[AVF2026] A group of researchers seriously committed to achieving “zero disease.” Metagen, which is working to bring gut design to society, has confirmed its participation!

Lifeness Inc. will host the “Ad-Venture Forum Tokyo,” a career forum for R&D-focused startups recruiting young researchers—including master’s and doctoral students, as well as postdocs—conducting research at universities and graduate schools, on Sunday, November 22, 2026. Metagen Co., Ltd., whose vision is “Zero Disease” and which aims to provide personalized healthcare based on the gut microbiome, has confirmed its participation in this forum.

Students, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and others who want to take on the challenge of world-changing R&D are welcome to attend the Add Venture Forum, where you can interact with the company.

From “Analyzing” Gut Bacteria to “Designing” Health

Even when people eat the same food, the effects may not be the same for everyone. One of the factors behind these differences is the “gut microbiome,” which varies from person to person. Metagen Co., Ltd. is a research and development-oriented venture that aims to realize a “disease-free society” through “Gut Design®,” based on “Metabologenomics®”—a proprietary gut environment assessment method that analyzes the combination of genetic information from gut bacteria and information on the metabolites they actually produce. Starting with the gut environment, we are continuing our challenge to transform the very nature of healthcare—shifting from “the same health foods for everyone” to “nutrition and health tailored to each individual’s gut environment.”

World-renowned researchers take on the challenge of applying their research findings to society

Metagen was founded by world-renowned researchers who decided not to let their research findings end with academic papers alone, but to bring them to society through commercial ventures. Shinji Fukuda, President and CEO, continues to conduct cutting-edge research on gut microbiota and was selected for the “Highly Cited Researchers 2024” list, which recognizes researchers with significant influence in their respective fields based on metrics such as the number of citations their papers receive. In addition, Takuji Yamada, Executive Vice President and CTO, received the “Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for Science and Technology (Research Category)” in 2020. Furthermore, Metagen itself was selected in 2026 for the “300 Thriving Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Small Businesses for Fiscal Year 2025,” a program organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency.

Right now, research findings are making their way to our dinner tables

One prime example of this social implementation is “Body Granola,” developed in collaboration with Calbee, Inc. and others. The service analyzes users’ gut microbiomes and, based on the results, provides granola made with a blend of ingredients tailored to their individual gut environments. The service launched in 2023, and by April 2026, the cumulative number of users had surpassed 50,000. Furthermore, with the launch of sales in Singapore and other initiatives, the social implementation of personalized healthcare is progressing both domestically and internationally.

Venture companies that create new industries and change conventional concepts require not only the development of solutions, but also a wide variety of "research and development" in areas such as education and human resource development. Those who wish to take on the challenge of world-changing R&D are invited to participate in the Adventure Forum.

Corporate Web site:https://metagen.co.jp/

Discussion Topics

How would you achieve “zero illness”?

Metagen analyzes the genetic information and metabolites of gut bacteria to help each individual achieve optimal health tailored to their unique gut environment. What could we accomplish if we combined your research and expertise with our overarching goal of “zero disease”? We invite you to join us in exploring new approaches to health through research that transcends disciplinary boundaries—including life sciences, information technology, food science, and chemistry.

Who you want to be a part of

People who want to formulate their own research questions, take on challenges with colleagues across disciplinary boundaries, and apply their research findings to build a society with “zero disease.”

How to participate in the Ad Venture Forum

To apply,this way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)

Sunday, November 22, 2026, 1:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Location: Center of Garage (COG) 1-16-3 Yokogawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Eligible Participants: Graduate students, postdocs, and other early-career researchers

Contents:
13:00 Opening Ceremony
13:10 Short Session "Ad-Venture way of life to solve global issues
13:25 Short Seminar "The 'QPMI Cycle' to make your 1min self-introduction powerful"
13:30 1min QP presentation by venture companies
14:15 Booth discussion with venture companies

Registration (free of charge) with a ribanes ID is required to attend the event.