Advanced Japanese Technology: Ikejime Robotics for Superior, Ethically Treated Fish, Now Accessible Everywhere
In the world of fishing, technology has been a slow adopter, with many fishermen still relying on tools from centuries ago. However, that is about to change, thanks to Shinkei Systems, a revolutionary company founded by Saif Khawaja in 2022, a year after his graduation from The Wharton School.
At the heart of Shinkei Systems is Poseidon, an AI-based robot designed to perform the fish-slaughtering process swiftly and humanely. Equipped with computer vision, Poseidon can identify species, locate the brain, spike, and bleed the fish, euthanizing it instantly. This cutting-edge technology, reminiscent of science fiction, is now a reality, working on ships in the Pacific, Atlantic, and the two American gulfs.
Poseidon is not just a technological marvel; it's a game-changer for fishermen. Equipped with a Starlink satellite, Poseidon allows for real-time software updates and provides fishermen with WiFi at sea. This connectivity opens up opportunities for improved communication, data collection, and even remote monitoring, revolutionizing the traditional fishing industry.
The benefits of Poseidon extend beyond convenience. The centuries-old Japanese method of Ikejime, which Poseidon emulates, minimizes stress hormones and bacterial growth in the fish, resulting in better quality fish. This improved quality means fishermen can charge a higher price for their catch.
Shinkei Systems is committed to working with local, American fishermen and plans to expand its offerings to include red snapper and salmon this year. The company's selection of fish types reflects its sustainability focus, currently processing six species including black cod and rockfish. All Shinkei Systems' fish, branded as Seremoni Grade, are wild-caught by American fishermen in American waters, with no preservatives and a fully traceable supply chain.
In recognition of its quality, Seremoni's products are used by notable quality-driven restaurants nationwide and are sold at the world's largest premium fish market, Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo.
In June 2025, Shinkei Systems raised a $22 million Series A round, bringing its total funding to $30 million. These funds will be used to expand Seremoni's distribution to retailers and commercial fishing vessels, further revolutionizing the fishing industry.
The founding date of Shinkei Systems is not publicly available, but what is certain is that the company is making a significant impact on the fishing industry. With Poseidon, Saif Khawaja has not only created a technological marvel but also a tool that promises to modernize and improve the fishing industry, reducing waste, improving quality, and providing fishermen with a better livelihood.
As the fishing industry grapples with the challenges of maintaining quality and freshness in its supply chain, Shinkei Systems and Poseidon offer a promising solution. Approximately 30-35% of the global fisheries and aquaculture production is lost or wasted every year, a statistic that Shinkei Systems aims to reduce significantly.
In a world where technology has transformed many industries, the fishing industry is finally getting its due. With Shinkei Systems and Poseidon, the future of fishing looks brighter and more sustainable than ever before.
