Plastalyst technology, earned this recognition at the event held on November 26-27, 2025, in Frankfurt at the 2025 Impact Festival.

Impact Festival

Europe’s largest B2B event for sustainable innovation, the Impact Festival connects startups, corporates, investors, and experts via keynotes, masterclasses, exhibitions, and networking at Messe Frankfurt. The 2025 edition featured over 4,000 attendees and highlighted themes like circular economy, energy efficiency, and biodiversity, hosting the ISC3 Investor Forum and award ceremony.​

Background on ISC3 and DECHEMA

The International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3), operated by DECHEMA e.V.—a leading European society for chemical engineering and biotechnology—supports global innovators in sustainable chemistry through challenges, investor forums, and hubs. ISC3’s annual Innovation Challenge spotlights scalable solutions addressing climate change, with the 2025 edition focusing on emissions reduction across industries.

​Read the full press release here:

https://isc3.org/page/sustainable-chemistry-start-ups-shine-at-impact-festival

The other solutions are also remarkable:

CLIMASEL (Azerbaijan)

CLIMASEL develops bio-based phase-change material panels that absorb heat during the day and release it at night, helping regulate indoor temperatures and reduce cooling energy use.

ClimEtSan-OnTheGround GmbH (Germany)

ClimEtSan-OnTheGround implements circular climate projects that integrate clean cooking, eco-sanitation, and biochar fertilizer production, while enabling carbon offsetting (emission compensation through external projects) or insetting (emission reduction within a company’s own supply chain) for global companies.

ETB Global B.V. (Netherlands)

ETB developed a process to produce bio-butadiene, a key building block for plastics, rubber and other chemicals compositions, with high conversion and selectivity from bioethanol.

Palki Motors Limited (Bangladesh)

Palki Motors designs and manufactures long-range electric cars featuring innovative fast battery swap technology to offer affordable, sustainable urban mobility in Bangladesh.

Power2Polymers (Germany)

Power2Polymers develops cost-effective, more sustainable high-performance polymers by integrating a novel building block (POM), cutting carbon footprints by up to 40%.

Spark e-Fuels GmbH (Germany)

Spark e-Fuels produces renewable, carbon-neutral synthetic fuels using renewable electricity and CO₂ to accelerate the defossilisation of aviation.

Theseus Development (Ghana)

Theseus Development produces geopolymer based concrete, delivering low carbon and high performance building materials for affordable and resilient housing.

VerdiSol (United Arab Emirates)

VerdiSol transforms agri-food waste into nanofibers to boost soil health, water retention, and sustainable farming in arid regions.

Virgin Green Renewable Energy Limited (Zambia)

Virgin Green converts biomass waste into charcoal briquettes, improved cook stoves, and wood vinegar, empowering local women entrepreneurs while reducing CO₂ emissions and deforestation.

AC Biode has been featured by JStories, a solutions-focused media platform highlighting Japanese innovation, which is a great recognition of the company’s vision and international footprint.

JStories recently published an article about AC Biode, describing how the Japan–Luxembourg startup is developing an innovative AC battery technology and positioning itself as a truly global company, with headquarters in Luxembourg and R&D operations in Japan.​
The piece emphasizes how AC Biode’s founders split their roles across regions—Japan for talent and technology development, Europe for market access and EU funding—showing the company’s commitment to sustainable, international growth.

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What JStories is

JStories is a multilingual, solutions-focused news service that covers Japanese innovations, startups, and ecosystem stories, with an emphasis on how they address social and environmental challenges at home and globally.​
The platform publishes articles, features, and interviews in multiple languages (including English, Japanese, and Chinese), aiming to connect Japanese and Japan-related innovators—like AC Biode—with an international audience of investors, partners, and readers interested in positive, impact-driven stories.

Read the full article here: https://jstories.media/article/japan-luxembourg-startup-ac-battery

[New York, November 11, 2025] — AC Biode proudly announces its recognition as the first-place winner in the Electronics category of the highly prestigious 2025 Create the Future Design Contest. This global competition, sponsored by Mouser Electronics, Intel, Analog Devices, COMSOL, and presented by SAE Media Group alongside Tech Briefs magazine, celebrates engineering innovations that enhance humanity and offer sustainable solutions worldwide.

The 2025 contest, held on November 7 in New York City, attracted groundbreaking design submissions from engineers and innovators across over 100 countries. After rigorous judging through multiple rounds, AC Biode’s innovative entry stood out among seven category finalists, exemplifying breakthrough technology in electronics.

The Electronics category honors cutting-edge developments in electronic design, a field that is witnessing unprecedented advances thanks to visionary engineers. AC Biode’s winning solution was selected based on criteria including originality, technical merit, and potential impact. The Create the Future Design Contest has a 23-year legacy of recognizing innovations that shape industries such as aerospace, medical, manufacturing, and energy.

