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LOOPARTS is a Japanese startup focused on high-purity metal resource recycling, employing a proprietary molten salt electrolysis technology. This process enables the recovery of semiconductor-grade aluminum, alongside copper and silicon, from various scrap materials. The company's innovative approach is designed to achieve metal recycling with energy consumption less than 30% of that required for new metal production.
The company's core technology was developed at Tohoku University, and LOOPARTS was co-founded with Professor Zhu from the university to commercialize these advanced recycling solutions. With its headquarters in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan, LOOPARTS aims to contribute to a global "Circular Valley" by implementing its resource-efficient recycling methods. Kyoto University Innovation Capital has provided investment to support these initiatives.
The innovative aluminum refining technology central to LOOPARTS' operations was developed through research at Tohoku University, with the company co-founded by Professor Zhu from the university.
The innovative aluminum refining technology central to LOOPARTS' operations was developed through research at Tohoku University, with the company co-founded by Professor Zhu from the university.
LOOPARTS most recently raised Seed in January 2026.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 30, 2026 | Seed | — | Akira Nagao, Hibiki Nishikawa, JIN Uehara, Kyoto University Innovation Capital, REN Uechi, Shohei Yamada | Announced |
LOOPARTS is a Japanese startup dedicated to advancing high-purity metal resource recycling, employing a proprietary molten salt electrolysis technology. The company's primary objective is to recover valuable metals, including semiconductor-grade aluminum, copper, and silicon, from various scrap materials. This approach addresses the increasing need for sustainable resource management and the reduction of reliance on virgin raw materials in industrial processes.
The core of LOOPARTS' innovation lies in its molten salt electrolysis technology. This advanced method is engineered to extract metals at exceptionally high purity levels, making them suitable for demanding applications such as semiconductor manufacturing. A significant benefit of this process is its energy efficiency, with the company aiming to achieve metal recycling using less than 30% of the energy typically required for the production of new metals. This efficiency contributes to a reduced environmental footprint.
The foundational aluminum refining technology utilized by LOOPARTS originated from extensive research conducted at Tohoku University. The company was co-founded by Professor Zhu, a key figure from Tohoku University, specifically to commercialize these advanced recycling solutions. This direct transfer of academic innovation to an industrial application highlights the scientific rigor and potential impact of LOOPARTS' offerings.
Based in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan, LOOPARTS is actively working towards its vision of establishing a global "Circular Valley." This initiative involves scaling its resource-efficient recycling methods to contribute to a worldwide circular economy. The company's efforts are geared towards transforming waste into high-value resources, thereby promoting industrial sustainability.
To support its commercialization and expansion efforts, LOOPARTS has successfully secured investment. Notably, Kyoto University Innovation Capital (Kyoto iCAP Fund II) has provided funding, underscoring investor confidence in the company's technology and business model. This investment aids LOOPARTS in its mission to bring its innovative metal recycling technologies to a broader market and achieve its sustainability goals.
