The start-ups began with a visit to a local farm in Makubetsu called\u00a0Hokuo-Nourin<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n Next, during their visit to the Wholesale Market of the Tokachi region called\u00a0Obihiro Shijo<\/a>, the group enjoyed lunch showcasing the market\u2019s diverse array of local produce, such as fresh seafood and miso soup. The start-ups got to tour and learn about the market\u2019s 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\u2019s role as a logistical hub opens opportunities for partnerships, emphasizing its importance in supporting the region\u2019s agricultural and economic development in a sustainable manner.<\/p>\n Continuing the journey the group visited\u00a0Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine<\/a>, they saw a commitment to a comprehensive education in life sciences, emphasizing a \u201cfrom farm to table\u201d concept. The university\u2019s interdisciplinary programs prepare students for leadership in agriculture, animal husbandry, and veterinary medicine, highlighting the role of education in sustainable farming\u2019s future.<\/p>\n Adding to this educational richness, the\u00a0Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery \u2014 Hekiungura Brewery<\/a>, opened in 2020, stands as Japan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Tokachi Innovation Caravan offered the startups a holistic view of the region\u2019s innovative practices, collaborative initiatives, and educational efforts, standing as a land full of knowledge and awareness for sustainability in agriculture.<\/p>\n The \u201ccaravan\u201d concluded the journey at\u00a0Realize Caf\u00e9 LAND<\/a>\u00a0co-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.<\/p>\n NoMy<\/strong><\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n Avisomo<\/strong><\/a>, represented by Endre Thesen Harnes, introduced its revolutionary vertical farming technology. Endre\u2019s unique expertise in sustainable agriculture, illustrated a scalable and efficient indoor farming system.<\/p>\n Sensonomic<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0presented 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.<\/p>\n Orange Wasabi<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0detailed their hydroponic technique for cultivating wasabi, addressing the high-value crop\u2019s growing challenges while conserving water.<\/p>\n AgriTech Nordic<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n \u30a8\u30a2\u30fb\u30a6\u30a9\u30fc\u30bf\u30fc\u5317\u6d77\u9053<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(Air Water Hokkaido)<\/strong>\u00a0showcased 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.<\/p>\n \u30c0\u30a4\u30e4\u30e2\u30f3\u30c9\u5341\u52dd<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(Diamond Tokachi)<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n JICA\u5e2f\u5e83<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(Japan International Cooperation Agency Obihiro)<\/strong>\u00a0discussed their role in international development, offering insights into how agricultural innovations can be leveraged globally, inviting cross-border collaborations for sustainable growth.<\/p>\n \u30af\u30ca\u30a6\u30d1\u30d6\u30ea\u30c3\u30b7\u30f3\u30b0<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(Kunaw Publishing)<\/strong>\u00a0introduced their \u201cRenew\u201d project aimed at reducing food waste through the powderization of nonstandard vegetables, looking for partners interested in sustainable food practices.<\/p>\n \u524d\u7530\u8fb2\u7523\u98df\u54c1<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(Maeda Agricultural Products)<\/strong>\u00a0highlighted their production of wheat, corn, and popular microwave popcorn, presenting their food processing expertise as an opportunity for innovative food product development.<\/p>\nSecond Stop: Wholesale Market of the Tokachi region<\/h1>\n
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Third Stop: Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine<\/h1>\n
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Last Stop: Networking\/Pitch Session<\/h1>\n
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The Visiting International Start-Ups:<\/h1>\n
The Japanese corporations and start-ups:<\/h1>\n