ARK Recognized as “1 of 1000” by 1000 Ocean Startups
ARK Co., Ltd. (Head office: Hiratsuka, Kanagawa; Co-founder/Director/ CEO: Yosuke Kurihara; hereinafter “ARK”) is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as “1 of 1000” by 1000 Ocean Startups, a global coalition dedicated to accelerating ocean innovation and impact investing for ocean health.
Under the concept “LET THE OCEAN REST, CREATE YOUR OWN,” ARK is a research and development-driven startup working to make land-based aquaculture accessible to anyone, anywhere. The company develops and manufactures modular closed recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in Japan and has been working to bring these systems into practical use while developing markets for sustainably farmed seafood.
Building on this recognition, ARK aims to strengthen collaboration with ocean innovation startups and supporting organizations worldwide, contributing to food security and the development of a more sustainable aquaculture industry in Japan and around the world.
As part of its engagement with the 1000 Ocean Startups (1000OS) network, ARK welcomed representatives associated with 1000OS to Hiratsuka, home to its ARK SEA SHONAN facility, on September 15, 2026. The visit was organized as a related program following a workshop co-hosted by the Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and 1000OS on September 14, 2026.
During the visit, ARK introduced its modular RAS technology, showcased its aquaculture operations, and shared its vision for the future of the seafood industry. The visit provided an opportunity for stakeholders working to address global ocean challenges to gain firsthand insight into ARK’s technology and on-site operations.
About 1000 Ocean Startups and “1 of 1000”
1000 Ocean Startups is a global coalition established in 2021 to accelerate ocean innovation and impact investing for ocean health. Its members include organizations around the world that support ocean-focused startups, including incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms.
The coalition aims to support the growth of at least 1,000 innovative startups by 2030, contributing to the restoration of ocean health and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): Life Below Water.
The “1 of 1000” initiative highlights startups supported by members of the 1000OS coalition that are working to address challenges facing the ocean.
Through its recognition as “1 of 1000,” ARK has joined a global community of startups working to address challenges related to ocean health and the blue economy.
● Official website: https://www.1000oceanstartups.org/ecosystem/index.html#/
Advancing Sustainable Aquaculture Worldwide
Against the backdrop of global population growth and changes in the marine environment, there is a growing need for new production infrastructure that can ensure a stable supply of seafood for the future.
To address these challenges, ARK is developing a system that enables seafood to be produced wherever it is needed, starting at whatever scale is needed, through its modular recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). A key strength of the system is its ability to be deployed in line with each region’s environment, demand, and business scale.
Taking this “1 of 1000” recognition as a new starting point, ARK will further deepen its collaboration with 1000OS as well as startups, research institutions, companies, government agencies, and support organizations around the world, and will deploy the land-based aquaculture technology it has developed in Japan in ways tailored to the environments and needs of each country and region.
By expanding systems that enable stable, region-by-region production and supply of seafood, ARK aims to contribute to food security in Japan and around the world. Together with partners in Japan and abroad, ARK will also create a new cycle for the seafood industry that makes hybrid use of both land and sea.