October 22, 2026
Selected for JETRO’s "J-StarX UK Impact Accelerator Programme" and the UK Course of Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s "X-HUB TOKYO"
― Expanding the results of the MAFF SBIR Phase 3 project into the UK and European markets ―
Novelgen Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture; Representative Director: Atsushi Ogura; hereinafter "Novelgen") has been selected for two programmes that support overseas expansion into the UK. One is the "J-StarX UK Impact Accelerator Programme" of the Japan External Trade Organization (hereinafter "JETRO"), an independent administrative agency. The other is the UK course of the "X-HUB TOKYO" OUTBOUND PROGRAM, hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and operated by JETRO.
Under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) SME Innovation Promotion Program (SBIR Phase 3) (hereinafter the "SBIR Phase 3 project"), Novelgen has developed Bloomo®, a microalgae culture system, and is advancing its use in bivalve aquaculture and water treatment. Through both programmes, Novelgen will bring these results to the UK and European markets.
■ Background and purpose of the selection
In the SBIR Phase 3 project, we are developing technology to stably produce microalgae, which serve as feed for raising bivalves such as oysters. Bloomo® is already operating in demonstration in Hiroshima Prefecture. In addition to producing feed, Bloomo® can also be used for water treatment. As microalgae grow, they take up nitrogen and phosphorus from the water. Using this property, it is possible to purify wastewater from aquaculture and other sources while obtaining algal biomass that can be used as feed and as a resource.
Europe is a region with high bivalve production. In this region, securing a stable feed supply, preserving water quality in aquaculture areas and in wastewater, and CO₂ fixation are shared challenges. Through mentoring by a UK venture capital firm and a research institute of the University of Cambridge, and through on-site programmes in the UK, Novelgen will work on the following three points.
▶︎ Building relationships with aquaculture operators, water-treatment-related businesses, research institutions and investors in the UK and Europe
▶︎ Developing a market entry strategy tailored to local regulations and market needs
▶︎ Creating concrete projects that lead to demonstrations and collaborations
■ About the J-StarX UK Impact Accelerator Programme
This is one course of "J-StarX", an entrepreneur development programme run by JETRO, and is aimed at startups in the impact sector seeking to expand into Europe. In partnership with Bethnal Green Ventures, a UK venture capital firm, it supports the development of market entry strategies for the UK and European markets and the building of local networks useful for fundraising and sales channel development.
The programme has two stages. A kickoff was held in Tokyo in late October 2026, and the domestic programme (Phase 1) runs through November. Companies further selected from among the Phase 1 participants will proceed in March 2027 to Phase 2, which includes travel to the UK.
■ About the X-HUB TOKYO OUTBOUND PROGRAM UK course
This is an overseas expansion support programme hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and operated by JETRO. In cooperation with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), the UK course supports companies in reviewing their business strategies for opening up European markets with sustainability at the core, and in building networks with UK stakeholders. In-person sessions were held at the JETRO headquarters (Tokyo) on 15 and 16 October 2026, followed by individual mentoring and group sessions online through February 2027. On-site programmes (5 business days each) are scheduled to take place in Cambridge and London, UK, from 25 January to 5 February 2027.
■ About Bloomo®
Bloomo® is Novelgen's proprietary photobioreactor (a device that cultures algae using light) that continuously cultures microalgae at high density. Its main applications are feed production for bivalve aquaculture, short-term fattening of oysters, water treatment such as wastewater treatment, and CO₂ fixation. As of 2026, it is operating in demonstration in Hiroshima Prefecture.
■ About Novelgen Co., Ltd.
Novelgen is a deep-tech startup originating from the Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology. Centered on microalgae culture technology, it works to solve challenges in the aquatic industry and the environment.
Company name: Novelgen Co., Ltd.
Address: 1281-8-15 Tamura-cho, Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture
Representative: Atsushi Ogura, Representative Director
Established: 15 October 2019
Capital: ¥20 million
URL: リンク
【Contact】
Novelgen Co., Ltd.
Public Relations, Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture