UMI Introduces Global Water Tech Frontier (GWTF), a Startup Leveraging Technology from Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)

Universal Materials Incubator Co., Ltd. (UMI) is advancing the social implementation of wastewater treatment solutions utilizing technology developed by Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), reflecting its strong confidence in the commercial potential of ITRI’s water treatment technologies. As part of this effort, UMI has established Global Water Tech Frontier (GWTF), a startup that provides wastewater treatment solutions, through an equity-based technology licensing arrangement under which ITRI licensed its water treatment technology in exchange for equity in GWTF. This marks ITRI’s first technology-for-equity commercialization project in Japan.

UMI introduced GWTF to investors, including the Limited Partners (LPs) of UMI Ventures’ funds, as well as portfolio companies and their shareholders and business partners, at the UMI III Fund 5th Expanded Deal Flow Meeting held in late May 2026.

From left: Shosuke Kiba, Representative Director of Universal Materials Incubator Co., Ltd.; Satoshi Fujiura, CEO of Global Water Tech Frontier Inc.; Dr. Jeffrey Kuo-Chan Chiou, ITRI Vice President & General Director of Material and Chemical Research Laboratories

Session by Satoshi Fujiura, CEO of Global Water Tech Frontier Inc.

Group photo of stakeholders

ITRI and UMI have maintained a strategic partnership since 2020. Going forward, the two organizations will continue to work toward the global social implementation of promising new technologies by creating synergy between the strengths of Taiwan and Japan, with the aim of promoting further bilateral development.

Global Water Tech Frontier Inc.