Vietnam’s Sand Battery Startup Alternō Establishes Japan Subsidiary
Accelerating Japan Market Entry Through Collaboration with Ibaraki-Based Partners
Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinjuku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Dr. Yukihiro Maru) is advancing the Global Bridge Program (GBP) under its mission of “Accelerating Globalization through Borderless Knowledge Bridging.” The program supports technology ventures around the world in expanding across borders and building impactful partnerships.
Alternō Pte. Ltd., a Vietnam-based deep-tech startup developing thermal energy storage and transfer technology using sand (silica sand), established its Japanese subsidiary, Alterno Japan G.K. (Godo Kaisha or also known as Limited Liability Company), on October 31, 2025, in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. This marks a major step in the company’s plan to localize production and accelerate commercialization in Japan.
Reference release (Japanese)
Turning Sand into Sustainable Heat
Alternō has developed an innovative system that stores and reuses heat using sand as a thermal medium. By heating sand to high temperatures and retaining that heat for extended periods, the technology enables energy reuse for applications such as agricultural drying—without relying on fossil fuels such as coal or diesel.
This approach contributes to both CO₂ reduction and up to 50% energy cost savings, making it a promising solution for industrial decarbonization and energy efficiency.
From Vietnam to Japan: A Journey of Partnership
Alternō first came to prominence after winning the Grand Winner Award at TECH PLANTER Vietnam in 2023, hosted by the Leave a Nest Group. The company went on to claim the Grand Prize at the TECH PLANTER Asia Final 2023 in Malaysia, standing out among top startups across Southeast Asia.
In August 2024, Leave a Nest Group company 144 Ventures invested in Alternō, supporting prototype development and testing in Vietnam.
That same year, Alternō was selected for the “FY2024 Business Matching and Invitation Program for Promising Foreign Companies” commissioned by Ibaraki Prefecture and operated by Leave a Nest. Through this initiative, the company began exploring collaboration with Ibaraki-based firms interested in open innovation and decarbonization technologies.
Building Bridges with Ibaraki Industry
In May 2025, Alternō secured a Pre-Series A investment from the Real Tech Global Fund II, managed by UntroD Capital Asia, to expand operations in Southeast Asia and Japan.
Following this, Kikuchi Seiki Co., Ltd., a precision manufacturing company based in Ibaraki, received a JETRO Foreign Direct Investment Promotion subsidy to conduct joint trials with Alternō. Together, they began verification of Japan-ready sand battery systems for local decarbonization applications.
These milestones laid the groundwork for the establishment of Alterno Japan G.K., which will serve as the company’s regional hub for localization, R&D, and pilot-scale production. Through its partnerships with Kikuchi Seiki and other Japanese manufacturers, Alternō aims to deliver low-carbon thermal solutions for both agriculture (such as greenhouse and food drying systems) and light industries (including textiles and material processing).
Next Step: Showcasing Japan-Ready Sand Batteries at ENEX 2026
Alterno Japan will exhibit jointly with Kikuchi Seiki at ENEX 2026 – The 50th Energy and Environment Exhibition, held at Tokyo Big Sight from January 28–30, 2026.
At the event, the team will showcase the prototype model of its domestically adapted sand battery system, signaling the start of full-scale market entry into Japan.
Creating a Global Bridge for Deep Tech Ventures
Through the Global Bridge Program, Leave a Nest Group will continue to support Alternō’s business development in Japan and Southeast Asia.
By bridging entrepreneurs, researchers, and industries across borders, Leave a Nest remains committed to fostering ventures that drive sustainability and contribute to Advancing Science and Technology for Global Happiness.
For inquiries:
Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. — Contact: Takagi
Tel: +81-3-5227-4198
Email: info “at” lne.st