You are probably wondering: “How come that a chemical recycling technology wins a prize in electronics?”

Considering that e-scrap is one of the most difficult-to-recycle types of waste.

For several customers, we have decomposed the organic fraction, leaving only the metals behind as solids. This has been done before, but Plastalyst can do it cheaper, faster and with lower energy usage. In fact, decomposition temperatures of 200°C leave the metals in a pristine state to be reused in a circular economy.

Kevin Hess, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Mouser Electronics, stated, “We proudly support visionary innovators worldwide and congratulate AC Biode for their outstanding achievement. The exciting new technologies from this competition reaffirm the power of engineering to solve society’s greatest challenges.”

AC Biode looks forward to continuing its mission to develop revolutionary electronic technologies that contribute to sustainable, high-performance solutions for the global market.

For more details on the contest, please visit: https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/54185-showcasing-tomorrows-breakthroughs-innovations-at-the-2025-create-the-future-design-contest

AC Biode’s Role in Ukraine’s Circular Economy

• Breakthrough at low temperature: Plastalyst enables polymer decomposition into chemicals at or below 200°C, a regime significantly milder than many traditional recycling methods. This enables energy-efficient processing and expands the range of plastics that can be chemically recycled.
• Broad plastic compatibility: Plastalyst targets a wide spectrum of polymers, including challenging multilayer and deteriorated plastics, which are often considered unrecyclable by conventional means. This expands the potential feedstock pool and enhances circularity.
• ​Towards a closed loop: By turning plastics back into monomers or high-value intermediates, Plastalyst supports the creation of a true circular economy where end-of-life plastics re-enter production streams rather than accumulating as waste.

What the Tech4Good Spotlight Covers

• Recycled feedstocks for rebuilding: The Tech4Good feature highlights how our recycling technologies offer local, reliable feedstocks for manufacturing and construction in Ukraine, contributing to economic resilience and supply security during recovery efforts.

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Read the full press release by Kostiantyn Tupikov here: https://itkey.media/tech4good-spotlight-ac-biodes-plastalyst-supports-ukraines-circular-economy/

AC Biode, a leading cleantech company specializing in innovative chemical recycling technologies and sustainable energy solutions, is honored to have participated in the 「日・ウクライナ経済復興推進フォーラム」 (Japan-Ukraine Economic Reconstruction Promotion Forum) held on August 4, 2025, in Tokyo.

Organized by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), JETRO, and Ukrainian government ministries, the forum brought together key government officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders from both Japan and Ukraine to discuss and promote concrete cooperation in the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. AC Biode was privileged to join this important gathering alongside distinguished dignitaries including Japan’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, the first Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and other senior officials.

Why is AC Biode joining this ceremony?

AC Biode took part in similar signing ceremonies last year in Tokyo and Berlin. This led to a pilot project that was conducted in December 2024. Due to the difficult situation in Ukraine it was conducted close to the Ukrainian border in Poland.

Participating in this year´s forum enabled us to present our cutting-edge chemical technology solutions, including our advanced catalysts for chemical recycling and efficient AC battery systems, which align with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and contribute to environmentally friendly industrial practices. Our expertise in turning waste into valuable resources and deploying eco-innovations positions us well to support Ukraine’s reconstruction with sustainable and circular economy solutions.

We applaud the joint statement by METI, UNIDO, and Ukrainian ministries, reflecting a strong collaboration framework to accelerate infrastructure modernization, sustainable agriculture, IT development, and environmental projects in Ukraine. AC Biode looks forward to exploring opportunities for partnership and contributing to Japan and Ukraine’s shared vision of resilient economic growth and environmental stewardship.

AC Biode remains optimistic about the situation in the Ukraine. We aim to fight corruption and inspire investment by deploying world-class technology for a sustainable future. Japan’s proactive role in fostering international cooperation is setting an example for sustainable development and aid. We believe these efforts will not only aid Ukraine’s recovery but also advance global climate action and sustainable industrial innovation.

For more information please visit: https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2025/08/20250806001/20250806001.html

A reporter from Yomiuri Shimbun visited the AC Biode lab in Kyoto to interview the CEO, Tadashi Kubo about the power of innovation to drive positive change — even in the most challenging times. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, we apply our world-class technology to support the country’s economic recovery and sustainable future once peace is restored.

He explains: “When AC Biode was founded in 2019, one of our early ambitions was to collaborate on projects utilizing Ukraine’s abundant agricultural residues. Unfortunately, the Russian military invasion halted these plans just as contracts were about to be finalized.”

