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ASIA FINAL

TECH PLANTER ASIA FINAL 2026

Discovering and nurturing Deep Tech seeds
and entrepreneurs in ASIA
ABOUT
Purpose
At universities, research institutes, and corporate laboratories, the "seeds" of science and technology are being born, and it takes a lot of time and effort before they sprout into practical applications. The "TECH PLANTER" organized by Leave a Nest with its partner companies is an ecosystem that aims to discover these seeds and serve as a planter to turn them into businesses. Asia Final event will be showcasing Grand Winners and Leave a Nest Awards Winners from 6 SEA countries. From this year, we will also invite 2 Japanese startups selected from the grand winner awardees in the 7 domain Tech Planter conducted in Japan. This event will further provide the opportunities for the team to showcase their project to wider range of ecosystem players.
Target
  • Early stage startups and pre-startup researchers' team or individual in Deep Tech Field
  • Mature startups or SMEs seeking collaborators are also welcome, even if they are close to mass production or PMF establishment.
  • Visionaries that aim to change the world and/or their own country to a better place based on the science and tech based seeds
  • Those who are interested in the Japanese market or collaboration with Japanese corporations.
Categories of the TECH
Manufacturing, robotics, IoT, AI, agri-tech, bio-tech, healthcare, life-tech, food-tech, care-tech, marine-tech, ecotech, and etc.
Judging Criteria
A panel of judges consisting of Leave a Nest and its partners will evaluate each of the following items.
  1. 01NOVELTY
  2. 02PRACTICABILITY
  3. 03IMPACT TO THE WORLD
  4. 04PASSION
Awards
Grand Winner Award: 10,000 MYR & Invitation to Present at Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference (HIC) in Tokyo 2027
Leave a Nest Award: Invitation to Present at Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference (HIC) in Tokyo 2027
Corporate Awards: 4,000 MYR (Multiple)
SCHEDULE
8/2[SUN]

Announcement of Finalists

Selected Finalists will be announced in the beginning of August.
For those selected as finalists, interviews will be held to brush up their presentations for the final DEMO DAY.
In addition, it is possible to set up interviews with partner companies for the purpose of business consultation and to develop collaboration projects.

8/27[THU]

DEMO DAY

The finalist teams that was selected will be judged on their presentations.

