UPCYCLE Technologies Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Masatsuna Ogi; hereinafter “UPCYCLE Technologies”) received the Excellence Award at the final screening of the “Social X Acceleration for AICHI 2026” program, held in Aichi Prefecture on September 14, 2026.
At the final screening, President and CEO Masatsuna Ogi presented the company’s regional resource circulation model, which utilizes its proprietary catalytic low-temperature carbonization technology to convert organic waste, including food residues and agricultural residues, into biochar.
Following this award, UPCYCLE Technologies will advance to the “Reverse Proposal” program, a public-private co-creation framework for developing new business opportunities, with the aim of bringing demonstration projects with local governments into concrete implementation.
“Social X Acceleration for AICHI” is an acceleration program organized by Aichi Prefecture that aims to achieve both the resolution of social and regional challenges and sustainable business growth. Through public-private co-creation, the program supports the development and social implementation of new businesses that contribute to addressing local challenges.
Following document screening and interviews, UPCYCLE Technologies was selected as one of 10 finalists. The company subsequently explored opportunities for business development and demonstration projects in Aichi Prefecture through workshops, mentoring sessions, and discussions with local governments.
UPCYCLE Technologies is committed to “building infrastructure that transforms waste into resources” and is developing a circular resource model that converts organic waste into biochar using its proprietary catalytic low-temperature carbonization technology.
At the final screening, the company proposed a model in which waste generated within a region is converted into new resources and circulated locally. The model aims to reduce both the costs and environmental impact associated with waste transportation and treatment. Its business potential and social significance were highly evaluated, leading to UPCYCLE Technologies receiving the Excellence Award.
Following this award, UPCYCLE Technologies will pursue co-creation opportunities with local governments through the “Reverse Proposal” framework. Under this initiative, companies identify social challenges they are interested in addressing, while local governments propose projects and ideas aimed at solving those challenges.
Moving forward, UPCYCLE Technologies will define specific “questions” around the social challenges it seeks to address and invite local governments to submit proposals and ideas. Through subsequent dialogue and matching with participating municipalities, the company aims to develop resource circulation projects tailored to local conditions and bring demonstration projects into implementation.
UPCYCLE Technologies will continue working with local governments and regional businesses to advance demonstration projects and commercialization initiatives that address the specific needs of each community, with the goal of bringing its vision of “infrastructure that transforms waste into resources” into practical use across society.
