Norwegian Mycelium expands to Japan with new subsidiary and strategic partnerships

Norwegian Mycelium (NoMy), a specialist in fermentation technology, has announced its expansion into Japan with the creation of a subsidiary, NoMy Japan KK, headquartered in Sapporo, Hokkaido. This new venture aims to advance NoMy’s efforts to transform food industry sidestreams into valuable resources through strategic partnerships and the introduction of its upcycling service, MycoPrime.

NoMy Japan, founded in January 2024, has already established key alliances with notable Japanese industrial leaders. Among these is a strategic partnership with Nippon Beet Sugar Manufacturing Co Ltd, Japan's largest sugar beet processor, along with a feasibility study in collaboration with Hokuren, Hokkaido’s foremost agricultural cooperative. These collaborations lay the groundwork for enhancing the impact of NoMy’s fermentation technologies in Japan, with more partnerships to be disclosed in the future.

The newly launched MycoPrime service offers an innovative approach to waste reduction by utilizing data science, fermentation, and artificial intelligence. Through this service, NoMy Japan supports partners in optimizing the use of food industry sidestreams, significantly reducing waste, CO₂ emissions, and water usage. The company also provides expertise in designing co-located production facilities that enable the sustainable manufacture of fungi-based products, creating a scalable, end-to-end solution for industrial upcycling.

“We’re excited to establish NoMy Japan KK and unveil our MycoPrime service," commented David Andrew Quist, NoMy’s Co-founder. "By combining our expertise with AI-driven processes, we aim to help the food industry shift from waste generation to resource creation, strengthening its role in sustainable food systems.”

Dr Shu Ishikuri, President of Nippon Beet Sugar Manufacturing Co Ltd, shared his perspective on the collaboration: “Our vision is to utilize sugar beet byproducts to support sustainable agriculture and address food challenges. By incorporating NoMy's technology, we can transform these byproducts into valuable protein sources, contributing to the development of alternative feed and food resources."

The expansion into Japan is a significant step in NoMy’s strategy to promote global sustainable practices in waste management and food upcycling. Ingrid Dynna, CEO of Norwegian Mycelium, emphasized the importance of the Japanese market: “With the launch of MycoPrime™ and our partnerships with Japanese companies, we are positioned to become the leading upcycling service provider for food industry sidestreams in Japan, driving growth and impact in this crucial sector.”

Quist, who also serves as the Representative Director of NoMy Japan, will oversee the ongoing development of the company’s services in the region. “Japan’s rich heritage in fermentation is the perfect backdrop for our work. Through collaboration with our partners and MycoPrime™, we aim to enhance food system resilience and contribute to improved food security.”