Despite the uncertainty, Mr. Kubo and the team remain hopeful. The newspaper article explains that we continue to monitor the evolving peace negotiations closely, including recent high-level talks in Turkey and diplomatic engagements involving international leaders. We believe that peace will eventually come, and when it does, AC Biode is prepared to contribute meaningfully to Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Recovery

Our novel technology, Plastalyst, uses chemical catalysts to recycle plastic waste at low temperatures — around 200°C — significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. This expertise in sustainable chemical processes is directly applicable to Ukraine’s needs.

In February 2024, AC Biode joined the Japan-Ukraine Economic Reconstruction Promotion Council as one of the Japanese companies committed to supporting Ukraine’s recovery. We signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food focused on two key initiatives using technologies that are already developed:

• Agricultural Waste Recycling: Ukraine aims to decentralize its power supply for enhanced security, moving away from reliance on large power plants. Our technology can convert the vast amounts of agricultural residues into renewable energy, supporting distributed power generation and contributing to energy resilience.
• Instant Houses for Temporary Housing: Developed by Professor Keisuke Kitagawa of Nagoya Institute of Technology, these “instant houses” offer better insulation than tents and can be assembled within hours. They provide a quicker, more affordable alternative to traditional temporary housing — ideal for displaced farmers facing long commutes due to damaged homes and farmland. Once no longer needed, the houses’ materials can be chemically recycled into energy, closing the sustainability loop.

A Global, Diverse Team Ready to Act

AC Biode’s strength lies not only in technology but also in our international, multidisciplinary team. Founded by Kubo and CTO Atsushi Mizusawa — a former Kyoto University researcher — the company has offices in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Luxembourg. Our 30-strong team includes professionals from Germany, India, Indonesia, and beyond, reflecting our global outlook and collaborative spirit.

Looking Ahead

While the path to peace remains complex, we are confident that renewed diplomatic efforts signal a turning point. Kubo emphasizes, “We are ready to begin discussions immediately if requested by the Ukrainian government, not only in agriculture but also in energy and environmental sectors.”

At AC Biode, we are committed to leveraging our innovative technologies and global expertise to support Ukraine’s sustainable reconstruction and to help build a resilient, greener future.

Read the full article in Japanese here:

https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/kyoto/news/20250522-OYTNT50208/

AC Biode Honored as Winner of TIB PITCH Global 2025, Showcasing Breakthrough Chemical Recycling Technology in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – AC Biode, a pioneering chemical technology company with roots in Japan and Luxembourg, proudly announces its victory at the TIB PITCH Global 2025 event, held at the Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) in Marunouchi. The company’s innovative approach to plastic waste recycling, through its award-winning chemical recycling technology Plastalyst, was recognized as the standout solution among five promising startups competing on the international stage.

At the event, AC Biode’s CEO, Tadashi Kubo, presented the company’s vision of fostering a circular economy by efficiently breaking down plastics into reusable materials. Plastalyst’s cutting-edge technology enables affordable and scalable chemical recycling, transforming plastic waste into valuable feedstocks for sustainable manufacturing. This breakthrough aligns with global efforts to combat plastic pollution and reduce carbon footprints in the materials industry.

The TIB PITCH Global 2025, conducted in English for the first time, gathered startups innovating in environmental sustainability, medical advancement, and AI. AC Biode’s win secures the company an exhibition booth at the upcoming SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 conference, scheduled for May 8–10, where it will showcase its technology to a global audience of industry leaders, investors, and policymakers.

“We are honored to be recognized at TIB PITCH Global and excited to contribute to Tokyo’s vision of becoming the world’s most startup-friendly city,” said Tadashi Kubo, CEO of AC Biode. “Our Plastalyst technology represents a vital step toward closing the loop on plastic waste, enabling industries to embrace sustainability without compromising economic viability.”

SusHi Tech Tokyo is one of the largest sustainable technology conference in the region, featuring over 500 startups, 5,000 business meetings, and 50,000 visitors. With support from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and global partners, the event aims to accelerate innovation addressing urban and environmental challenges worldwide.

TIB is one of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s latest investments in its burgeoning startup ecosystem. Located in Marunouchi, the business center of the city, TIB acts as an intersection for global innovation. Part of Tokyo’s aspirations to become “the world’s most startup friendly location,” TIB provides space and support for innovators who can make use of the facility’s many amenities. Along with open workspaces, members can also access technology such as the latest 3D printers, as well as studio space. There are also programs for young entrepreneurs and students, a One Stop Support service with English language support, and numerous events such as the recently held TIB PITCH Global.

Do you want to learn more?

Read the full press release here: https://www.tokyoupdates.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/post-1494/

AC Biode was selected under the theme “Developing new products to achieve decarbonization and a circular economy!” use a precious-metal-free catalyst operable at low temperatures for chemical recycling to pilot with Japanese automotive parts manufacturer DaikyoNishikawa as part of the Hiroshima Open Accelerator.

