Received the Japan Patent Attorneys Association Kansai Award at U-START UP KANSAI 2026

On October 8, 2026, Gel Coat Biomaterials, Inc. received the Japan Patent Attorneys Association Kansai Award at the U-START UP KANSAI 2026 Open Pitch, held at JAM BASE in Osaka.

U-START UP KANSAI 2026 is a business development support program for university-originated startups, organized by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Kansai Innovation Initiative (KSII), with the aim of supporting commercialization and growth through industry-academia collaboration.

This year, the program received a record 75 applications from Japan and overseas, and 10 finalists selected through the screening process took the stage at the Open Pitch.

In our presentation, we introduced our proprietary surface coating technology based on nanoparticle hydrogel technology.

Our technology is designed to form a layer of water molecules on material surfaces using a cell membrane-mimicking material, thereby helping to prevent the initial adhesion of bacteria and other microorganisms. Unlike conventional approaches that rely on disinfectants or other methods to remove microorganisms after adhesion has occurred, our approach aims to reduce adhesion itself, with the potential to lower environmental impact and reduce maintenance requirements.

In our evaluations to date, we have confirmed adhesion-reduction effects against freshwater bacteria, marine bacteria, and fungi. We are currently exploring applications in a wide range of fields where bacterial, fungal, and biological fouling can create significant maintenance challenges, including large-scale industrial facilities, data centers, marine and shipping applications, water treatment systems, and land-based aquaculture.

As part of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association Kansai Award, we will also receive access to consulting support focused on protecting and utilizing intellectual property.

We are honored to receive this recognition and will continue advancing both our technology development and business development, including our intellectual property strategy. Through joint research, co-development, and business partnerships with companies and research institutions, we aim to accelerate the practical application and commercialization of our technology.

■Event Overview

・Event: U-START UP KANSAI 2026 Open Pitch

・Date: October 8, 2026

・Organizers: Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry / Kansai Innovation Initiative (KSII)

・Award: Japan Patent Attorneys Association Kansai Award