Global Brain has invested in Symbiobe Inc., a developer of carbon and nitrogen fixation solutions and biomaterials using photosynthetic organisms

Global Brain has invested in Symbiobe Inc. (Symbiobe), a developer of carbon and nitrogen fixation solutions and biomaterials using photosynthetic organisms, through its Shimadzu Future Innovation Fund L.P. (Shimadzu FIF).

Symbiobe is a startup focused on converting greenhouse gases into usable resources by producing biomaterials through the fixation of carbon and nitrogen using photosynthetic organisms. The company is working to commercialize its “marine purple photosynthetic bacteria culture technology” based on the research of Professor Keiji Numata of Kyoto University.

Various carbon fixation methods have emerged in response to the trend toward decarbonization. Among them, Symbiobe’s approach stands out. Its technology fixes both carbon and nitrogen simultaneously while producing nitrogen-containing biomaterials without relying on environmentally unfriendly industrial methods. Another key feature is that the photosynthetic bacteria can be cultured using seawater, which is abundant on Earth. The nitrogen-rich biomaterials can also be used in various applications, such as organic fertilizers, aquaculture feed, and fibers, to reduce chemical fertilizer use, address raw material shortages for aquaculture feed, and add value to products.

In December 2023, Symbiobe successfully reached full operating scale of a demonstration plant (4,000L) for the cultivation of photosynthetic bacteria. The company has also validated the effectiveness of its biomaterials with its partner companies. With this financing, the company plans to set up a new demonstration plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan to accelerate the early establishment and commercialization of its mass production technology.

Global Brain has decided to invest in Symbiobe, recognizing its high technological capabilities in cultivating photosynthetic organisms and producing biomaterials with high applicability. Global Brain will contribute to the growth of Symbiobe’s business in cooperation with Shimadzu Corporation.