BEAM Technologies is a startup from RIKEN that develops optical semiconductor devices. It provides clean solutions to various problems related to the ecosystem using special light.
RIKEN, a prominent research institute, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first in the world to develop an LED that emits Far-UVC light (wavelength: 200-230 nm) with an output of 1 mW. This specialized light offers exceptional germicidal properties while remaining safe for macroorganisms. Far-UVC LEDs hold immense potential for providing novel and clean solutions in various applications, including disinfection of occupied spaces, maintaining and improving air quality, preventing diseases in crops and farmed fish, and inactivating allergens.
Introduction of Far-UVC Technology for Next-Generation RAS System at Kamome Mirai Suisan's Fukushima Land-Based Aquaculture Facility
BEAM Technologies Inc. (Tokyo, CEOs: Kazuki Iimura and Yuuri Itokazu) is pleased to announce that its Far-UVC solution "BEAMCURE" has been introduced at Kamome Mirai Suisan Co., Ltd.'s fully enclosed, recirculating land-based aquaculture facility, the “Land-Based Aquaculture Innovation Center” in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture. ○About the Initiative Kamome Mirai Suisan Co., Ltd. is working to establish land-based aquaculture production technologies expected to support the future of sustainable fisheries. With a market-driven approach, the company aims to contribute to the advancement of the aquaculture industry by realizing highly efficient, environmentally low-impact aquaculture systems. While land-based aquaculture—especially Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)—offers effective use of water resources and reduced disease risk, it also presents challenges such as high initial investment and operating costs. Existing sterilization and water purification systems often involve large-scale equipment, complex piping, and labor-intensive maintenance, contributing to increased costs. Against this backdrop, Far-UVC (wavelength 222nm) irradiation technology from BEAM Technologies has been introduced on a trial basis at Kamome Mirai Suisan’s advanced aquaculture facility in Fukushima. Far-UVC is known for its powerful sterilization effects while being safer for living organisms compared to traditional UV-C technologies. By applying this technology directly inside the tanks, it is expected to simplify part of the existing complex water treatment system, contributing to reduced capital and operational costs. ○About Direct Sterilization Using Far-UVC Direct sterilization with Far-UVC efficiently eliminates pathogens in aquaculture water, helping to establish a healthier rearing environment. This leads to enhanced growth of aquatic organisms, reduced disease risk, and ultimately increased productivity. This initiative marks an important step toward addressing the cost challenges of land-based aquaculture systems and accelerating their adoption. Through this trial implementation, BEAM Technologies will evaluate the specific effects of Far-UVC technology on RAS systems and work to optimize it. We are committed to contributing to the realization of a sustainable, highly efficient, and cost-effective next-generation land-based aquaculture system—bringing innovation to the future of the fisheries industry. 20250723_en_Press Release
Adopted for "TSUBASA2025 (Business Course)" co-sponsored by JICA and IDB Lab. ~ Developing shrimp farming digital transformation business using Far-UVC and IoT in Ecuador, the world's largest shrimp farming region, and making a full-scale entry into the Latin American and Caribbean market ~
BEAM TECHNOLOGIES INC. (Tokyo, Japan; Co-CEOs: Kazuki Iimura and Yuuri Itokazu) is pleased to announce that it has been selected for the open innovation program “TSUBASA2025 (Business Course),” co-hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and IDB Lab, the innovation laboratory of the Inter-American Development Bank Group. The selected project involves the digital transformation (DX) of shrimp farming in the Republic of Ecuador through the utilization of Far-UVC and IoT technologies, aimed at addressing SDGs and development challenges in the Latin America and Caribbean region. ○Current Status and Challenges of Shrimp Farming in Ecuador The Latin America and Caribbean region have an economy 1.5 times larger than that of ASEAN (in nominal GDP), and shrimp farming is one of its key industries with significant economic importance. Ecuador has grown into the world’s largest shrimp exporter, and its production volume now serves as a vital pillar of the national economy. However, the aquaculture industry faces issues such as decreased productivity due to disease, environmental burdens, and inefficiencies stemming from traditional farming methods. In shrimp farming, in particular, water quality management and early detection of disease are essential for improving productivity and sustainability. ○Overview of This DX Project This project aims to improve the productivity of shrimp farming, reduce the risk of disease, and reduce the environmental impact of shrimp farming in Ecuador by combining our Far-UVC (deep ultraviolet) technology with IoT technology. Specifically, we will promote the following initiatives. 