CO2 Resources Institute

CO2 Resources Institute Inc. (UCDI) is a Japanese biotechnology firm established in August 2015 by Dr. Hideaki Yukawa. A University of Tokyo-born venture, the company focuses on commercializing technology that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable resources, addressing both food security and global warming.

The company's core technology revolves around the proprietary "UCDI Hydrogen Bacteria," a microbe discovered in 1976 by University of Tokyo Professor Emeritus Dr. Toru Kodama, who now serves as a senior advisor. This bacteria utilizes hydrogen as an energy source to grow by consuming CO2, converting it into organic compounds with remarkable efficiency. Dr. Yukawa, the CEO and CSO, brings decades of experience in molecular biology and microbial utilization from his time at Mitsubishi Chemical and the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE), where he was a key figure in developing advanced bioprocesses.

UCDI's business model is centered on leveraging this unique microbial platform to develop and commercialize a range of products through joint research and development with partner companies. Its product pipeline includes: • UCDI PROTEIN: A sustainable, non-livestock-dependent animal protein for human consumption. • UCDI FEED: An animal protein substitute for aquafeed and livestock feed, aimed at protecting global fishery resources. • UCDI PLASTIC: Technology to create 100% petroleum-free plastic materials. • UCDI FUEL: A third-generation biofuel production technology that does not rely on grain or other food resources, with a focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The company has achieved significant milestones, including securing multiple patents for creating substances like ethanol, alanine, lactic acid, and valine from CO2. In May 2024, UCDI announced it had raised approximately 2.8 billion JPY through a third-party allotment and government grants to establish pilot-scale production of its alternative protein and accelerate research. UCDI operates from its headquarters and research institute in Daiba, Tokyo, and actively collaborates with major corporations such as FujiFilm and Taiyo Oil to advance its technology.

Keywords: CO2 utilization, carbon capture, hydrogen bacteria, alternative protein, sustainable aviation fuel, aquafeed, bioplastics, biotechnology, microbial fermentation, synthetic biology, cleantech, decarbonization, circular economy, industrial biotechnology, Hideaki Yukawa, University of Tokyo spin-off, GX, green transformation, CO2-derived chemicals, biomanufacturing