in response to climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource constraints.
Launched in April 2024, the first cohort has offered participants a range of opportunities including mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, lectures on circular business models, and networking with domestic and international organizations, large corporations, financial institutions, investors, local governments, and specialists in the field.
On August 3, sixteen teams will take the stage at the Final Demo Day to pitch the business ideas they’ve been refining throughout the program. If you’re interested in the future of circular economy startups, this is a great chance to see cutting-edge innovation in action.
Looking ahead: applications for the second cohort begin this summer
CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO will launch its second cohort in the summer of 2024. Those considering applying for the second batch are encouraged to attend the Demo Day to learn more about the program.
Participating startups and projects (in no particular order)
| Ryota Namba / EcoLooopers Inc. | Research and development of cellulose nanofiber made from plant-based waste. |
| Yutaro Koyanagi / JOYCLE Co., Ltd. | Compact resource recovery system that enables on-site recycling without transportation or incineration, combined with a data visualization platform. |
| Naoki Abe / Fan Circle Inc. | OEM manufacturing to promote environmentally conscious production in the sports industry. |
| Mayuko Miyagaki & Benoit Mante / HELSINKINOKO | Home mushroom-growing kits using spent coffee grounds. |
| Yoshinari Takahashi / YTRO Design Institute LLC | Building an eco-friendly manufacturing ecosystem through the development of paints made from waste and natural materials. |
| Hiroki Iwasawa / Water and Old House Co. | Developing septic tanks that enhance sludge and detergent decomposition; improving existing purification systems. |
| Mika Yamaoka & Sayuri Yamanashi / Beautiful timeS | Using transition design to guide people toward sustainable food-related decision-making and behavior change. |
| Keiichi Fujishiro & Masami Terada / Oki Circular Design Lab | A fieldwork academy where participants learn about resource circulation through travel experiences. |
| Tomonobu Shigeta / PHI Corporation | Fostering sustainability leaders through environmental education and local resource circulation initiatives. |
| Junya Kubo & Sho Tejima / Heritage Corporation | Operating “CRAFSTO,” a fashion brand focused on sustainable materials and genderless design. |
| Munehiro Honda & Yuta Kimura / Ecofurni (Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.) | Selling and collecting reused office furniture for tenants in commercial buildings. |
| Hiroto Takahashi & Shunsuke Uta / Team FarmBot Cafe (Kajima Corporation) | Promoting “ecosystem buildings” that reintegrate construction into natural cycles. |
| Seiki Fukudome & Tateki Ueno / LiNk LLC | Building a circular ecosystem through digital product ownership and data sharing. |
| Satoshi Kishi & Yuji Hayashi / Naoseru Inc. | Device recovery platform that enables demand-based pricing for broken smartphones. |
| Ayaka Ono / RIPPNIS Co. | Furniture space design service that enhances comfort in living environments. |
| Junji Okawa & Tsuyoshi Kojima / Liberonte Co. | Developing a circular platform that transforms and redefines consumer purchasing experiences. |
Comments from mentors (in no particular order)
Hirokazu Kitahara & Satoshi Nakamura / Archetype Ventures
“Since the program’s kickoff in April 2024, the 16 participating teams have made significant progress in discovering customers and partners, forming alliances, attracting investor interest, and refining their business models. We invite you to experience the future of the circular economy through their final presentations. If you are considering applying for the second cohort, we highly encourage you to join us at the Demo Day!”
Shingo Yoshizumi / CEO, Kaman Inc.
“Over the past four months as a mentor, I’ve been inspired by the creativity of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. While their approaches differed, they shared a common goal: realizing a circular economy. Together with leading partner companies and fellow mentors, I felt the strong momentum for societal transformation taking shape.”
Shogo Minemura / CEO, ZOUKEI-KOUSOU
“Beyond resource circulation in production, sales, consumption, and reuse, I was deeply moved by the circulation of knowledge, community, and human passion embedded in each project.I look forward to seeing how these initiatives will spark meaningful change.”
Join us for the final Demo Day on August 3
We look forward to welcoming even more mentors, advisors, and program partners in the second cohort. If you’re interested in joining the program, don’t miss this chance to attend the final Demo Day on August 3!
Details
Event Time / Date: 1:00 pm- / August 3, 2024
CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO to host final Demo Day for its first cohort ( In Japanese )