Nagoya University-based startup Quastella is pioneering the field of cell quality management with its innovative product, Cytometa, which leverages AI and image analysis technologies to transform the industry and unlock new markets. This groundbreaking product shifts the evaluation of cells from traditional visual inspections to objective, data-driven, and highly accurate assessments.
“Until now, cell quality evaluation relied on observing cells under a microscope and making subjective judgments of ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ This qualitative method has remained unchanged for nearly 100 years,” explains CEO Yuto Takemoto.
To overcome this challenge, Cytometa was developed as a system that uses AI to analyze and quantify cell counts and morphology. “Our goal is to eliminate reliance on human intuition and enable consistent quality evaluation based on data. This can dramatically enhance the safety and efficiency of cell products in regenerative medicine and the bio-industry,” Takemoto adds. The innovation is already gaining recognition in the domestic market, with multiple companies adopting the product.
Challenges, Growth, and the Vision for Quastella
Launched in 2024, Cytometa has already been implemented by several companies in Japan, but Quastella’s ambitions extend further. “Our ultimate goal is to support the entire cell manufacturing industry.” Takemoto emphasizes. “For instance, by integrating with automated systems for cell culture, we aim to create a fully automated, labor-free process for cell production. Establishing such systems will accelerate the cell industry both domestically and internationally.”
The company is also focusing on overseas markets, particularly Asia, with Taiwan and South Korea as key markets. “In Taiwan, there is a national initiative to promote bio-industry, including the establishment of large-scale cell factories. We see significant potential for our technology to contribute to these kinds of markets,” Takemoto explains.
Maximizing the Potential of Nagoya
Quastella’s headquarters is based in Nagoya City. Takemoto says, “Nagoya is a region known for its heavy industry but remains underdeveloped in the cell industry. Precisely because of this, I found value in the challenge of creating a new industry here and spreading it throughout Japan.”
Support from Aichi Prefecture’s subsidy programs and acceleration initiatives such as the DeepTech Launchpad have been instrumental in providing financial resources and business strategy guidance. “This region also has many experienced entrepreneurs who advise us to ‘not just focus on technology, but also on clearly communicating real-world challenges,’ which has been invaluable in shaping our business,” he notes.
Nagoya University and local startup support hubs like Nagono Campus and STATION Ai have also propelled the company’s growth. “Nagoya’s startup community is highly interconnected, providing rapid access to the resources and people we need. For instance, when we were looking for sales personnel, we received specific recommendations almost immediately after bringing it up,” he recalls.
A Spirit of Overcoming ‘Impossibilities’
Takemoto’s career has been a series of challenges. During his student years, he aimed to enter Nagoya University, inspired by the passion of Associate Professor Kato, which led him to pursue cell research. While in a doctoral program, he became Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Quastella and, in 2022, took on the role of CEO. Each step brought its own set of challenges.
“When you believe that feeling something is ‘impossible’, it’s a sign that you haven’t tried yet. For example, when I decided to enter Nagoya University or was offered the CEO position midway through my doctoral program, I thought, ‘Can I really do this?’ But I trusted that taking the first step would open the door to the future,” Takemoto reflects.
A Future Shaped by Technology
Quastella’s technology aims to go beyond simply managing cell quality. Its potential spans multiple fields, including regenerative medicine, bio-manufacturing, drug discovery, and food safety validation. Takemoto shares his vision: “Through our technology, we hope to establish a society where the cell industry becomes a vital pillar supporting human health and life. We envision a future where regenerative medicine and bio-products seamlessly integrate into everyday life.” From Nagoya to the world, Quastella is steadily advancing toward this vision.