PARTNER
Global Partners
Local Partners
ASSET
  1. ASSET01Leave a Nest Communicator
  2. ASSET02Japanese Partner Companies
  3. ASSET03Local Partners
  4. ASSET04Super Factory Group
SUPPORT
  1. SUPPORT01Organizing the vision your business
  2. SUPPORT02Brushing up your presentation
  3. SUPPORT03Opportunities for collaboration with Japanese corporates
  4. SUPPORT04Support for R&D and prototype development
  5. SUPPORT05Support for Knowledge and IP Strategies
  6. SUPPORT06Investment and support for finance
DEMO DAY
Name of the DEMO DAY
TECH PLANTER ASIA FINAL 2026
Place
MRANTI Park, Kuala Lumpur (Grab Stop : Hive5, Enterprise 4)
Date & Time
2026/8/27 (Tue)09:30-15:00 in Malaysia Time
Eligible Participants
Closed, pre-registration required (finalists, partner companies, local supporters)
Organizer
Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. & Leave a Nest Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Timeline
@Malaysia Time
08:30～09:30
Registration
Judge Briefing
09:30～10:00
Opening Remarks by Mr. Abdul Hakim Sahidi, Leave a Nest Malaysia
10:00～11:00
Presentation Round 1 : Food Innovation & Human Health
1. TAM-IS Biosolution
2. Plasma Innovations
3. Alteonus
4. GlycoSphere
5. Ikanesia
11:00～11:10
Break
11:10～12:10
Presentation Round 2: Resource Innovation for a Sustainable Future
1. NS4W Manufacturing
2. Rajantara
3. enfarm Agritech
4. ETAVOLT
5. Shio-Ion
12:10～12:20
Break
12:20～13:10
Presentation Round 3: Intelligent Infrastructure & Industrial Digitalization
1. Terrasene
2. Connect IQ
3. Umiaile
4. ALT Synergy
13:10～14:00
Judging Time | Poster Session | Lunch
14:00～14:30
Partner Presentations
14:30～14:50
Award Ceremony
14:50～14:55
Closing Remarks by Head Judge, Dr. Yuko Ueno, Leave a Nest Japan
14:55～15:00
Photo Session
JUDGE
  • Dr. Yuko Ueno
    Chief judge
    Head of Global Research Integration Center, Leave a Nest Co., Ltd.
    Dr. Yuko Ueno
    Dr. Yuko Ueno received her Ph.D in Ocean microbiology and joined Leave a Nest in 2013. She has experience in creating new projects by encouraging collaboration between academia and industry as a Science Bridge Communicator. With the experience of tech-startup accelerator, she is bridging Japanese tech startups to global tech-startup platforms to interconnect the technology and social issues. Dr. Yuko also holds the position of Director at Leave a Nest Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
  • Ms. Antionette Goh
    Head of Research and Product Development, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation
    Ms. Antionette Goh
    Antionette Goh is Head of Research and Product Development at Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation, where she leads research strategy, technology translation, talent development and product innovation. Her career has moved from engineering and postgraduate research in digital security for biomedical imaging into cognitive neuroscience, research management and innovation, shaping a cross-disciplinary and adaptable approach to complex challenges. With over a decade of experience across Malaysia and Australia, she is recognised for building partnerships across academia, industry and government, mobilising purpose-fit R&D funding, and creating pathways that help researchers move ideas beyond proof of concept towards meaningful market and societal impact.
  • Mr. Ibnu Mohamed
    Liaison Manager, Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI)
    Mr. Ibnu Mohamed
    Mohamad Ibnu Mohamed is a Liaison Manager at the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI), where he leads strategic government engagement and regulatory navigation for the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS). A seasoned ecosystem builder with years of experience driving startup growth, including prior engagement roles at Malaysian National Innovation Agency (AIM), Ibnu sits at the intersection of deep-tech innovation, public policy, and commercialisation. He specialises in bridging the gap between high-growth tech innovators, regulatory authorities, and government decision-makers, helping startups clear complex regulatory hurdles alongside key regulatory bodies in Malaysia. On stage and in practice, Ibnu is dedicated to demystifying regulatory pathways, accelerating market adoption, and scaling Malaysia’s next generation of compliant, market-ready technology solutions.
  • Mr. Ryan Edwards
    Programme Co-Lead, ScaleX
    Mr. Ryan Edwards
    Ryan Edwards is a global agrifoodtech leader, CEO, and Co-founder of Naked Innovations. With over 20 years of international experience—including serving as European and then APAC Innovation & Marketing Leader at Cargill—he brings extensive corporate depth and hands-on entrepreneurial expertise, having founded three agrifood impact startups. A pioneer in systemic food transformation, Ryan has built programs supporting over 550 agrifood startups and established 12 living labs across Europe and Asia. He specializes in designing collaborative ecosystems, business model innovation, and cross-border growth strategies. Ryan’s core purpose is to accelerate the transition toward a regenerative food system by empowering diverse, talented people to co-create solutions across Japan, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Europe.
  • Ms. Shiori Yamashita
    Manager of D-LAB, Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Ms. Shiori Yamashita
    She is part of D-LAB, JT’s corporate R&D organization. She leads the planning and operation of D-0., a Japan–Singapore incubation program that supports researchers and entrepreneurs in turning their questions and ideas into prototypes, pilot projects, and new ventures. Her work focuses on identifying emerging science and technology that could contribute to future well-being, while creating collaboration opportunities between Asian startups, researchers, and Japanese companies. She values novelty, feasibility, and potential impact, with particular interest in how promising ideas can take root in society over the next five years.
  • Mr. Shojiro Kobashi
    President & CEO, KOBASHI HOLDINGS Co., Ltd.
    Mr. Shojiro Kobashi
    Shojiro Kobashi is the fourth-generation successor of a family-run agricultural machinery manufacturer founded in 1910. He officially took over the business in 2016. KOBASHI has long contributed to the mechanization of Japanese agriculture as an agricultural machinery manufacturer. In 2017, in line with a group restructuring, he established KOBASHI HOLDINGS Co., Ltd., assuming the role of President and CEO. Under the corporate philosophy of “Cultivating the Earth (make the world better)“, he has worked to address global challenges by leveraging the company’s century-long heritage of experience, knowledge, and technology. In 2020, he founded KOBASHI ROBOTICS Co., Ltd., and launched the “Manufacturing Booster” program to comprehensively support startups engaged in product development and manufacturing. Through this initiative, he has actively built partnerships with deep-tech startups in Southeast Asia. He sees it as his mission to accelerate the real-world deployment of technologies that tackle the most pressing global issues through the power of manufacturing. He holds an MBA from Waseda University Graduate School of Business Administration.
  • Dr. Claudia Fujita
    Senior Research Engineer, Taisei Corporation
    Dr. Claudia Fujita
    Dr. Fujita was born in Germany and studied Water Management with a specialization in groundwater management. A study-abroad experience in Japan inspired her to pursue a career there and challenge herself in a new environment. Since joining Taisei Corporation, she has worked on a wide range of environmental, energy, and underground construction technologies, gaining experience in both research and construction. Passionate about connecting Japan’s technological strengths with global innovation, she is now based at Taisei’s Innovation Hub in Singapore, building bridges between Japan and Southeast Asia through technology, innovation, and collaboration.

