MAFF Announces 5 Selected Startups for Large-Scale Technology Demonstration Support Program

AgVenture Lab (AgVenture Lab General Incorporated Association; headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and Chairperson: Tomoko Tsuchida), established by eight national JA organizations to support startups, serves as the secretariat for the 'Fiscal Year 2025 Supplementary Budget: Large-Scale Technology Demonstration Support Program for Startups' by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), managing the operation of this initiative.

The program aims to support large-scale technical demonstrations of advanced technologies and innovative services developed by startups in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food sectors. By accelerating their social implementation and commercialization, the initiative seeks to solve industry challenges and enhance competitiveness.

From March 30 (Tue) to April 30 (Thu) this year, a public call for project implementers was conducted, resulting in 44 applications. Each proposal underwent document reviews and hearings by external experts. As a result, the following five companies have been selected as implementers:

Selected Companies and Project Summaries (in alphabetical order)

・CULTA Inc. (https://culta.jp/)

Utilizing AI-integrated smart high-speed breeding technology, the company will demonstrate commercialization and develop a platform capable of providing breeding support services to external organizations.

・SeaVegetable LLC (https://seaveges.com/)

Using environmentally controlled land-based aquaculture technology for Chronoli (a type of seaweed), the company will demonstrate year-round mass production and supply of seedlings. It aims to establish a stable supply system independent of marine conditions and advance the commercialization of land-based aquaculture.

・HarvestX Inc. (https://harvestx.jp/)

By integrating automated pollination and fruit-thinning robots, the company will optimize operations for crops such as strawberries, stabilize yield and quality, and work toward establishing a commercial model for next-generation plant factories.

・Faeger Inc. (https://faeger.company/)

By integrating and analyzing field data and satellite imagery using AI, the company will generate real-time, field-specific optimal treatment plans to address compound risks caused by climate change, such as high temperatures and drought. It aims to improve rice productivity through a weather-resilient platform combining technology and agricultural inputs.

・Regional Fish Inc. (https://regional.fish/)

Using advanced breeding technologies, the company will mass-produce resilient next-generation F1 varieties capable of withstanding high water temperatures. It aims to enable stable production under changing environmental conditions and improve the business performance of aquaculture operators.

Project Period

From grant decision to Friday, February 19, 2027

The selected companies will conduct technical demonstrations in real-world fields, aiming to solve societal challenges and create new industries in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food sectors. AgVenture Lab will sequentially publish updates on the progress and outcomes of each project.

About AgVenture Lab (https://agventurelab.or.jp/)

AgVenture Lab is an open innovation lab jointly established by eight national organizations of the JA Group. It collaborates with startups, partner companies, universities, and government agencies to solve social challenges related to food, agriculture, and lifestyles, and to create new businesses. Through programs such as the JA Accelerator Program and entrepreneur development initiatives, it supports startup growth and social implementation.