1. Disease control and water quality control with Far-UVC technology: Far-UVC is an ultraviolet light with a wavelength that is considered safe for humans, but it can efficiently inactivate bacteria and viruses. By installing a Far-UVC system in the fish farm, the risk of disease in shrimp is significantly reduced by reducing the amount of pathogens in the water while reducing the amount of chemicals used. This contributes to reducing the use of antibiotics and maintaining a healthy growth environment. 2. Centralized management and optimization of aquaculture data with IoT technology: Water quality data such as water temperature, oxygen concentration, pH value, shrimp growth, and feeding volume are monitored in real time and aggregated in the cloud through IoT devices. As a result, aquaculture operators will be able to grasp the status of aquaculture ponds at any time from their smartphones and PCs, enabling them to make scientific decisions based on data. 3. Predictive detection and productivity improvement through the use of AI: By using AI to analyze accumulated big data, it is possible to detect signs of disease outbreak and signs of deterioration of water quality at an early stage and take appropriate measures. This minimizes accidental damage and contributes to improved yields and increased productivity. ○Significance of the adoption of the "TSUBASA2025"The TSUBASA project is an epoch-making program that aims to solve development issues in Latin America and the Caribbean through co-creation between Japan start-ups and JICA and IDB Lab. This selection recognizes the potential of our Far-UVC and IoT technologies to contribute to solving urgent issues in the shrimp farming industry in Ecuador and promote sustainable economic and social development. With the strong support of JICA and IDB Lab, as well as the utilization of our local network, we aim to accelerate the DX of the shrimp farming industry in Latin America and the Caribbean, starting with Ecuador. In addition, in anticipation of the full-scale development of this project, we are moving forward with a plan to establish a local joint venture in Ecuador in 2026, aiming for sustainable business growth while strengthening cooperation with local communities. Through this project, we will contribute to the economic and social development of the Latin America and the Caribbean region and the reduction of environmental impact, and further enhance our presence in the global market. ○Future Outlook: Realizing the “Aqua Medical Initiative” in Shrimp Farming BEAM TECHNOLOGIES INC. regards this project not merely as an effort to increase productivity but as the first step toward realizing the “Aqua Medical Initiative” for land-based aquaculture centered around shrimp farming. Inspired by human healthcare services, this initiative aims to comprehensively support the health management of shrimp and other species. Specifically, we aim to develop the following services. 1. Advancement of Disease Diagnostics (Consultation & Diagnosis): Combining real-time data from IoT sensors with AI analysis, signs of disease in shrimp can be detected at an early stage, enabling fast and accurate diagnosis. This is equivalent to human health checkups and early disease detection. 2. Environmental improvement (Treatment & Prevention) through Sterilization: Far-UVC technology is used to effectively sterilize and remove pathogens in aquaculture water to maintain a clean environment where shrimp can grow healthy. This is an approach that is equivalent to preventive medicine and infectious disease treatment. 3. Periodic Monitoring Service (Follow-up and Health Management): Continuous data collection and analysis, we constantly "visualize" the health status of shrimp and the aquaculture environment, and build a system that can respond immediately if there is an abnormality. This supports long-term health management, such as regular human checkups and follow-up of chronic diseases. By introducing the concept of “preventive care” into shrimp farming, BEAM Technologies aims to shift from reactive treatment to proactive management, contributing to sustainable and stable shrimp production. TSUBASA 202507_en_TSUBASA BEAM Press Release (JICA・IDB Lab)
