Opening remarks from the organizer
Feb.2-3, 2024 in kobe
The sustainable future of the Earth starts
— from Kobe
Meguru Summit is a global conference in Kobe that brings together stakeholders from startup ecosystems worldwide to exchange innovative ideas on circular economy and sustainability. We aim to connect individuals across organisations, inspiring a sustainable and thriving future on Earth.
Meguru Summit is a global conference in Kobe that brings together stakeholders from startup ecosystems worldwide to exchange innovative ideas on circular economy and sustainability. We aim to connect individuals across organisations, inspiring a sustainable and thriving future on Earth.
Why join?
Timetable
Opening - WELCOME message
13:00-13:055minEnglish
-
Tatsuya Sego
Deputy Director General , Kobe City
Introduction : Outline of the program
13:05-13:105minEnglish
Introduction of the purpose of the Meguru Summit and an overview of its initiatives
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MC / meme
ClimateTech StartupPitch
ClimateTechPitch13:10-13:5545minEnglish
Pitches by 7 overseas startups selected for the Climate Tech Challenge program sponsored by Hyogo Prefecture and Kobe City, which matches overseas startups with domestic companies working to combat climate change
- Each company will give a 3-minute pitch in English.
- After the pitches, a summary commentary will be provided in Japanese.
(*) Real-time translation will be provided by an interpretation tool.
For more information on the Climate Tech Challenge, please visit the website.
https://climatetech-challenge.com/-
Agora Energy Technologies
Canada
Co-founder and CEO
Christina Gyenge, PhD
Agora develops the next generation of energy technologies that repurpose CO2 to deliver clean electricity.
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Bharat Carbon
India
Founder and CEO
Tanish Shewani
https://www.bharatcarbon.earth
A climate tech startup that builds custom & modular technologies to help businesses & governments reach net-zero.
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ChopValue
Manufacturing Ltd.Canada
Japan Interim Representative Director
James Soback
Transforming waste to resource, one chopstick at a time. Manufacturing locally, on a global scale.
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ConcR GmbH
Germany
founder and CEO
Burak Acilan
ConcR delivers real-time IoT monitoring for concrete, reducing construction delays, costs, and validating carbon capture.
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NeoCarbons
Switzerland
Founder and CEO
Jean-Louis Roux Dit Buisson
recycling co2 into high value added chemicals
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uHoo Pte Ltd
Singapore
Co-founder and CEO
Dustin Jefferson S. Onghanseng
uHoo is an environmental data platform for buildings to improve health, decarbonize and enhance ESG.
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Everimpact
France
CEO and Founder
Mathieu Carlier
Everimpact helps cities and industries measure their carbon emissions, identify reduction opportunities and unlock climate finance.
"Climate Tech: opportunities and challenges ahead"
ClimateTechKeynote13:55-14:1015minEnglish
Introduction of HackCapital and Climate Tech trends in the global market from an investment perspective
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Emilie Dellecker
Director at Hack
Emilie is the Director of Hack, the group behind FoodHack, ClimateHack, and the HackSummit.
Hack's mission is fast-tracking climate solutions. Active in more than 50 cities across the globe, FoodHack and ClimateHack meetups connect local ecosystems of founders and investors regularly, all powered by unique insights and the latest from the industry delivered weekly to your inbox. Once a year, Hack connects the global ecosystem at the HackSummit, for two days of deep networking and deal-making in the lakeside city of Lausanne, Switzerland.
Overview of appreciacapital's activities & trends of innovation in Europe, the U.S., and Japan
ClimateTechKeynote14:10-14:3020minJapanese
Mrs. Naganuma of a venture capital fund based in Zurich, Switzerland, which invests in early-stage startups that solve climate change and environmental issues, explains investment activities in Europe and the characteristics and trends of innovation in Europe, the United States and Japan.
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Hidemi Naganuma
General Partner, Apprecia Capital
After graduating from Keio University with a degree in Economics, Hidemi began her career in the M&A and Equity Markets divisions of US and European Investment Banks. She then gained experience in the field of startups and venture capital. Hidemi went on to launch Apprecia Capital, a Swiss-based venture capital fund, investing in cutting-edge sustainability technologies. With a multicultural background that include roots in Japan, an upbringing in Europe, and a US education, she brings a global mindset and vision to startups and corporations.
