Researchers from OIST’s Biological Systems Unit developed a novel wastewater treatment technology that uses microorganisms to simultaneously process livestock wastewater and remove excess nitrate from already-aerated wastewater. The system requires less maintenance and operating cost than conventional treatment methods while significantly reducing environmental impact. Demonstration trials have been conducted at a pig farm operated by the Okinawa Prefectural Livestock and Grassland Research Center since 2019. Following collaborative scale-up efforts with Nikko Company beginning in 2021, the two organizations signed a licensing agreement in 2025 to accelerate commercialization of the technology for use in Okinawa, across Japan, and internationally.

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OIST and Nikko sign licensing agreement to commercialize innovative wastewater treatment technology