As a part of the action-packed Hokkaido Innovation Week — International start-ups specializing in agri-tech visited the Tokachi region of Hokkaido to explore potential business collaborations. Start-ups focusing on agricultural innovation from Nordic countries and Australia had a chance to tour various agricultural enterprises, educational institutions, and marketplaces on the “Tokachi Innovation Caravan.”

First Stop: Hokuo-Nourin a local farm in Makubetsu

The start-ups began with a visit to a local farm in Makubetsu called Hokuo-Nourin. They were introduced to wasabi cultivation, housed within a greenhouse. The corporation uses sewage sludge into valuable fertilizer, addressing waste management while promoting sustainable agriculture. Their openness to partnerships for Proof of Concept (PoC) projects underscores a commitment to innovation and collaboration. At Hokuo-Nourin the startups were also introduced to Takeda Iron Works, the company creating the innovative biomass burners fueled by wheat waste heating the greenhouses. It is a vital tool used to maintain optimal plant growth temperatures in an eco-friendly method.

Second Stop: Wholesale Market of the Tokachi region

Next, during their visit to the Wholesale Market of the Tokachi region called Obihiro Shijo, the group enjoyed lunch showcasing the market’s diverse array of local produce, such as fresh seafood and miso soup. The start-ups got to tour and learn about the market’s expansive operations over its 100,000 square meter facility, including potential for constructing processing facilities and utilizing abundant cold well water for innovative projects. Positioned strategically near the highway, the market’s role as a logistical hub opens opportunities for partnerships, emphasizing its importance in supporting the region’s agricultural and economic development in a sustainable manner.

Third Stop: Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine

Continuing the journey the group visited Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, they saw a commitment to a comprehensive education in life sciences, emphasizing a “from farm to table” concept. The university’s interdisciplinary programs prepare students for leadership in agriculture, animal husbandry, and veterinary medicine, highlighting the role of education in sustainable farming’s future.

Adding to this educational richness, the Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery — Hekiungura Brewery, opened in 2020, stands as Japan’s first campus brewery. This initiative not only aims to resurrect the once-thriving sake culture of the Tokachi region, which historically hosted around 15 breweries, but also to foster community revitalization and educate the next generation of sake brewers. Utilizing the medium-hard water from the Satsunai River, the brewery crafts sakes designed to become local favorites, marking a significant step towards blending tradition with future agricultural and community development.

Tokachi Innovation Caravan offered the startups a holistic view of the region’s innovative practices, collaborative initiatives, and educational efforts, standing as a land full of knowledge and awareness for sustainability in agriculture.

Last Stop: Networking/Pitch Session

The “caravan” concluded the journey at Realize Café LAND co-working space in Obihiro, where the attendees held a networking and pitch session designed to foster connections and synergies among Japanese corporations and start-ups. Serving as an opportunity for local companies and new ventures to pitch their businesses, network with potential partners, and explore mutual interests in collaboration. The diverse lineup of pitching ventures showcased the breadth of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit Globally and also within Hokkaido, from agricultural advancements to sustainable food production and beyond.

The Visiting International Start-Ups:

NoMy, led by David Andrew Quist, showcased an innovative approach to sustainable food systems through fermentation science, transforming agricultural by-products into nutritious protein. This proposition emphasized the potential for circular food systems in Hokkaido, leveraging local resources for global sustainability.

Avisomo, represented by Endre Thesen Harnes, introduced its revolutionary vertical farming technology. Endre’s unique expertise in sustainable agriculture, illustrated a scalable and efficient indoor farming system.

Sensonomic presented advanced data analytics for agriculture, emphasizing the importance of predictive insights in enhancing crop yield predictions, supply chain management, and overall farm efficiency. A technology that could help revolutionize local agricultural practices with data-driven decisions.

Orange Wasabi detailed their hydroponic technique for cultivating wasabi, addressing the high-value crop’s growing challenges while conserving water.

AgriTech Nordic outlined its mission to drive agri-tech innovation through collaboration, living labs, and accelerator programs. Their vision for a collaborative ecosystem emphasized the need for international cooperation in agricultural technology.

The Japanese corporations and start-ups:

エア・ウォーター北海道 (Air Water Hokkaido) showcased a wide array of products and services ranging from industrial gases to food machinery, emphasizing their commitment to environmental sustainability and their interest in partnerships for sustainable solutions.

ダイヤモンド十勝 (Diamond Tokachi), an agricultural production corporation, focused on their produce like potatoes and vegetables, seeking partners to creatively utilize agricultural waste, highlighting opportunities for eco-friendly innovations.

JICA帯広 (Japan International Cooperation Agency Obihiro) discussed their role in international development, offering insights into how agricultural innovations can be leveraged globally, inviting cross-border collaborations for sustainable growth.

クナウパブリッシング (Kunaw Publishing) introduced their “Renew” project aimed at reducing food waste through the powderization of nonstandard vegetables, looking for partners interested in sustainable food practices.

前田農産食品 (Maeda Agricultural Products) highlighted their production of wheat, corn, and popular microwave popcorn, presenting their food processing expertise as an opportunity for innovative food product development.

PonoWolves proposed a holistic approach to wellness and sustainability, offering services from workshops to agricultural consultation.

十勝Fruits Village (Tokachi Fruits Village), taking on the challenge of peach production in Hokkaido, shared their vision for agricultural diversity and innovation.

UANGO presented their health-focused subscription service, delivering dietary counseling and healthy foods, emphasizing the growing market for wellness and healthy living solutions.

Final Takeaway

Noboru Fujiwara, the executive director of the agricultural corporation, the host of the event, expressed enthusiasm for learning from these international ventures. He highlighted the global trend towards environmentally conscious technological solutions and the potential to leverage such innovations to enhance product quality and contribute globally.

The Tokachi Innovation Caravan, as part of Hokkaido Innovation Week, showcased a successful convergence of international agri-tech startups and local Japanese enterprises, fostering a collaborative atmosphere aimed at advancing sustainable agriculture and food production. Through visits to local farms, markets, educational institutions, and networking events, participants were exposed to a range of innovative practices. The event not only highlighted the potential for technological advancements to revolutionize agricultural practices in Hokkaido but also underscored the importance of cross-border collaborations and educational efforts in driving sustainable development. This initiative reflects a growing global trend towards eco-friendly solutions in agriculture, emphasizing the role of innovation, education, and international cooperation in addressing the challenges of sustainability and food security.