Climate challenge

solution for Japan

Application deadline is extended until Nov. 15 !!
Oct 31, 18:00(JST)

About

The Climate Tech Challenge 2024 is a matching program for tech startups from all around the world that are addressing the climate crisis.

Its goal is to connect startup’s business with a Japanese corporates and assist you in expanding into Japan, starting in Kobe — a city where nature coexists harmoniously with its surroundings.

The service is organized by Hyogo Prefecture and City of Kobe, operated by 2080Ventures and CommunityLink.

Why Kobe?

Kobe

As one of the first cities that started a Startup Visa program in Japan, Kobe has been selected as a global start-up city by the Japanese government. If your focus is technology and science, Kobe is the place to be!

The city has a joint effort and initiative with private businesses, financial institutions, investors, universities, and public organizations to create a sustainable ecosystem. Learn more about the Kobe Ecosystem.

Benefits

Networking support

Networking support

We listen to your needs and get you connected with local businesses

Matching

1-to-1 matching

Meet our local business partners to grow your business in Japan

Demo day

Travel Expense Support

Support for travel and accommodation expense up to 500,000 JPY

Condition:
- Signing PoC(Proof of Concept)
- With PoC site in Hyogo Prefecture
- First three applicants

Who is this for?

Startups in any stage!

01

Startups that has solution fits the needs of partner corporates.

02

You are thinking of collaborating with Japanese companies

03

Requirements

Attend progress briefing session, if any (online possible).

Timeline

Application Open

01.Oct.2024

(Extended) Application Close

15.Nov2024

31.Oct.2024

Application reviews end

15.Nov.2024


Start Online 1-on-1 with Partner companies

01.Dec.2024

Online or offline 1-on-1 with Partner companies and Networking support.

Attend progress briefing session, if any (online possible).

12.Mar.2025

What we are looking for

  • Technologies that can effectively utilize the captured carbon dioxide.

    In combination with our point source CO2 capture technology, we are looking for efficient methods to store CO2 underground or in the ocean, as well as technologies that can convert CO2 into other substrates.

  • The environmental impact of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) waste is a growing concern. One promising recycling solution is to regenerate CFRP waste into carbon fiber, which can be used same as virgin fiber and reduce CO2 emissions. 

    The key challenge lies in advanced plastic modling technology including thin-wall molding.
    Startups with cutting-edge molding technology are ideal partners for developing this solution.

  • Reducing CO2 emissions from concrete, the largest contributor to CO2 during building construction, is a critical priority.

    While carbon-neutral concrete is already in use, there remains significant potential for improvement in construction methods and manufacturing processes.
    The key challenge lies in enhancing concrete’s functionality while maintaining its durability and strength, alongside developing innovative technologies for CO2 capture and fixation.

  • New energy generation solutions for buildings and cities are essential for the future. Next-generation solar cells with high energy conversion efficiency are needed to meet growing demands.

    Innovations must focus on high efficiency, flexibility, and durability to address challenges such as reducing environmental impact and developing solar panels that generate electricity without relying on rare metals.

  • The development of plant-based, eco-friendly building materials is essential for advancing decarbonized construction.

    Research into plants that absorb and fix CO2, such as algae, mosses, and water plants, alongside innovative technologies, is key to creating high-performance materials.

    Bio-concrete and bioreceptive concrete, which can absorb CO2 and contribute to cooling during building operations, offer a sustainable, low-carbon alternative with exceptional multifunctionality for modern architecture.

  • The construction industry is one of the largest producers of solid waste globally. Embracing the ability to transform waste into valuable resources is crucial—whether by converting wood and timber scraps into biomass for energy or constructing clean, aesthetically pleasing buildings from entirely recycled materials.

    Expanding the use of these practices is essential to significantly reduce the industry’s environmental impact.

  • The need to accurately measure the CO2 absorbed by algae is a significant challenge. Current prediction algorithms lack the precision required for reliable carbon credit generation.

    Innovative solutions that can achieve near-perfect accuracy are crucial, particularly those leveraging advanced technologies such as satellite imagery, underwater monitoring systems, or other cutting-edge tools.

  • The need to identify fast-growing algae is crucial for maximizing CO2 absorption.

    While successful initiatives exist overseas, verifying their effectiveness in the unique conditions of Japanese waters is essential.

    Consideration must also be given to the impact on ocean acidity, the food chain, and the protection of biodiversity, including native species.

  • The need for efficient biogas generation from food waste is becoming increasingly critical.

    By converting food residues from restaurants, shopping malls, and processing plants, energy production can be significantly optimized.

    To address the current volume of approximately 1 ton of food waste per day and comply with legal on-site biogasification requirements, the development of a compact, high-efficiency solution is essential.

    Advanced technology must be capable of processing smaller quantities of food waste more efficiently than existing systems.

  • In regions like the EU and Asia, international electricity trade is well-established.

    To explore a similar mechanism on a smaller scale within apartments or residential communities, verification of energy sharing systems is essential. Japan's well-developed electricity grid, along with widespread solar power use and home storage batteries, makes energy sharing between households highly feasible.

    A simple and efficient system for trading electricity between homes would be ideal for maximizing energy efficiency and sustainability.

  • Both axial gap motors and radial gap motors use electromagnetic steel sheets or iron powder as motor cores.

    Startups that  jointly develop an axial gap motor using motor core with our magnetic fine wire (a core with a bundle of fine wires) are ideal partners.

  • *Different from multi-material design

    Developing high-strength, lightweight, and high-performance cables demands a multi-property design approach to address challenges such as dissimilar material joining and to optimize material selection and placement.

    This methodology enables the creation of advanced cables, like lightweight yet strong wires made from copper, steel, and aluminum, or cables with sensing functions using steel and optical fibers.

    Multi-functional cables that integrate conductors and insulators are also a key outcome of this design process.

  • The development of advanced titanium mesh sintered filters is a crucial step forward.

    These filters must be:- Capable of handling highly corrosive substances;- Technology for multilayer sintering of titanium ultrafine wire mesh;- Developing 20μm diameter strands to improve the filtration function.

  • The demand for advanced monitoring technologies is growing, especially for systems that utilize sensors, image recognition, and wireless networks for remote damage detection.

    These sensors and devices must be embedded in prestressed concrete or steel cables to monitor the structural integrity of bridges, highways, and other infrastructure.

    The latest technology should be applied to assess deterioration, as well as the tension and corrosion conditions of critical components like cables.

Partners

Life-tech Kobe

Hosted by

Hyogo

Japan ecosystem
partner with

Operated by

2080Ventures