nHORT was established on March 1, 2023 as the successor organization to the Research and Development Partnership for Next Generation Technology of Marine Resources Survey (=J-MARES), which contributed greatly to the research and development for the practical application of marine survey technology under the Theme 12 “ Development of Innovative Technologies for Exploration of Deep-sea Resources” in the second phase of the Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) of the Cabinet Office.

nHORT was funded by 5(five) Japanese companies, namely, IDEA Consultants, Inc., Fukada Salvage & Marine Works Co. Ltd., Japan Petroleum Exploration Co.Ltd., Dia Consultants Co.,Ltd., and Okamoto Glass Co.,Ltd. .
(Subsequently, on June 30, 2023, IHI Corporation joined as a shareholder.)

Taking over the achievements of the second phase of SIP, we will conduct additional research and technological development necessary for the development of marine mineral resources, as typified by domestically produced rare earths. We will also conduct research and development toward the practical application of technologies for monitoring the environment and assessing the impact of resource development on the marine environment. Furthermore, we will look to engage in basic research on marine basalt CCS, which was added to the SIP from the third phase.

Through these activities, we aim to contribute to the three major goals of domestic marine resource development, environmental conservation, and carbon neutrality by 2050.