Genesia Ventures Leads First Round Investment in NanoFrontier, a Tohoku University Spinoff Commercializing Organic Nanoparticle Technology Through Reprecipitation Method
Genesia Ventures led the first round of investment in NanoFrontier, a deep tech startup spun out of Tohoku University.
Background and Market Opportunity
As resource constraints tighten and environmental regulations strengthen, demand for nanomaterials that add functionality to liquids is growing. NanoFrontier has built a platform spanning sensors, electrolytes, coolants, catalysts, and drug delivery. At its core is the reprecipitation method, which enables uniform, high-concentration dispersion of organic nanoparticles at room temperature and pressure with low energy consumption.
We made this investment to work with the management team on a strategy that reduces cost and environmental impact while improving performance compared to conventional methods. The company brings together a recipe library built over 30 years of academic research and industry collaboration, along with expertise in rapid condition exploration and scale-up through AI, Materials Informatics (MI), and automation.
Business and Technology
NanoFrontier’s core technology synthesizes organic nanoparticles through the reprecipitation method and disperses them uniformly at high concentration. Applications span multiple fields: on-site, immediate colorimetric detection of hazardous substances like PFAS, rare-metal-free battery materials, high-performance data center coolants, catalysts and thermal conductive fillers that reduce energy loss in hydrogen transport, and carrier-free drug delivery systems that minimize side effects.
The business model includes product sales (in-house and OEM), contract manufacturing (CDMO), process and recipe licensing, and technical consulting. The company also envisions future value creation through MI and data provision.
Use of Funds and Future Direction
The funds raised will be used to establish a new research and development facility within Tohoku University. The company will accelerate demonstrations of PFAS immediate colorimetric detection reagents while expanding collaboration with local governments, water treatment companies, and equipment manufacturers. In parallel, NanoFrontier will develop continuous mass production equipment for nanoparticles to establish scale-up guidelines and realize stable supply through standardized design space, process control, and lot specifications. By building an automated R&D pipeline that incorporates data-driven exploration and optimization, the company aims to shorten lead times from prototyping to evaluation and mass production.
NanoFrontier will also strengthen its team by recruiting talent in synthetic chemistry, analysis and quality assurance, data engineering, and operations.
▼ Careers: https://careers.nanofrontier.jp/
About the Investment
Shu Sokabe, Investment Manager, Genesia Ventures
I first met Seiya Inoue, NanoFrontier’s CEO, at a startup event when we were both students. We’ve stayed in regular contact ever since, even while he was exploring business opportunities. I’m continually inspired by his willingness to dive into unknown territories and his drive to grasp the essence through self-directed learning.
The Kasai Laboratory at Tohoku University, where CTO Professor Oka works, is the same chemical and bioengineering lab where I studied as a student. This lab has explored nanoparticle synthesis through the reprecipitation method for over 30 years. Building on this foundation, NanoFrontier has achieved a breakthrough for industrial use: mass-producing organic and composite nanoparticles with high precision at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in low-energy environments.
I’m confident that the combination of deep research expertise and the team’s drive will make this a company that opens new horizons in nanotechnology.
Takahiro Suzuki, General Partner, Genesia Ventures
We are delighted to lead NanoFrontier’s first fundraising round. CEO Inoue has worked with strong determination to bring Tohoku University-originated technology from Sendai to the world, leveraging his extensive experience. We were drawn to invest by Inoue’s guts and warm personality, his ability to engage many stakeholders, and Professor Oka’s sincere research approach and solid technical capabilities. As demand for functional nanoparticles rapidly expands across diverse liquid applications, we’re convinced NanoFrontier’s technology will be key to solving sustainability challenges, from PFAS regulations to water resource conservation and carbon neutrality.
Company Overview
Company Name: NanoFrontier Inc.
Website: https://nanofrontier.jp
Established: April 7, 2025
Head Office: Room 215, Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
Representative: Seiya Inoue, Representative Director
