Advanced Japanese Robotics Employs AI for Humane Fishing, Offering Premium Fish Without Compromise on Ethics
In the world of premium seafood, one name is making waves - Seremoni, a brand under Shinkei Systems, a company founded by Saif Khawaja in 2022 after graduating from The Wharton School. Seremoni's products, labeled as "Seremoni Grade", are wild-caught by American fishermen in American waters, ensuring a fully traceable supply chain and no preservatives.
This innovative company has gained recognition not only in the United States but also internationally. Seremoni's products are used by quality-driven restaurants nationwide and are sold at the world's largest premium fish market, Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo.
Shinkei Systems recently raised a $22 million Series A round in June 2025, bringing its total funding to $30 million. This funding will be used to expand distribution to retailers and commercial fishing vessels.
At the heart of Shinkei Systems' operations is Poseidon, an AI-based Ikejime robot. Poseidon, roughly the size of a refrigerator, can be installed directly on the deck of a fishing boat with minimal disruption to the normal workflow. Equipped with a Starlink satellite, Poseidon allows for real-time software updates and gives fishermen access to WiFi at sea.
Ikejime is a centuries-old technique used by Japanese fishermen to slaughter fish instantly and humanely. Poseidon utilizes computer vision to identify the species, locate the brain, spike and bleed the fish, and euthanize it instantly. The results are better quality fish, for which fishermen can charge a higher price. By completely draining the fish of blood, the risk of bacterial growth and the source of fishy odor are minimized.
The reception to Poseidon technology from fishermen has been positive, with some fishermen doubling their take-home margins. As of the current date, there are eight Poseidon robots working on ships in the Pacific, Atlantic, and the two American gulfs.
Shinkei Systems launched Seremoni, the distribution arm of Shinkei Systems, in October 2022. Seremoni processes six species, including black cod and rockfish, and plans to expand its offerings to include red snapper and salmon this year. For consumers, Seremoni's products are available through retail shops, such as Happier Grocery in New York City.
The founding of Seremoni by Saif Khawaja, the inventor of Poseidon, indicates an effort to make high-quality fish more widely available to consumers on a larger scale. This initiative suggests a focus on innovation in sustainable or premium seafood distribution and expanding market access for quality fish products.
It's important to note that approximately 30-35% of global fisheries and aquaculture production is lost or wasted each year. With its focus on efficiency and quality, Shinkei Systems and Seremoni are working towards reducing this waste and making a positive impact on the seafood industry.
