Tokyo, Japan — April 29, 2026 — Malaysian agritech innovator Qarbotech has been awarded the Grand Prize at the SusHi Tech Global Pitch Challenge 2026, emerging as the top startup among more than 800 global applicants at one of Asia’s most competitive innovation platforms, held during SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight.
The company secured the top honour, including a ¥10 million (approximately US$62,000) prize, after advancing through a highly selective process that saw only 20 startups reach the semifinals, and 18 compete in the final pitch round. Participants represented over 60 countries.
Qarbotech’s victory marks a defining moment for Southeast Asia’s climate-smart agritech ecosystem, demonstrating how innovations originating from the Global South are gaining global recognition.
A Breakthrough in Sustainable Agriculture
At the core of Qarbotech’s success is its proprietary nanocarbon-based photosynthesis enhancement technology, designed to improve plants’ ability to utilise light energy more efficiently. Rather than pushing crops beyond their natural limits, the solution optimises existing biological processes.
“We are not making the plant work extra hard. We are simply increasing its light energy usage,” said Chor Chee Hoe, CEO and Co-Founder of Qarbotech. “In regions like Southeast Asia, overcast weather and prolonged rainy seasons can reduce productivity by up to 40 per cent. Our technology bridges that gap.”
Recognition at the Highest Level
The award was presented by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike during the closing ceremony.
“When the Governor of Tokyo spoke the name Qarbotech, I felt a surge of emotion I could hardly contain,” said Chor. “It was a powerful affirmation of everything we stand for. This win is for the farming community who do so much for us everyday for food security.”
Scaling Through Strategic Partnerships
Qarbotech addresses adoption challenges through a partner-led distribution strategy, collaborating with seed manufacturers, organic bio producers, and agricultural input distributors.
The company utilises agriculture-derived materials, ensuring a stable and scalable supply chain with reduced exposure to commodity price volatility.
A Milestone for Malaysia and Southeast Asia
Chor Chee Hoe described it as more than just a recognition of their technology—it affirms the company’s readiness to scale. As the 2026 champion, Qarbotech is now poised to harness this momentum to fast-track its expansion across key Asian markets, where land constraints and food self-sufficiency continue to shape national agendas.
The achievement also reinforces Malaysia’s rising position as a hub for high-impact biotechnology, while signalling to Southeast Asian startups that the global stage is well within reach.