  • Mr. Naoki Saka
    New Business Exploration Section, TERAL Inc.
    Mr. Naoki Saka
    Mr. Naoki Saka is part of the New Business Exploration Section at TERAL Inc. He joined TERAL in 2022, where he joined the R&D Department and focused primarily on filtration technology and equipment. In 2026, he moved to the New Business Exploration Section. He wishes to understand on-site needs and market trends, and to explore opportunities for new business collaborations in Malaysia.
  • Mr. Akihiko Nagata
    Founder & Chief Executive Officer, UntroD Inc.
    Mr. Akihiko Nagata
    He served as Director of Euglena Co., Ltd., since its early pre-IPO stage and led the company's business strategy, finance, and the biofuel business. In 2021, he was appointed CEO and continued in that role until stepping down in 2024. In 2015, he founded Real Tech Fund to drive deep tech investment to tackle societal and environmental challenges. In 2024, appointed as CEO of UntroD Capital Japan, which manages the fund. In addition, he is passionate about creating social impact within the framework of capitalism. He founded Ame Kaze Taiyo, the first social impact IPO in Japan rooted in an NPO, and also serves as an advisor to HERALBONY.
  • Dr. Kengo Suzuki
    Co-Founder and Executive Fellow, Euglena Co., Ltd.
    Dr. Kengo Suzuki
    Dr. Kengo Suzuki is the Co-Founder and Executive Fellow of Euglena Co., Ltd., a Japanese biotechnology company that focuses on microalgae-based products. Dr. Suzuki holds a Ph.D. in Medical Science from Kitasato University and a PhD in Agriculture from the University of Tokyo. His expertise lies in the fields of phycology, food science, molecular biology, and immunology. Dr. Kengo has over 20 years of experience in research and development, including his current position as a specially appointed professor at Tohoku University and visiting professor at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. As his main affiliation, Euglena is involved in various businesses like healthcare and energy & environment among others. Additionally, he has experience in the mass cultivation of euglena and the establishment of microalgae production technology laboratories.
FINALIST
  •  
    Terrasense
    Mr. Muhammd Najmi bin Mohd Sa'ad
    Optical-based ground monitoring system

    Theme:
    Optical-based ground monitoring system

  •  
    ALT Synergy Sdn Bhd
    Mr. Nash Mohamad
    Product Lifecycle Platform for Regulated Products solving cross border regulatory fragmentation