Summary of Climate-Tech's latest developments and dialogue on future directions
ClimateTechFireside-chat14:30-14:5525minJapaneseEnglish
Emilie Dellecker and Hidemi Naganuma of apprecia capital discuss the latest trends and future of ClimateTech
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Emilie Dellecker
Director at Hack
Emilie is the Director of Hack, the group behind FoodHack, ClimateHack, and the HackSummit. Hack's mission is fast-tracking climate solutions. Active in more than 50 cities across the globe, FoodHack and ClimateHack meetups connect local ecosystems of founders and investors regularly, all powered by unique insights and the latest from the industry delivered weekly to your inbox. Once a year, Hack connects the global ecosystem at the HackSummit, for two days of deep networking and deal-making in the lakeside city of Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Hidemi Naganuma
General Partner, Apprecia Capital
After graduating from Keio University with a degree in Economics, Hidemi began her career in the M&A and Equity Markets divisions of US and European Investment Banks. She then gained experience in the field of startups and venture capital. Hidemi went on to launch Apprecia Capital, a Swiss-based venture capital fund, investing in cutting-edge sustainability technologies. With a multicultural background that include roots in Japan, an upbringing in Europe, and a US education, she brings a global mindset and vision to startups and corporations.
Opening Remarks of The Next Kitchen Section
FoodTechSpeech15:10-15:144minEnglish
Opening remarks from JETRO, co-organizer of "The Next Kitchen" program to support FoodTech startups
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Takuro Nozawa, Director (JETRO Kobe)
What is The Next Kitchen
FoodTechMC15:14-15:173minJapanese
Introduction of an overview of "THE NEXT KITCHEN" program organized by the City of Kobe and JETRO, which matches overseas startups working to solve issues in the area of food with domestic business companies, VC firms, etc.
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Chika Yamamoto
CEO
CROSSBIE GmbH
Chika is an entrepreneur and ecosystem builder based in Berlin. She is the founder of CROSSBIE , which focuses on bridging Japan and the global startup ecosystem. Also, she is an ambassador for AsiaBerlin, a collective platform, powered by the Berlin Senate Department, to bring together startup communities in the world, and Digital Hub Global Ambassador for, Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the economic development agency of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Startup Pitch
FoodTechPitch15:17-16:0750minEnglish
Pitches by 7 overseas startups selected for "The NEXT KITCHEN" program
- Each company will give a 3-minute pitch in English.
- After the pitches, a summary commentary will be provided in Japanese.
(*) Real-time translation will be provided by an interpretation tool.
For more information on the Climate Tech Challenge, please visit the website.
https://www.nextkitchen-kobe.com/-
Be Better My Friend
Netherlands
Joost Lindeman. Co-founder and director
Marike van Beurden. Co-founder and creative director
To make animal-free alternatives widely available to consumers by producing vegan butter suitable for confectionery and baking.
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Bluana Foods
Romania
CEO
Florin Irimescu
Conserving marine resources by producing sashimi based on rice protein and plant-based ingredients.
Upcycling technologies, such as making cups from coffee grounds, to develop innovative solutions for a circular economy. -
Grounded
Denmark
Co-founder
Tinus Byrgesen
Plant-based alternative fish production using soybeans and peas to combat climate change and conserve marine resources.
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Formo Bio
Germany
CEO
Raffael Wohlgensinger
Aim to reduce the environmental impact of dairy farming through the development of non-animal cheese using microbial culture technology.
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Forsea Foods
Israel
Business Development Manager
Mayu Sugisaki
Mayu holds a solid scientific background, graduating from Hokkaido University's Faculty of Agriculture and earning a Master's in cell biology from the University of Tokyo. With a pivotal start in the shojinmeat project in 2017, she has consistently led innovative life science technologies. Currently a business development manager at Forsea Foods, she spearheads advancements in cell-cultured eel and seafood, playing a key role in the future of food technology.
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Sydecas
Japan
Representative Director, Sydecas Inc.
Masahiro Yoritama
https://ninjafoods.jp/pages/ninjafoods-for-overseas
Committed to "making all food free" with Ninja Paste, a proprietary plant-based binder, as the core technology.
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PEEL lab
Japan
Business Manager
Alyssa Yamashita
To contribute to the natural environment and society by providing design and manufacturing services centered on apple leather made from pineapple leaves.
Keynote : Current cutting edge food-tech in Europe
FoodTechKeynote16:07 - 16:2215minEnglish
ProVeg, a Berlin-based incubator for FoodTech startups, will give an overview of the latest trends in FoodTech in Europe.
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Albrecht Wolfmeyer
International Director
ProVeg Incubator
Albrecht Wolfmeyer is the Director at ProVeg Incubator, one of the leading international food tech accelerators, with an alumni community of 100+ startups, 100+ mentors and numerous food industry, investment, distribution and science partners. He has 20+ years of experience in international profit and non-profit organizations, as entrepreneur, startup advisor and investor, marketing and communications expert as well as journalist. He is a mentor, juror and speaker at numerous international food-tech, investment and startup programs, competitions and events.
PANEL : FoodTech - why are they important and being invested now?
FoodTechPanel16:22-16:5528minEnglish
CROSSBIE, a Berlin/Tokyo-based company that manages the "THE NEXT KITCHEN" program, ProVeg, a Berlin-based incubator that supports FoodTech startups, and Food Lab, a European VC that invests in startup companies in the food and sustainability sectors will discuss the latest FoodTech situation and future prospects.
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Albrecht Wolfmeyer
International Director
ProVeg Incubator
Albrecht Wolfmeyer is the Director at ProVeg Incubator, one of the leading international food tech accelerators, with an alumni community of 100+ startups, 100+ mentors and numerous food industry, investment, distribution and science partners. He has 20+ years of experience in international profit and non-profit organizations, as entrepreneur, startup advisor and investor, marketing and communications expert as well as journalist. He is a mentor, juror and speaker at numerous international food-tech, investment and startup programs, competitions and events.
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Nicolaus Norden
Investment Analyst
FoodLabs
Nico is part of the investment team at FoodLabs, a Berlin-based early-stage venture capital fund focused on food and climate technology. In addition to investing in foodtech/biotech companies, Nico works closely with portfolio companies in molecular farming and fermentation as well as alternative packaging players. He holds an MSc in Big Data & Business Analytics and a BSc in International Business Administration.
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Chika Yamamoto
CEO
CROSSBIE GmbH
Chika is an entrepreneur and ecosystem builder based in Berlin. She is the founder of CROSSBIE , which focuses on bridging Japan and the global startup ecosystem. Also, she is an ambassador for AsiaBerlin, a collective platform, powered by the Berlin Senate Department, to bring together startup communities in the world, and Digital Hub Global Ambassador for, Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the economic development agency of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Closing Remarks
Speech16:55-17:005minEnglish
Closing Remarks
Networking
17:00-18:3090min
KIITO Hall / Gallery A
13:00-18:30
Opening Act - Jazz
Performance12:45-13:0015minJapanese
Jazz performance by Kobe University "Mussoc Jazz Orchestra”
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KOBE Mussoc Jazz Orchestra
Jazz, Popular music club, Kobe University
Hi, we are members of the Kobe University Popular Music Club, part of the Big Band known as KOBE Mussoc Jazz Orchestra. We exclusively perform numbers from the repertoire of the legendary Thad Jones and Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra during their time in New York, as well as their successor band, the 'Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (VJO). Please enjoy the distinctive modern and stylish sound that is unique to the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis legacy!
Opening - WELCOME message
Speech13:00-13:1010minJapanese
Opening remarks from the organizer
Introduction
MC13:10-13:155minJapanese
Introduction to Meguru Summit Day 2 & SDGs CHALLENGE program
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MC / meme
Startup Pitch PART-1
SDGs ChallengePitch13:15-14:0550minJapanese
Pitches by 17 companies selected for the "SDGs CHALLENGE" program sponsored by Hyogo Prefecture and Kobe City, which supports domestic entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises
(Part 1: 6 companies, 3-minute pitch for each team)
For details of the SDGs CHALLENGE Program, please visit the website.
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UNITED SILK Co.,Ltd.
COO
Takanori Kiyotani
Edible silk produced by smart sericulture system for Solving food shortages and food loss.
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Sewing Takeuchi Co.,Ltd
President
Yuji Takeuchi
https://www.sewing-takeuchi.co.jp
We work towards dyeing with food residues and reutilizing discarded materials, focusing on the production of kitchen products made from organic cotton and Banshu Ori.
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DIIIG Co., Ltd.
CEO
Hiroshi Akikuni
Turn your outings into the best entertainment. We provide connected tourism Digital Transformation services and invigorating morning activity apps.
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spicecube.inc
CEO
Tsubasa Sugai
To promote the adoption of indoor, small-scale hydroponic farming and work towards realizing a locally sourced, locally consumed economy, and the development of plant factories.
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Maison KasuYa
CEO
Natsuki Hisakawa
We aim to redefine what gets discarded and what gets preserved by identifying valuable materials among those previously discarded during the manufacturing and processing stages and repurposing them as resources.
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Jikantechno.inc
President
Takahiro Kinoshita
Produce botanical silica and biomass graphene using agricultural residues as raw materials.
