Meet our program partner: Sumitomo Corporation

Sumitomo Corporation, as a global trading and investment powerhouse with deep roots in Japan, is now accelerating its footprint in the foodtech and agri-innovation arena, leveraging its international network and extensive resources across the entire food value chain. With a long history of driving industrial development through innovation and partnership, the company is actively investing in technologies and business models that promote sustainability, efficiency, and improved food security.

As a partner of Next Kitchen 2026, Sumitomo Corporation is interested in collaboration with overseas foodtech startups across the following focus areas:

🌱 Alternative Foods (plant-based foods, cultured food, alternative seasonings)

🍽️ Food Waste Reduction (upcycled products, shelf-life extension technologies)

🧫 Novel Food Processing (precision fermentation and related technologies)

🍎 Health & Nutrition Management (personalized nutrition, functional foods)

🚚 Food Logistics (cold chain, digital transformation in food distribution)

🤖 Automation & Labor-saving Technologies (kitchen robotics, automated cooking, unmanned store systems)

📦 Innovative Food Packaging (eco-friendly packaging, freshness-preservation technologies)

For startups developing cutting-edge solutions across any of these domains, partnering with Sumitomo Corporation opens up access to vast global supply chains, commercial channels, and industrial know-how that can help scale innovation. Join Next Kitchen 2026 and explore co-creation opportunities with one of the world’s most diversified and resource-rich corporate partners.