BEAM Technologies and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology Expand Joint Research on Far-UVC Applications in Aquaculture ~ Safety and Efficacy Testing on Whiteleg Shrimp, and Joint Patent Application Filed ~
BEAM Technologies Inc. (Head Office: Tokyo, CEOs: Kazuki Iimura and Yuuri Itokazu, hereinafter referred to as “BEAM”) and the National University Corporation Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Toshio Iseki, hereinafter referred to as “TUMSAT”) are pleased to announce the expansion of their joint research on the application of Far-UVC (deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200–230nm) in aquaculture, which began last year (2024). This year, both parties have started safety and efficacy testing on Litopenaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp). Since 2024, both parties have been conducting research focusing on the microbial inactivation capabilities of Far-UVC, examining its effects on pathogen control in aquaculture environments and on aquatic organisms. As a result of this collaboration, BEAM and TUMSAT have jointly filed a patent related to the application of Far-UVC in aquaculture, accelerating the path to practical implementation. *Joint research projects: 2024 "Growth study on light irradiation test of Vannamei shrimp",2025 "Growth study on Far-UVC irradiation test of Bannamei shrimp" ○Background of the joint research In recent years, with increasing awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and from the perspective of food security, the importance of aquaculture has grown. However, disease outbreaks in aquaculture farms remain a significant challenge, leading to reduced productivity and economic losses. There is a demand for disease countermeasures that are less reliant on traditional pharmaceuticals and have a lower environmental impact. Far-UVC technology, with its high safety and powerful sterilizing capabilities, is drawing attention as a new solution. Unlike conventional UV-C (254 nm wavelength), Far-UVC has the characteristic of not easily penetrating deep into human or animal skin, making it highly safe for living organisms. Leveraging this characteristic, it is expected to directly sterilize water and equipment in aquaculture environments, thereby suppressing the proliferation of pathogens and contributing to the health maintenance of aquatic organisms. ○Details of the Joint Research This year's joint research will target white leg shrimp, which are widely farmed domestically and internationally. The study will conduct detailed verifications of the effects of Far-UVC irradiation on the physiological functions, growth, immune functions, and disease resistance of white leg shrimp. Specifically, the following items will be emphasized: 1. Safety Evaluation of Far-UVC: Detailed observations will be made on the survival rate, behavior, and histological changes of whiteleg shrimp to evaluate the safety of long-term irradiation. 2. Verification of Disease Prevention Effects: Far-UVC will be irradiated in environments where specific pathogens (e.g., EMS-related bacteria, White Spot Syndrome Virus) have been introduced to verify its effectiveness in suppressing disease incidence. 3. Verification of Growth Promotion and Feed Efficiency Improvement Effects: The effects of Far-UVC irradiation on the growth rate and feed conversion ratio of whiteleg shrimp will be evaluated. 4. Verification of Water Purification Effects: The effect of Far-UVC on reducing bacterial counts and suppressing algae in aquaculture water will be evaluated to verify its contribution to improving the aquaculture environment. ○About the Joint Patent Application BEAM and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT), focusing on the potential of Far-UVC technology in the aquaculture sector, jointly filed a patent application for its application in 2025. This patent establishes the technological foundation for safely and effectively introducing Far-UVC into aquaculture environments, and the results of this research will further substantiate its effectiveness. ○Future outlook Through this collaborative research, BEAM and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT) aim to explore the full potential of Far-UVC technology in contributing to the development of sustainable aquaculture. The knowledge and technologies gained from this research are expected to be applicable not only to whiteleg shrimp but also to other fish and shellfish species. By leveraging their jointly filed patent, both parties will continue promoting the development and practical implementation of innovative aquaculture systems using Far-UVC, supporting a stable supply of marine resources and enhancing food safety and security. 20250612_en_Press Release