Ube Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has decided to take a stake in Regional Fish Institute, Ltd., a startup established based on core technologies developed by Kyoto University and Kindai University, by accepting a third party allocation of shares.

Regional Fish Institute is a startup established based on the results of joint research conducted by Masato Kinoshita, assistant professor of the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University and Keitaro Kato, professor, Fisheries Laboratory, Kindai University. The company aims to develop next-generation aquaculture systems that combine ultra-fast selective breeding of fisheries products and smart land-based aquaculture, through open innovation. This will achieve the following targets that fall under sustainable development goals (SDGs): Resolve the global shortage of protein (Goal 2: Zero Hunger), resuscitate Japan's fisheries industry and create regional industries (Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth), and prevent marine pollution (Goal 14: Life Below Water).

The decision to take a stake in Regional Fish Institute reflects Ube Industries' supportive stance toward the company's efforts to realize sustainable methods of supplying fisheries products by establishing next-generation aquaculture systems. As part of its efforts to create new businesses, Ube Industries will work with Regional Fish Institute to develop technologies to control habitat environments, reduce and utilize waste, and enhance aquaculture water purification efficiency. Such technologies will serve as solutions for water recirculating land-based aquaculture that prevent marine pollution, by making maximum use of design capabilities for organic, inorganic, and polymer materials as well as synthesis technologies and process analysis developed by Ube Industries as a chemical manufacturer.

The UBE Group is aiming to achieve an 80％ reduction of GHG emissions by 2050, as part of its mandate to engage in corporate activities that are in harmony with nature, as outlined in the UBE Group Environmental Vision 2050. Furthermore, the UBE Group is addressing and helping to resolve resource, energy, and global environmental issues, as one of its basic strategies under the Vision UBE 2025--Prime Phase medium-term management plan. This is being achieved through initiatives to further reduce GHG emissions and develop and increase adoption of new technologies and products that help reduce environmental impact.

Company Data: Regional Fish Institute, Ltd.