    Theme:
    Product Lifecycle Platform for Regulated Products solving cross border regulatory fragmentation

  •  
    ETAVOLT
    Dr. Stanley Wang
    Solar panel regeneration and reycling solutions

    Theme:
    Solar panel regeneration and reycling solutions

  •  
    ConnectTIQ Pte Ltd
    Mr. Kwan Lifeng
    Industrial automation solutions

    Theme:
    Industrial automation solutions

  •  
    TAM-IS BioSolutions
    Charles Justin Gan
    A microbial solution targeting low sugar yield in sugarcane

    Theme:
    A microbial solution targeting low sugar yield in sugarcane

  •  
    NS4W Manufacturing Corporation
    Wynken Myrrh Gelito
    Glasscrete, glass pollution in communities far from recycling plants for glass waste

    Theme:
    Glasscrete, glass pollution in communities far from recycling plants for glass waste

  •  
    Shio-ion
    Le Xuan Ngoc Trang
    Eco-Anode Upcycling Platform

    Theme:
    Eco-Anode Upcycling Platform

  •  
    enfarm Agritech
    Dzung Nguyen
    enfarm AI Agronomic Intelligence Platform

    Theme:
    enfarm AI Agronomic Intelligence Platform

  •  
    Plasma Innovation Co., Ltd.
    Siwapon Srisonphan
    Plasma-Activated Liquids (PAL) for Microbial Reduction and Low-Chemical Processing

    Theme:
    Plasma-Activated Liquids (PAL) for Microbial Reduction and Low-Chemical Processing

  •  
    GlycoSphere
    Niendy Virnanda Fatmawati
    Recyclable PcGH5 platform. Converts underused bagasse to prebiotic oligosaccharides.

    Theme:
    Recyclable PcGH5 platform. Converts underused bagasse to prebiotic oligosaccharides.

  •  
    RAJANTARA
    Abdul Rohmat
    Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Flame-Retardant (FD) Apparel based on Ramie Natural Fiber (Boehmeria nivea)

    Theme:
    Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Flame-Retardant (FD) Apparel based on Ramie Natural Fiber (Boehmeria nivea)

  •  
    PT Ikanesia Nusantara Akuamarin
    Farhan Yusron
    Sustainable Ecofeed Solutions

    Theme:
    Sustainable Ecofeed Solutions

  •  
    Umiaile Co., Ltd.
    Development of Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) that gather high-density marine data, serving environmental assessment, crustal movement, and security sectors.

    Theme:
    Development of Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) that gather high-density marine data, serving environmental assessment, crustal movement, and security sectors.

  •  
    Alteonus Co., Ltd.
    Development of sweets utilizing functional carbohydrates which suppresses the formation of plaque (biofilm) that causes cavities without using harsh antibacterial agents

    Theme:
    Development of sweets utilizing functional carbohydrates which suppresses the formation of plaque (biofilm) that causes cavities without using harsh antibacterial agents

NEWS
ETAVOLT Crowned Grand Winner of TECH PLANTER Asia Final 2026
2026/08/28 ETAVOLT Crowned Grand Winner of TECH PLANTER Asia Final 2026
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TECH PLANTER Southeast Asia 2026 Asia Final ついに明日開催！7カ国のファイナリストがマレーシアで最終決戦
2026/08/25 TECH PLANTER Southeast Asia 2026 Asia Final ついに明日開催！7カ国のファイナリストがマレーシアで最終決戦
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TECH PLANTER Asia Final 2026 Set to Showcase Asia’s Top Deep Tech Innovators
2026/08/20 TECH PLANTER Asia Final 2026 Set to Showcase Asia’s Top Deep Tech Innovators
  • Asia Final
  • ニュース
Announcing the Partners and Esteemed Judges for TECH PLANTER Asia Final 2026
2026/08/18 Announcing the Partners and Esteemed Judges for TECH PLANTER Asia Final 2026
  • Asia Final
ASIA FINAL8/27
Demo Day