ImpacFat expands into Japan to advance sustainable omega-3 innovation

JAPAN – ImpacFat, the Singapore-based food-tech startup that created the world’s first stem cell-derived omega-3 fish fat, has officially announced its expansion into Japan, marking a significant milestone in its mission to redefine the future of sustainable nutrition. 

The company’s entry into Japan is backed by new strategic investors and a partnership with JR East, establishing its first overseas research and development base in Tokyo’s Takanawa Gateway City.

ImpacFat further aims to accelerate its innovation in producing more sustainable and healthy ingredients for food, supplements, and cosmetic products.

At a press conference held in Tokyo, ImpacFat announced that it had signed a service agreement to establish operations within the Link Scholar’s Hub (LiSH), one of Japan’s emerging innovation ecosystems. 

The facility will serve as both a shared office and a laboratory, enabling ImpacFat to collaborate directly with Japanese researchers, startups, and corporations to accelerate biotechnological advancements in cultivated food.

Founded in Singapore as an A*STAR spin-off, ImpacFat is the world’s first company developing cell-cultivated omega-3 fish fat, a functional ingredient rich in DHA and EPA. 

The innovation aims to provide an ethical, sustainable, and pollutant-free alternative to conventional fish oil and animal fat. 

Its applications extend beyond food to include cosmetics, supplements, and pet nutrition, industries where the demand for clean, high-quality omega-3 sources continues to rise.

The company’s expansion into Japan comes at a time when the global omega-3 ingredients market is projected to surpass US$8 billion by 2030, with Japan standing as one of the world’s most mature markets for seafood and marine-based supplements. 

Establishing a physical presence in Tokyo enables ImpacFat to leverage Japan’s advanced industrial infrastructure and health-conscious consumer base, while contributing to national goals related to food security, sustainability, and marine biodiversity.

“Expanding into Japan is a defining moment for ImpacFat,” said Mandy Hon, CEO and Co-Founder of ImpacFat. “Japan has long been a global leader in food innovation, and we are honoured to work alongside Toyo Seikan Group, Leave a Nest, and our other Japanese partners to build a sustainable cultivated food ecosystem.”

Strategic investments and industrial collaboration

Alongside the expansion, ImpacFat announced a new round of strategic investments from leading partners, including Toyo Seikan Group, 144 Ventures (the venture arm of Leave a Nest Group), and Lin Xiangliang, CEO of Esco Aster, a global leader in contract development and manufacturing for biopharma and food-tech.

The partnership also highlights the increasing collaboration between Singapore and Japan in biotechnology and sustainable food systems.

Amanda Dizon, Regional Director of Enterprise Singapore (Japan), emphasized that the collaboration “reflects the deepening partnership between both nations’ innovation ecosystems,” particularly as the countries approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

Dr. Yukihiro Maru, CEO of Leave a Nest Group, added that the company’s investment through 144 Ventures will strengthen commercialization pathways for biotech ventures under the upcoming “BioGarage Initiative”, a joint effort to advance research and development in the field.

With a Tokyo base and strong industry backing, ImpacFat is now positioned to accelerate production, expand applications, and advance its mission of creating ethical, science-driven solutions for food, supplements, and cosmetics. 

Its entry into Japan not only marks a new chapter in cross-border biotech collaboration but also reinforces Asia’s growing role in building a sustainable, climate-resilient food future.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.