Midwest Composites Sdn. Bhd., a pioneer in sustainable composite materials, has been named the Grand Winner at the prestigious MakiChalle 2024, earning a cash prize of ¥1 million (approximately RM28,000).
This achievement highlights the company’s groundbreaking work in sustainable manufacturing and opens doors to exclusive collaborations within Japan’s industrial ecosystem.
Hosted by Makinohara City, the MakiChalle celebrates international innovations that align with Japan’s sustainability commitments. Winning this award not only provides Midwest Composites with financial support but also establishes a pathway for joint initiatives with Japanese industries and local government leaders.
Through these partnerships, Midwest Composites aims to expand its BioComposite technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices to suit the Japanese market, furthering its mission to champion eco-friendly solutions across diverse sectors.
The MakiChalle 2024 award ceremony took place on 7 November 2024.
“We’re deeply honoured by this recognition and excited to collaborate with Makinohara City to drive innovation,” said Sethu Raaj, CEO of Midwest Composites. “This partnership strengthens our commitment to delivering green alternatives in materials science, and we are eager to bring our technologies to Japan, advancing our shared vision for a sustainable future.”
“Midwest Composites has developed highly sophisticated technology to produce industrial material from crop waste. Their business plan includes collaboration with green tea farmers and automobile manufacturers in Makinohara,” stated Yoshito Denawa, CEO of CF Startup Partners, the organisation overseeing the contest.
“This year, 149 startups applied, including 40 from overseas. The unique feature of this event is that it judges business plans with specific collaboration proposals with local industries, centred on the sponsors.
“For overseas startups, winning not only provides prize money but can be a significant first step into the Japanese market if the collaboration proposal is accepted.”
MakiChalle recognises businesses that break new ground in sustainable practices, attracting global participation from environmental and technological innovators. This award serves as a launching pad for Midwest Composites to further its work with natural fibres and recycled materials, creating solutions tailored for both global and local markets.
