Glocalink Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sumida Ward, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yoshinobu Osaka; hereinafter “Glocalink”) has partnered with fabula Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ota Ward, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Kota Machida; hereinafter “fabula”) to utilize the Center of Garage (hereinafter “COG”) and develop next-generation infrastructure materials using silica as a raw material."We are launching a demonstration project aimed at developing applications for "initium" technology.

Fabula is a startup founded in October 2021 by the University of Tokyo, with the mission of “turning waste into inspiration.” The company is developing technologies to convert waste into new materials and aims to implement these solutions in the construction, aerospace, and overseas infrastructure sectors.

Fabula is developing Initium as a material for constructing buildings using only the resources available in a given region. With the ultimate goal of building infrastructure not only on Earth but also in space—where transporting resources is difficult—Fabula will play a pivotal role in humanity’s expansion into space over the next two hundred years.

Initium is a technology that chemically bonds and solidifies silica itself by adding alcohol, alkali, and other substances to materials containing SiO₂ (silica)—the main component of sand—and then heating them inside a pressure-resistant vessel. Since it does not use cement and does not require high-temperature firing, building materials can be produced using locally available materials, thereby minimizing the need to import resources from outside.

To date, potential applications have been identified for a variety of materials, including waste concrete debris, glass from discarded solar panels, waste glass, waste roof tiles, and sand. This approach has the potential to transform the challenge of processing waste materials and industrial byproducts into valuable new building materials, aggregates, and repair materials.

Background of the Demonstration

In various industries, including manufacturing and construction, there is a growing need to reduce disposal costs and develop new uses for waste materials and byproducts generated by business operations.

On the other hand, since the composition, shape, and volume of waste materials vary from company to company and facility to facility, even if it is technically possible to convert them into raw materials, there is a need to assess “which waste materials should be converted into what kinds of products or applications to make the business viable.”

Fabula’s “initium” can be applied to a wide range of raw materials containing silica, and is expected to transform waste materials themselves into building materials, aggregates, repair materials, and more.

Therefore, in this project, we will utilize COG—a hub for R&D-focused startups, established companies, and small local manufacturers—to conduct a demonstration project that combines the waste materials and industrial byproducts generated by various companies with initium’s technology to explore new materials and applications.

COG is an incubation facility for startups aiming to bring research findings to market; it serves as a hub that connects researchers, small local manufacturers, and commercial companies with the goal of creating new businesses.

Details of the Demonstration

In this demonstration project, starting with COG, we will collect potential sources of silica-containing waste materials and industrial byproducts held by operating companies, manufacturing firms, and other entities.

Fabula will evaluate the suitability of the provided materials for application to the Initium technology and produce prototypes of the cured materials for those deemed promising.

Furthermore, by bringing prototype materials to COG and engaging in discussions with raw material suppliers, businesses, and manufacturing companies gathered at COG,

We will explore not only “what can be used as raw materials,” but also “what they can be used for” and “who will use them,” to identify new applications and opportunities for business partnerships.

As a result,

Identification of waste materials and byproducts → Conversion into materials using initium → Sample prototyping → Exploration of applications → Proof of Concept (PoC) with companies

We aim to build this series of processes using COG, with the goal of creating new applications and partnerships that will lead to the societal implementation of Fabula’s technology.

At Fabula, our approach to collaborating with companies involves first conducting a 3- to 6-month proof-of-concept (PoC) using the company’s own waste materials and byproducts, with the intention of subsequently advancing to implementation and technology transfer—such as contract research for specific applications, field demonstrations, and manufacturing licenses.

Project Period: September 11, 2026 – March 31, 2027 (tentative)

Support Provided by Grocalink

Glocalink will provide multifaceted support to fabula, including assistance in formulating a demonstration plan; creating the necessary environment, such as providing a COG venue; reaching out to companies that possess waste materials and industrial byproducts, as well as companies willing to collaborate on the demonstration; providing feedback on prototypes; and promoting collaboration with operating companies to develop new applications.

Through this demonstration project, we aim not only to use COG as a mere testing ground, but also to,A space for generating new business hypotheses by connecting companies’ untapped resources with startup technologiesBy utilizing it in this way, we will facilitate the societal implementation of Initium technology.

As a hub for the social implementation of technologies developed by research-and-development-oriented venture companies, COG will continue to create an environment conducive to the implementation of startup technologies and foster collaboration among companies, thereby serving as a catalyst for the emergence of technologies that are implemented in society through COG.

＜For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact

◆fabula, Inc.
Kota Machida, Representative Director and CEO
Address: Rokugo BASE, 3-10-16 Minami-Rokugo, Ota Ward, Tokyo 144-0045
URL: https://fabulajp.com/
Mail：[email protected]

◆Gloka Link Corporation
Yoshinobu Osaka, Representative Director
Address: 1-16-3 Yokogawa, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
URL: ⁠https://glocalink.com/
Tel: 050-1746-2770
Mail：[email protected]