CULTA Selected for MAFF's Large-Scale Startup Technology Demonstration Program

CULTA Inc. (Headquarters: Koganei City, Tokyo; CEO: Shuhei Noshiku, hereinafter "CULTA") has been selected for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) initiative, the "Fiscal 7 Supplementary Budget Startup Large-Scale Technology Demonstration Support Program."

Through this program, CULTA will conduct large-scale validation of its proprietary breeding process, which leverages data infrastructure and AI, aiming to further establish and commercialize its high-speed breeding technology.

## Background

Agriculture is facing severe challenges such as weakened production bases and reduced yields due to increasing extreme weather events caused by climate change and global instability. As traditional crop varieties and cultivation systems are no longer sufficient, there is an urgent need to introduce innovative new varieties that can adapt to the era of climate change to achieve sustainable agriculture.

Meanwhile, conventional crossbreeding methods require significant time to select individuals with superior traits, typically taking 10 to 20 years for new variety development. Additionally, genome editing and genetic modification technologies are unsuitable for conferring complex quantitative traits—such as yield and heat tolerance—that involve multiple genes and environmental interactions, leaving challenges in optimization across different crops and cultivation environments.

Therefore, new approaches are needed to develop and introduce new crop varieties tailored to regional climates and market demands with higher precision and in shorter timeframes.

## Overview of the Demonstration Project

CULTA has developed breeding AI models based on integrated databases combining cultivation environments, phenotypes (observable traits), and genotypes (genetic profiles), all within conventional crossbreeding—without using genome editing or genetic modification.

Furthermore, by combining these AI models with dedicated artificial environment facilities (plant factories), CULTA has developed a "Smart High-Speed Breeding" process that dramatically accelerates the speed and accuracy of new variety development. This project will conduct large-scale validation of this "Smart High-Speed Breeding" process, advancing its implementation into in-house breeding programs and further solidifying the technology for commercialization.

## Program Overview

- Program Name: Fiscal 7 Supplementary Budget Startup Large-Scale Technology Demonstration Support Program
- Announcement Date: June 16, 2026
- Project Period: From funding approval to February 19, 2027
- Maximum Subsidy: 320 million JPY

*Maximum subsidy per applicant. The actual subsidy amount for CULTA’s proposal will be determined following application and approval procedures.

## Statement from CEO Shuhei Noshiku

"We are deeply honored to have been selected for this MAFF program. This recognition reflects not only confidence in our technological development but also in the societal significance of our mission to transform Japan’s agricultural structure.

To date, we have reduced the time required for new variety development from the traditional 10 years to just 2 years and have advanced practical implementation. Through large-scale validation under this program, we will further solidify our high-speed breeding technology and expand its application beyond strawberries to various crops facing climate change impacts both domestically and internationally.

We will continue to pioneer a global agricultural future that is resilient to climate change, realizing the vision of 'right crop, right place, in the future.'"

## Recruitment Information

CULTA is currently strengthening its recruitment. Our R&D team brings together experts in breeding, image analysis, artificial environment control, and AI, all working at the forefront of solving agricultural challenges. We welcome applications from individuals who wish to join us in transforming the industry.

- All Job Openings at CULTA Inc.

## Call for Partner Farmers

We are seeking partner farmers to jointly cultivate CULTA’s proprietary strawberry varieties. We welcome inquiries from producers who share our vision of launching Japan’s first premium agricultural brand onto the global stage. For details, please visit the link below.

- Partner Farmer Recruitment | CULTA Inc.

## About CULTA Inc.

CULTA is an agritech startup on a mission to "make producers and consumers happy through 'future-appropriate cultivation.'" We aim to transform the agricultural industry by pioneering next-generation crop breeding.

Our proprietary breeding process has shortened strawberry variety development from the traditional 10 years to just 2 years. In 2025, we successfully commercialized our first in-house variety, "CULTA-T3L (SAKURA DROPS)," which exhibits strong heat tolerance during cultivation, high sugar content, and robust skin strength—ideal for extended harvests and long-distance transportation.

Additionally, CULTA has established a "vertical integration model" by contracting production to partner farmers, purchasing 100% of the harvest, and handling all sales in-house.

In the spring of 2026, we will expand production in Japan and Malaysia and launch sales in urban Southeast Asia, centered on Singapore. Through the establishment of a globally recognized "premium agricultural brand," we aim to revolutionize agriculture.

## Company Overview

- Headquarters: 2-24-16 Nakamachi, Koganei City, Tokyo 184-0012, Japan (NODAI-Tama Koganei Venture Port 303)
- Representative: CEO Shuhei Noshiku