ISSUE
The modern economic system continues to generate ocean debris.
An entire truck load of ocean debris is produced throughout the world every minute. Plastic, which comprises the majority of ocean debris, is a particularly cheap and convenient material used in many applications such as packaging, but it remains drifting in the ocean almost indefinitely because it does not easily degrade. In order to stop increase of ocean debris and leave blue seas and beautiful beaches for future generations, Every individuals need to change their behavior and awareness. Meanwhile, there is still a long road ahead of us before the current economic system can achieve a reduction in ocean debris while maintaining business with economic growth - based on the production, consumption, and disposal of goods.
J. R. Jambeck et al., Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347, 768-771 (2015).
OUR APPROACH
We will create businesses that can reduce marine waste by
bringing together a technology-intensive, multidisciplinary team
("hyper-interdisciplinary team") to give birth to novel ideas.
In 2019, the Nippon Foundation, JASTO, and Leave a Nest launched Project IKKAKU,
a project to create a ripple of realization of businesses that reduce marine waste.
Over the next three years, the project promoted the development and commercialization of
innovative technologies
through the collaboration of teams of very different fields, including venture companies with
new technologies and unconventional ideas,
as well as academic institutions, town factories, large companies, and small and medium-sized
enterprises.
In addition to R&D expenses totaling 150 million yen,
the selected teams were provided with multifaceted support for commercialization and partner
acquisition.
Then, from 2022, the teams will begin in earnest to fulfill their goal of making businesses out
of marine litter reduction.
8 Services were Created
Through Project IKKAKU, 8 services have been created to reduce marine debris.
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Wide-area Litter Visualization System Using Satellite Images
Amanogi, Corp.
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Beach litter analysis service by drone
ACSL Ltd. / Ridge-i Inc.
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UMIMIRU: Beach Watching Application Using Fixed-point Observation Devices
know Inc.
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Converting marine debris into alternative fuels Autonomous decentralized energy systems
Sustainable Energy Inc.
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Microalgae-based Microplastic Removal Water Purification System
Novelgen Co.,Ltd.
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Oyster Pipe Waste and Artificial Turf Waste Collection and Recycling Service
Pirika, Inc.
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CNT production system derived from marine plastic waste
Future Earth Lab. Co., Ltd
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SDGs Learning Program through Beach Cleanup
MANATII Inc.
Selected Teams
8 "hyper-interdisciplinary" teams were created from 62 entries,
from which a final 3 teams were selected!
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TEAM01
Establishment of a satellite/drone-based litter drift diagnostic system
Debris Watchers
The team aims to implement long-term and comprehensive observation of litter drift in coastal areas using satellites, drones, and fixed-point observation equipment. We will also develop a marine litter diagnostic system capable of detailed analysis to achieve efficient litter recovery and litter drift forecasting. -
TEAM02
Development of an autonomous decentralized waste management system
Eco Trinity
This team aims to develop an autonomous decentralized waste treatment system that does not require sorting. The system will combine subcritical water treatment, carbonization, and biological treatment for conversion to pellet-type fuels, or biogas through methane gas fermentation. -
TEAM03
Development of "memorable" products made from recycled marine plastic waste
Material circulator
The team involves local Okinawan people and tourists in marine litter pickup activities, and convert the collected litter into recyclable resources. Utilizing these resources, we deliver products to consumers that leave a lasting impression in their hearts.