What is the Hiroshima Open Accelerator?

HIROSHIMA OPEN ACCELERATOR is a program jointly operated by Hiroshima Bank, Ltd. and Creww to build an innovation ecosystem in Hiroshima Prefecture and create new businesses within the region. Through open innovation that connects the diverse business domains and abundant management resources of participating local companies with the unique services of startups from across the country, the program aims to foster new business creation among participating companies.

DaikyoNishikawa is pushing Innovation

Headquartered in Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, DaikyoNishikawa Inc. is a proposal-based comprehensive plastics manufacturer. Its main businesses are the manufacturing and sales of automotive and housing plastic products. By leveraging the characteristics of plastics—lightweight and highly moldable—the company enhances functionality while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and environmental considerations, delivering high value-added products to contribute to society.

“Only the best startups were selected for the pilot“

With the goal of “aiming for a zero-waste world!”, the project seeks to move away from thermal recycling-focused waste plastic processing, which faces challenges in CO₂ emissions and resource circulation. The initiative will utilize AC Biode’s catalyst technology to conduct a demonstration experiment in environmentally friendly chemical recycling. Specifically, the plan is to use AC Biode’s chemical technology to break down waste plastics generated in DN’s manufacturing processes into monomers and gases, which will then be supplied to chemical manufacturers, creating a circular economy.

In the demonstration experiment, waste plastics derived from DN’s main products will be recycled using AC Biode’s catalyst. The types and yields of recoverable compounds will be clarified, and verification for commercialization will proceed.

AC Biode is looking forward to presenting the results at the “Hiroshima Open Accelerator 2024” Demo Day in May.

AC Biode’s unique approach, developed in house, leverages a proprietary catalyst that operates at a low temperature of 200 degrees Celsius. This innovative process allows for the efficient conversion of various waste materials, including mixed plastics, polyester textiles, and rubber, into their constituent monomers or into hydrogen and methanol, which can be used as clean energy fuels. This technology is set to revolutionize waste management and contribute significantly to a circular economy.

“We are honored to be recognized at NIKKEI THE PITCH GROWTH,” said Tadashi Kubo, President of AC Biode. “This recognition validates our commitment to developing sustainable solutions that address global waste challenges and promote clean energy production.”

AC Biode is currently collaborating with 30 companies worldwide on joint research and demonstration projects, with half of these partnerships based in Europe. Key ongoing initiatives include:

• Collaboration with Bosch: AC Biode is working with Bosch in Europe to recycle automotive plastic waste into hydrogen, addressing increasingly stringent recycling regulations.
• Jakarta Demonstration Plant: A demonstration plant is set to launch in Jakarta, Indonesia, later this year. The plant will convert palm oil production wastewater, a significant source of methane emissions, into clean hydrogen.
• Partnership in Indonesia: AC Biode is involved in a large-scale project led by Singapore’s Temasek Foundation and Indonesian state-owned electricity company PLN, showcasing the company’s growing global presence.

AC Biode’s flexible technology enables the development of smaller, decentralized recycling facilities, reducing the need for large capital investments. The company is dedicated to providing sustainable solutions that address the global challenges of waste management and the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Read the full news article here: https://pitch.nikkei.com/library/22/

TechGALA 2025, held in Nagoya from February 4-6, 2025, brought together over 300 guest speakers and innovators from around the world. The competition focused on five core themes: Mobility, Sustainable Environment, Material, Life Science/Well-Being, and Advanced Technology.

Our groundbreaking technology, Plastalyst, was pivotal in this success. Plastalyst develops green, safe, and efficient catalysts that make waste recycling financially attractive. We are the first to recycle mixed plastics into monomers and methanol. This year, we are testing at a 100l scale for converting plastic and organic waste into syngas and hydrogen. Compared to other technologies, Plastalyst only requires 200°C and water as a solvent, making it a highly efficient and environmentally friendly solution.

Our esteemed panel of judges included Antti Sonnien, Takeshi Isaku, Keiko Usami, Eyal Agmoni, Michiko Kato, Atsushi Suzuki, Yumi Goda, Shoichi Teshiba and Shuji Honjo.

We were also thrilled to compete alongside other innovative startups such as Acompany, Autopass Inc, Choira, IANUS Simulation GmbH, MAP IV Inc, Preferred Computation Chemistry Inc, Smartsound Corporation, Spornado, Fairmat, DeviceTotal, Pheniaa-X Jsc, Onoma AI, JOYCLE Inc, Human Life CORD Japan Inc and Baobab.

As we move forward, we are excited to leverage this win to further our research and development efforts, expand our reach, and continue making a positive impact on the environment. Our mission is not complete until landfills and incineration are no longer needed.