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i Labo Corporation
Executive Officer Sales and Marketing Officer
Hisanori Komatsu
We aim to achieve an early decarbonized society by utilizing hydrogenation technology for fossil fuel engines.
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invox Co.,Ltd.
President
Akira Yokoi
We aim to measure and visualize the amount of GHG emissions generated from billing and transaction data in our clients' business operations.
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HANSHINKIKI Co.,LTD
Director
Kou Katsuyoshi
We produce industrial equipments. We are entering the hydrogen market by harnessing the strength of our system control techniques.
Pitch by young entrepreneurs
Pitch14:15-14:4025minJapanese
Business presentations by young students who will lead the next generation (3 teams, each with a 5-minute pitch)
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Sox group, STEAM specialized class, Hyogo prefectural Kakogawa Higashi High School
Masami Okada, Yuno Notsu
In our special lecture, 'Working Together with Kakogawa City to Realize Policy Ideas,' we are actively working towards the promotion and popularization of the local industry of Kakogawa, namely the sock industry. We believe that the widespread adoption of Kakogawa socks not only brings economic benefits but also contributes to the improvement of citizens' well-being indices. To promote this initiative, we have presented at the SDGs Forum and organized a mascot character contest.
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Department of Social Entrepreneurship, School of Human Welfare, Kwansei Gakuin University
Yui Kosuga
Bestieat Inc.
Our business initiative involving the repackaging of surplus bread from bakeries in Kobe, scheduled for disposal after business hours, into assortments for multiple stores. This rebranding effort transforms it into a 'Kobe Bread Treasure Chest,' redistributing it through secondary channels to meet demand in strategic locations and time frames.
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HIM team, entrepreneurship club, Kobe University
Hidemasa Takahashi
We aim to address the challenge of high prices for hydrogen produced through environmentally friendly methods. Leveraging the characteristics of termites, we propose a hydrogen production method. Termites are known to generate hydrogen from the microorganisms in their guts during the decomposition of wood. By combining termite farming techniques with hydrogen production efficiency enhancement technologies, we strive to realize this unique capability. Through this initiative, we contribute to the 'full-fledged arrival of a hydrogen society,' 'improvement of energy self-sufficiency,' and 'revitalization of Japan's forestry industry.
Startup Pitch PART-2
SDGs ChallengePitch14:45-15:3045minJapanese
Pitches by 17 companies selected for the SDGs CHALLENGE program (Part 3: 8 companies, 3-minute pitch for each team)
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Novelgen Co.,Ltd.
President and CEO
Atsushi Ogura
We aim to achieve carbon neutrality and water neutrality with microalgae.
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Marche KANON
Representative
Toge Hikari
https://marche-kanon.square.site
We develop reusable menstrual cups and absorbent sanitary shorts, aiming to promote economically and environmentally friendly menstrual products for women.
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suma universal beach project
CEO
Shunsuke Kido
https://sumauniversalbeach.com
universal Design Perspective for the Outdoors, Toward a Society that Can Challenge itself with Barrier-Free Minds.
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Groofy Inc.
CEO
Ryotaro Isaki
We create a dedicated community that connects skateboarders from around the world and aim to foster opportunities for local interactions.
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TechThinker Inc.
CEO
Hung Weihao
We aim to promote a decarbonized society through the visualization of CO2 emissions and support for carbon offset.
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SAND DESIGN
Representative
Anna Sunada
https://land-jewelry.studio.site
A jewelry brand utilizing recycled materials and offcuts. Offering high-quality items through environmentally friendly production processes.
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at FOREST Inc.
CEO
Yuki Koike
With Circular Burial "RETURN TO NATURE", not a grave, but a rich forest for the next generation.
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SOLIT, Inc.
Founder and CEO
Misaki Tanaka
Fashion service and design development using Eastern philosophy-based inclusive design solution company
Closing Remarks
MC15:30-15:355minJapanese
Closing Remarks
Networking
Networking15:35-16:3055minJapanese
KIITO Hall / Gallery A
13:00-15:30
*Tap each program to get more details.
*NOTICE: Photos and videos taken at the event might be used for future PR activities.
*Program can be changed.
Floor map
KIITO Hall：StartupPitch ＆ Kyenote＆Panel
Gallery A：Exhibitation & Networking
News
- 01.11.2024Timetable released!
- 12.19.2023Web site released and participants is now open!
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Global ecosystem
partner with
Supported by
Operated by
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Design Creative Center Kobe (KIITO)
1-4 Onohamacho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo,651-0082,Japan