Kyoto University Innovation Capital has invested 800 million yen in Osaka-based startup LEP, which is developing self-illuminating plants to promote sustainable lighting solutions.

Target Company Overview

LEP Corporation, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is a startup revolutionizing the lighting industry through the development of self-illuminating plants, a technology pioneered by Professors Kenji Nagai from Osaka University and Taku Emura from Nara Institute of Science and Technology. These innovations address the pressing demand for alternative lighting solutions that do not heavily rely on electricity, as lighting currently accounts for approximately 15% of global energy consumption and about 5% of CO₂ emissions.

LEP aims to foster a new lighting culture that minimizes dependence on electric lighting by promoting self-illuminating plants. The company envisions delivering a sense of well-being and attachment through the unique experience of growing plants that emit their own light. Their technology allows for the introduction of multiple genes essential for bioluminescence into plants, enhancing light intensity and controlling light color. This achievement positions LEP to illuminate a variety of plant species, including decorative flowers and urban greening initiatives, with superior brightness and a spectrum of 20 colors.

Industry Overview in Japan

Japan's lighting industry is experiencing a transition towards sustainable solutions, driven by environmental concerns and the need for energy-efficient alternatives. With the escalating challenges