UPCYCLE Technologies Inc. (Representative Director and CEO: Masatsuna Ogi; hereinafter referred to as “the Company”) has been selected as a finalist for LEVEL UP STAGE 2026, a business competition designed to support the growth of promising entrepreneurial ventures.
The Company is working toward the commercialization of its proprietary catalytic low-temperature carbonization technology, which converts organic waste, including food waste and agricultural residues, into valuable resources. This finalist selection provides an opportunity to further refine our business model and accelerate efforts toward practical implementation.
About LEVEL UP STAGE 2026
LEVEL UP STAGE is a business competition designed to support entrepreneurs addressing social and regional challenges through innovative business initiatives.
In 2026, the competition received 188 applications, from which 27 semifinalists were selected following the initial screening. During the second selection stage, participants took part in the “Level Up Program,” which included individual mentoring sessions to refine their business plans. Following the subsequent evaluation process, UPCYCLE Technologies was selected as a finalist.
Beyond providing a platform for business presentations, the competition aims to foster connections with companies and support organizations, helping entrepreneurs accelerate business growth and bring their solutions into practical use.
Our Business Model and Demonstration Projects
The catalytic low-temperature carbonization system under development by UPCYCLE Technologies processes organic waste at approximately 130°C, enabling both waste volume reduction and resource recovery.
By converting food waste and other organic residues into reusable resources at or near their point of generation, the Company aims to reduce waste transportation and treatment costs while minimizing environmental impact. We are also developing a business model that combines equipment rental and sales with the utilization of semi-carbonized materials for applications such as fuel and agricultural materials.
The Company is advancing technology validation and commercialization through demonstration initiatives in Japan and overseas. These include a public-private collaboration project in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture, equipment performance evaluations in Niigata Prefecture, and demonstration activities involving coffee residues in Malaysia.
Future Outlook
Building on this finalist selection, UPCYCLE Technologies will strengthen collaboration with companies and support organizations while accelerating the commercialization of its carbonization systems and the practical implementation of decentralized resource circulation models.
Guided by our mission of “Building Infrastructure that Transforms Waste into Resources,” we will continue working toward a circular economy that combines reduced environmental impact with the creation of new economic value.
