Mechanochemical Organic Synthesis for Revolutionizing Industry
We implement "mechanochemical technology for organic synthesis" that has been developed at Hokkaido University, Japan, which can realize a clean and more comfortable society for our stakeholders. Our mission is to address worldwide environmental issues and provide solutions through innovations to catalyze transformative shifts within industries, paving the way for a greener future.
We also provide new functional new functional materials that are available only through mechanochemical organic synthesis. Our dream at MECHANOCROSS is to create a comfortable society together with companies.
The Mechano Chemistry Research Group was established for companies interested in mechanochemical technology for organic synthesis.
The research group provides members with the information such as basic knowledge, research achievements and the latest research etc. you need to consider mechanochemical organic synthesis. Additionally, meetings are available several times a year to consider collaboration.
Representative Director / General Manager of Technology Division
Kazuki Sakata earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Kyoto University in 2013 under thesupervision of Professor Keiji Maruoka, specializing in precision organicsynthesis. He began my career at a comprehensive chemical manufacturer, focusingon R&D of polymer materials and supporting client needs. He found greatsatisfaction in designing and synthesizing materials tailored to customerrequirements.In 2017, he joined a startup focused on biomass-derived materials. There,he not only led technical development but also helped launch a newdepartment,initiated new business ventures, and built strategic alliances with partners.In 2025, He joined MECHANOCROSS Co.,Ltd.,
Director / Technical Advisor
Hajime Ito earned his Ph.D. degree in 1996 from the Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, and was then promoted to Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, University of Tsukuba in the same year. In 1999, he became a Research Assistant at the Institute for Molecular Science and Visiting Scholar at the Scripps Research Institute, USA. In 2002, he was appointed as an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University. In 2010, he was appointed as a Professor in the Laboratory of Organoelement Chemistry, which was previously led by Prof. Akira Suzuki (2010 Nobel Prize winner) and Prof. Norio Miyaura, at the Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University. Beginning in 2018, he has served as the Deputy Director of the WPI-ICReDD, Hokkaido University. He has also served as a Principal Investigator of JST CREST "Innovative Synthesis" since 2019. In 2022, he was appointed as a Distinguished Professor at Hokkaido University, Chief Investigator of the Organic Chemistry Division in The Chemical Society of Japan, and Associate Editor, RSC Mechanochemistry, Royal Society of Chemistry, UK. He received the Hokkaido Governor's Award at the 2023 Hokkaido Venture Support Pitch, and the Chemical Society of Japan Award in 2025. He is a world leader in mechanochemical organic synthesis research.
Director / Technical Advisor
Koji Kubota earned his Ph.D. in 2016 under the supervision of Professor Hajime Ito at Hokkaido University. He then joined the laboratory of Professor F. Dean Toste at the University of California, Berkeley, as a postdoctoral fellow. In 2017, he transferred to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and joined the laboratory of Professor Stephen L. Buchwald as a JSPS overseas research fellow. In 2018, he began his academic research on mechanochemical synthesis as part of the Ito group at Hokkaido University and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2021, and to Professor at the same graduate school in 2026. In November 2023, he founded MECHNOCROSS Co., Ltd., where he serves as a Director and Technical Advisor. He has received numerous awards, including the 72nd Annual Award for Progress from the Chemical Society of Japan, 2022 Hokkaido University President's Award for Education and Research, the Young Scientists' Award of the FY2025 Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), MechSustInd International Award, and 2019 ACP Lectureship Award.
Director
In 2009, Tomohisa Saito completed a Master's program at the Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University (Advisor: Prof. Hajime Ito). At a major chemical manufacturer, he was in charge of the entire development process, from R&D related to optical materials to product design and production, and was in charge of customers in the Asian region. Later, in the same job, he managed an overseas subsidiary and European customers. In 2017, he was engaged in electronics-related planning and promotion. Beginning in 2020, he was engaged in new business creation in a management position at a company engaged in semiconductor material- and pharmaceutical-related businesses. In November 2023, he founded MECHANOCROSS Co., Ltd.
General Manager of Business Development Division
Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Atsushi Nomura graduated from the Department of Economics, Faculty of Commerce, Otaru University of Commerce in 2004 and joined a major chemical and materials manufacturer in April of the same year. After gaining experience in production management, supply chain management, and domestic sales at sites in Japan, as well as corporate planning in a business division, he was assigned to Singapore in 2013. At the regional headquarters for the Asia-Pacific region, he was responsible for sales and marketing covering Southeast Asia, Taiwan, India, and Oceania, and engaged in new market development and project promotion in India. After returning to Japan, he took on a wide range of roles across multiple business divisions, including overseas marketing, new market development, investment in and launch of production facilities, and profit-and-loss management. In launching new businesses, he was responsible for everything from sales to planning and strategy formulation. Since 2022, he has engaged in formulating and executing business strategies as a group leader in business planning and corporate planning divisions, and has also served as an outside director of affiliated companies. In June 2026, he joined MECHANOCROSS Co., Ltd., where he is in charge of corporate planning and business development.
General Manager of Corporate Planning Division
Kota Matsubara completed a Master's program at the Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, majoring in Fundamental Science and Technology (materials engineering and semiconductor physics). He also completed programs at a French engineering school (mechanical engineering and industrial engineering) and a sushi school (professional chef training course). After graduation, he worked at government-affiliated and private financial institutions, engaging in planning as well as a wide variety of investment and screening operations involving infrastructure, real estate, securitized products, and more. He then worked at a venture company, where he was broadly involved in corporate planning, administration, fundraising, and IPO preparation. Subsequently, serving as a senior researcher and secretary to the president at a university, he conducted research on web3 and blockchain and promoted various projects, including inter-university collaboration projects led by the university. In July 2026, he joined MECHANOCROSS Co., Ltd.