Kyoto University Innovation Capital has invested ¥150 million in gas separation startup OOYOO to accelerate its development of polymer-based technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

Overview of the Target Company

OOYOO, established in January 2020, is a startup based in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward, led by CEO Shogo Otani. It specializes in the development of gas separation membranes based on polymer physics, founded by Professor Ethan Shibania from Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS). OOYOO has developed innovative technology to efficiently and rapidly separate gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and ammonia (NH3) from mixed gases by combining various special polymer membranes.

Given the escalating global demand for technologies that mitigate CO2 emissions, OOYOO's capabilities align with urgent environmental needs. The company has successfully created a bench-top prototype that concentrates and separates CO2 from flue gas to approximately 95% purity. Furthermore, OOYOO is engaged in tailored technology development for various applications, including CO2 recovery from fermentation processes and concentration of oxygen in gases.

Industry Overview in Japan

Japan, as a world leader in environmental technology, has increasingly prioritized sustainability, particularly in response to climate change challenges. The country has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse g