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Company
Corporate Information
| Company Name | Quantum Flowers & Foods Co., Ltd.(QFF) |
|---|---|
| President, CEO & CTO | Norio KIKUCHI |
| Director CFO | Shuichi URUNO |
| Outside Directors | Tetsuya TAKAO |
| Outside Directors | Hiroki OKADA |
| Outside Directors | Tomohiro MATSUSHITA |
| Founded | July 2018 |
| Paid-in Capital | JPY 472,780,000 |
| Headquarters & Facilities |
|
| Business | – Development and licensing of quantum agriculture – Neutron beam breeding – Quantum biotechnology – Intellectual property management |
Mission
- The Pioneering of Breeding Technologies
to Solve the World’s Food Problems - Quantum Flowers & Foods (QFF) is the world’s first deep-tech company to implement “quantum biotechnology” using neutron beams. Our goal is to develop a sustainable bio-agri-tech service to address various global issues such as the worsening food production environment due to significant global environmental changes and carbon neutrality, both domestically and internationally. We aim to support the 2030 Agenda for ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ spearheaded by the United Nations.
Team Members
Norio KIKUCHI
CEO & CTO
Founder
Ph.D in Physics
KEK Cooperative Researcher
Dr. Kikuchi is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at QFF.
He was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tier 1 heavy electrical manufacturing company, Hitachi Ltd. During this time, Dr. Kikuchi won the Good Design Monozukuri Design Award. Not only was his company selected as one of the 300 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, it was selected as the regional future innovation company. He worked on natural energy development in emerging countries as a part of JICA’s ODA projects, aiming for a sustainable Earth through the power of quantum biotechnology.
He graduated from Oxford University with a Ph.D in Theoretical Physics. His biophysics paper has 710 total citations with a H-index of 7.
He was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tier 1 heavy electrical manufacturing company, Hitachi Ltd. During this time, Dr. Kikuchi won the Good Design Monozukuri Design Award. Not only was his company selected as one of the 300 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, it was selected as the regional future innovation company. He worked on natural energy development in emerging countries as a part of JICA’s ODA projects, aiming for a sustainable Earth through the power of quantum biotechnology.
He graduated from Oxford University with a Ph.D in Theoretical Physics. His biophysics paper has 710 total citations with a H-index of 7.
Shuichi URUNO
Director CFO
Founder
Mr. Uruno currently leads the financial aspect of the business as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at QFF and he is the Representative Director of Tarp State Consulting.
He worked as a Representative Director of the STC Group and has assisted various companies with their management issues through finance, taxation and accounting. He was the Director of the Japan Association of Management Accounting Professionals. He also participated in Akatsuka Station City Planning and has established the Mito Planning Organization, LLC.
Mr. Uruno graduated from the University of Tsubuku in Social Engineering. He has completed the Advanced Management Accounting Specialist (EMBA) program at Kyoto University Graduate School of Business Administration. He is certified as a Senior Management Accounting Specialist. Mr. Uruno is qualified as a Senior Expert in M&A, Japan Investors Securities Co.
He worked as a Representative Director of the STC Group and has assisted various companies with their management issues through finance, taxation and accounting. He was the Director of the Japan Association of Management Accounting Professionals. He also participated in Akatsuka Station City Planning and has established the Mito Planning Organization, LLC.
Mr. Uruno graduated from the University of Tsubuku in Social Engineering. He has completed the Advanced Management Accounting Specialist (EMBA) program at Kyoto University Graduate School of Business Administration. He is certified as a Senior Management Accounting Specialist. Mr. Uruno is qualified as a Senior Expert in M&A, Japan Investors Securities Co.
Tetsuya TAKAO
Outside Director
Ph.D in Medicine
Dr. Takao is the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Epsilon Medical Corporation and the Chairman of Ibaraki Prefecture Association of Psychiatric Clinics that operates several psychiatric clinics, employment centers for the disabled, nursing home stations and industrial health care services. He is the Director of Mito Medical Association and is the President of the Mito Mental Clinic.
Dr. Takao is a certified psychiatrist, industrial physician and mental health physician.
He graduated with a Ph.D in Medicine from Tsukuba University.
Dr. Takao is a certified psychiatrist, industrial physician and mental health physician.
He graduated with a Ph.D in Medicine from Tsukuba University.
Hiroki OKADA
Outside Director
Mr. Okada is the founder of Kemuri Ventures, a venture capital fund specializing in food/agri tech, and the founder of “Shoku-no Mirai Fund”.
He was a venture capitalist at JAFCO, a CVC fund manager at Mitsubishi Corporation’s Living Essentials Group, and a director of Soketts’ Business Development Division. In 2003, he founded Enrest and became its representative director (current position). He was the first manager of restaurant “kemuri Kagurazaka” and published “Everything Important in Business was Taught in Restaurants”. Later, Mr Okada established a Shanghai subsidiary in 2012. He then served as Senior Director/Director of the Strategic Investment Team at Gurunavi, Inc. and Investment Manager of the Co-Creation Investment Department at Marui Group.
He graduated from Waseda University (Bachelor of Law).
He was a venture capitalist at JAFCO, a CVC fund manager at Mitsubishi Corporation’s Living Essentials Group, and a director of Soketts’ Business Development Division. In 2003, he founded Enrest and became its representative director (current position). He was the first manager of restaurant “kemuri Kagurazaka” and published “Everything Important in Business was Taught in Restaurants”. Later, Mr Okada established a Shanghai subsidiary in 2012. He then served as Senior Director/Director of the Strategic Investment Team at Gurunavi, Inc. and Investment Manager of the Co-Creation Investment Department at Marui Group.
He graduated from Waseda University (Bachelor of Law).
Tomohiro MATSUSHITA
Outside Director
With his background in the biotechnology industry, Mr. Matsushita found QFF’s genetic mutation service to be innovative. He invests with EEI’s fund and supports QFF as an outside director.
Mr. Matsushita joined Environmental Energy Investment, Inc. in 2015. He had engaged in venture company sourcing, investment, and support, as well as some middle and back office operations, such as fund performance management and financial closing operations. He also worked for a life insurance company in the actuarial field, including corporate pension plans, insurance accounting, risk management, fund procurement, and credit rating support.
Mr. Matsushita received an Msc in Biotechnology from Tokyo Institute of Technology.
Mr. Matsushita joined Environmental Energy Investment, Inc. in 2015. He had engaged in venture company sourcing, investment, and support, as well as some middle and back office operations, such as fund performance management and financial closing operations. He also worked for a life insurance company in the actuarial field, including corporate pension plans, insurance accounting, risk management, fund procurement, and credit rating support.
Mr. Matsushita received an Msc in Biotechnology from Tokyo Institute of Technology.
Kenichi KAWAI
Auditor
At QFF, Mr. Kawai supports all aspects of the business as an auditor.
He is a certified public accountant and a licensed tax accountant. At a major audit firm, he participated in accounting audits and accounting operations advisory projects, mainly for financial institutions. Since becoming independent, in addition to accounting audits and advisory services, he has also been involved in business management and governance, including participation in projects to introduce mission-critical systems and handling corporate scandals (participation in investigative committees).
He is the representative of the office of Kenichi Kawai, CPA.
He is a certified public accountant and a licensed tax accountant. At a major audit firm, he participated in accounting audits and accounting operations advisory projects, mainly for financial institutions. Since becoming independent, in addition to accounting audits and advisory services, he has also been involved in business management and governance, including participation in projects to introduce mission-critical systems and handling corporate scandals (participation in investigative committees).
He is the representative of the office of Kenichi Kawai, CPA.
Dr. May Sweet
Senior R&D scientist –
Neutrons and Biophysics
Ph.D in Biophysics
KEK Cooperative Researcher
Dr. May Sweet is a quantum biotech researcher at QFF, working towards addressing global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through computer simulations, experiments and AI data science. She collaborates with research institutes and universities on innovative neutron beam technology (neutron beam) for irradiation research.
Originally from Myanmar, she graduated a Ph.D in Biophysics from Gifu University, Japan. She specializes in biomolecular motors, biophysics, nanotechnology and she completed her Masters in Particle Physics. Her high-impact research publications, including a notable one in “Nature (Scientific Reports) ”.
Originally from Myanmar, she graduated a Ph.D in Biophysics from Gifu University, Japan. She specializes in biomolecular motors, biophysics, nanotechnology and she completed her Masters in Particle Physics. Her high-impact research publications, including a notable one in “Nature (Scientific Reports) ”.
Shunsuke NAITO
Sales Manager
Shunsuke Naito is currently a sales manager at QFF. He is in charge of business expansion and new business development.
He worked for NEXYZ.Corporation as a section manager in charge of planning and sales for corporations and individuals, then worked as a JICA overseas cooperation volunteer in the Republic of Rwanda and worked as No. 2 for a company and NPO in Benin, where he was involved in launching new businesses including trade, drone and app development. He stayed in Africa for 8 years in total. After that, he worked as a manager at E-Square Inc., providing sustainability and ESG management support to private companies and assisting their overseas expansion, as well as working on projects for public organisations such as JICA and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
He graduated from Takushoku University with a degree in Political Science and Economics. He is the co-author of “Living in Africa. Japanese Who Chose Africa.”(2017). He was a part-time lecturer at the University of Tsukuba (2021-2022). He ranked 4th in the Ibaraki 2024 Spartan race competition with a half marathon time of 88 mins.
He worked for NEXYZ.Corporation as a section manager in charge of planning and sales for corporations and individuals, then worked as a JICA overseas cooperation volunteer in the Republic of Rwanda and worked as No. 2 for a company and NPO in Benin, where he was involved in launching new businesses including trade, drone and app development. He stayed in Africa for 8 years in total. After that, he worked as a manager at E-Square Inc., providing sustainability and ESG management support to private companies and assisting their overseas expansion, as well as working on projects for public organisations such as JICA and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
He graduated from Takushoku University with a degree in Political Science and Economics. He is the co-author of “Living in Africa. Japanese Who Chose Africa.”(2017). He was a part-time lecturer at the University of Tsukuba (2021-2022). He ranked 4th in the Ibaraki 2024 Spartan race competition with a half marathon time of 88 mins.
