Utilization of Carbon Dioxide Institute

Utilization of Carbon Dioxide Institute Co., Ltd. is a biotechnology company founded in Tokyo in 2015 with the vision of “Turning CO₂ into Value-Added Products through Biotechnology.” We develop sustainable technologies that convert carbon dioxide (CO₂), a major greenhouse gas, into valuable resources such as next-generation proteins, clean fuels, and petroleum-free chemical products.

Our founder and CEO, Dr. Hideaki Yukawa, is a leading expert in microbial engineering with over 40 years of experience in industrial biotechnology. He previously led bioprocess research at Mitsubishi Chemical and the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE). In 2011, he became the first Japanese recipient of the Fellowship Award from the Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB) in the United States, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to microbial bioprocess development.

At the core of our platform is a proprietary biotechnology that uses UCDI®　hydrogen　bacteria to directly convert CO₂ and hydrogen into organic materials. This approach does not rely on biomass or food-based feedstocks and enables large-scale production under mild conditions.

Our key technologies and products include:

• Alternative Proteins & Feeds: Microbial proteins derived from CO₂ that offer a sustainable source of nutrition for the food industries.

• CO₂-based Biofuels: Production of bioethanol, which can be used as a SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) raw material, from CO₂ to support decarbonization of the transportation sector.

• Bio-based Chemicals: Non-petroleum raw materials for use in plastics and synthetic rubber.

We have also implemented an innovative microbial production system known as the Growth-Arrested Bioprocess, invented by Dr. Yukawa. This method halts microbial cell growth and redirects energy toward compound synthesis, enabling high-yield production and the use of microbes as high-performance bio-catalysts.

We partner with major Japanese companies such as Cosmo Energy (petroleum refining), Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences (food), and Lion Corporation (personal care). We are also supported by government agencies including Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and hold more than 40 pioneer patents both domestically and internationally.

Aligned with Japan’s 2050 carbon neutrality goals, we are promoting our CO₂ green complex initiative, which aims to repurpose existing industrial infrastructure to convert CO₂ into resources—contributing to regional revitalization and the creation of green industries.

By integrating deep scientific expertise, international recognition, and practical innovation, we are leading the realization of a circular carbon economy, where CO₂ is no longer waste, but a valuable resource.

For more information, please visit our official website:

https://www.co2.co.jp/en/top