Dr. Abhijit Daspute
R&D Scientist –
Breeding and Molecular Biology
Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences
Dr. Dasupte is currently doing R&D at QFF and will assist in breeding, genome analysis and the screening process.
His expertise includes: gene isolation and cloning; plant, bacteria and yeast transformation; transgenic plant characterisation; hairy root transformation and sub-cellular localisation of genes. He is also experienced in greenhouse management, field and pot screening of plants, and marker-assisted breeding. Dr. Daspute has conducted extensive research on stress tolerance in plants, focusing on aluminium stress tolerance in Arabidopsis and pigeonpea, low phosphate stress tolerance in soybean, arsenic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis, and boron stress tolerance in Indian mustard. He has published numerous articles in reputed journals and is originally from India.
He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences from Gifu University and completed his postdoctoral research at Osaka Metropolitan University.
His expertise includes: gene isolation and cloning; plant, bacteria and yeast transformation; transgenic plant characterisation; hairy root transformation and sub-cellular localisation of genes. He is also experienced in greenhouse management, field and pot screening of plants, and marker-assisted breeding. Dr. Daspute has conducted extensive research on stress tolerance in plants, focusing on aluminium stress tolerance in Arabidopsis and pigeonpea, low phosphate stress tolerance in soybean, arsenic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis, and boron stress tolerance in Indian mustard. He has published numerous articles in reputed journals and is originally from India.
He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences from Gifu University and completed his postdoctoral research at Osaka Metropolitan University.
Koichi ISHIDA
Sales Representative
Koichi Ishida is currently focusing on acquiring new customers and driving business expansion as a sales representative.
He worked in R&D as well as technical sales at a lubricant and coating manufacturer. In the automotive industry, he developed new and successful products. He then did technical sales as a playing manager at a chemical trading company and an additive manufacturer, managing clients across a wide range of industries including petroleum, chemicals, semiconductors, plastics, and paints and inks.
He graduated from Hosei University with a degree in Material Science. Currently, he is an avid kickboxer.
He worked in R&D as well as technical sales at a lubricant and coating manufacturer. In the automotive industry, he developed new and successful products. He then did technical sales as a playing manager at a chemical trading company and an additive manufacturer, managing clients across a wide range of industries including petroleum, chemicals, semiconductors, plastics, and paints and inks.
He graduated from Hosei University with a degree in Material Science. Currently, he is an avid kickboxer.
Emma HABESHAW
Marketing Representative
Emma Habeshaw is currently working on marketing and QFF’s business expansion abroad.
She volunteered at the Wildlife Aid Foundation in 2018 and Tierheim Kokua Harajuku between 2019-2020. She shadowed Dr David Williams, director of studies/college lecturer and veterinary ophthalmologist, at St John’s College – Cambridge University.
She graduated from UCL where she studied BSc Biochemistry.
She volunteered at the Wildlife Aid Foundation in 2018 and Tierheim Kokua Harajuku between 2019-2020. She shadowed Dr David Williams, director of studies/college lecturer and veterinary ophthalmologist, at St John’s College – Cambridge University.
She graduated from UCL where she studied BSc Biochemistry.
Akira TAKAGI
Advisor
[ Financial strategy ]
At QFF, Mr. Takagi provides general business support focusing on financial strategies, M&A, fundraising and IPO. He is currently the Director of Takagi Certified Public Accountants Office, Vice Chairman of the Committee for Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises of the Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is also the Outside Auditor of iMobile, Inc.
He served as an Outside Director for several listed and unlisted companies as well as an advisor to financial institutions, business companies and venture companies.
He served as an Outside Director for several listed and unlisted companies as well as an advisor to financial institutions, business companies and venture companies.
Kazuhiro KAWADA
Advisor
[ Sales & Seedling ]
At QFF, Mr. Kawada leads the development of new varieties of Kiku (chrysanthemum), pear, meron and rose. in addition to providing market information and networking for agriculture.
He was formally the Technical Director of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Ibaraki Prefecture. He joined the Ibaraki Prefectural government and served as a Technical Officer in the Sales and Distribution Division. He was the Director of Promotion and Environment in the West Ibaraki Agriculture and Forestry Office. He was also the Director of the Sales and Distribution Division and the Director of the Tokyo Headquarters for the Promotion of Agricultural Products Sales in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Mr. Kawada graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture at Ibaraki University.
He was formally the Technical Director of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Ibaraki Prefecture. He joined the Ibaraki Prefectural government and served as a Technical Officer in the Sales and Distribution Division. He was the Director of Promotion and Environment in the West Ibaraki Agriculture and Forestry Office. He was also the Director of the Sales and Distribution Division and the Director of the Tokyo Headquarters for the Promotion of Agricultural Products Sales in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Mr. Kawada graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture at Ibaraki University.
– JAPAN’S Game-Changing
QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY –
New Quantum Biotech Business