Pirika Launches "TakanoME" AI Waste Distribution Survey Service in Lima, Peru ~Supporting Street Litter Countermeasures through JICA's Domestic Startup Support Program "TSUBASA"~
Pirika Inc., an environmental startup, has officially launched its AI-powered waste distribution survey service "TakanoME" in La Victoria district of Lima, Peru, through JICA's "TSUBASA Program." This initiative aims to address street litter issues and improve cleaning efficiency in the region, with plans for further expansion across South America.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 9, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 8, 2026 at 15:32
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 8, 2026 at 16:40 (1h 7m after Collected)
Pirika Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, aims to overcome all environmental problems with the power of science and technology. The company has officially begun providing its waste distribution survey service "TakanoME" to La Victoria district in Lima, Peru, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)'s startup support program "TSUBASA." This implementation will serve as a model case, accelerating expansion to other municipalities in Peru and neighboring countries facing similar challenges.
Background and Project Overview
Pirika was selected for JICA's "TSUBASA Program" in fiscal year 2023 and has been conducting a pilot project with La Victoria district in Lima, Peru, as a partner since 2024. In Lima, managing scattered street litter is an urgent issue. Pirika has optimized its proprietary waste distribution survey service "TakanoME" to suit the local environment, striving to improve the accuracy of its mapping system for scattered street litter characteristics and reduce measurement time.
Effects of Service Introduction
The service visualizes the distribution of litter on maps by capturing street scenes with smartphones installed in vehicles patrolling La Victoria district. The data is shared with the district's environmental conservation department, and is expected to contribute to more efficient waste collection.
* **Efficiency in cleaning operations:** Proposal of efficient waste collection routes based on waste distribution data.
* **Acceleration of environmental improvement:** Identification of "critical zones" where scattered litter is concentrated, allowing for focused countermeasures. These efforts are expected to improve the living environment for local citizens and reduce administrative costs.
April 30, 2026: Equipment Handover Ceremony Held
To commemorate the launch of the service, an equipment handover ceremony was held at the La Victoria District Office.
At the ceremony, Mr. Rubén Cano Altez, Mayor of La Victoria District, delivered a warm message, stating, "We expect this service to improve the waste problem faced by citizens and further deepen exchanges between Japan and Peru."
Scenes from the Equipment Handover Ceremony
Future Outlook: From Peru to All of South America
Waste management due to urbanization is a common challenge in South American countries, and expectations are high for data-driven solutions provided by the waste distribution survey service "TakanoME." With this service launch in La Victoria district as a starting point, Pirika aims to further build upon its achievements in solving the problem of waste leakage into the natural environment, and expand its activities with an eye towards deployment in neighboring countries.
■ Comment from Moe Tsuchimura, Manager, Consulting Team, Pirika Inc.
"Development in Peru, with its different environment and waste characteristics compared to Japan, has been a valuable opportunity to elevate TakanoME's technology to a global standard. We are deeply grateful for the immense support from JICA and the cooperation from everyone in La Victoria district. Starting with this first overseas expansion, we will continue to challenge ourselves with further technological innovation and regional expansion to eliminate litter from streets worldwide."
■ About Pirika Inc.
Pirika Inc. is an environmental startup dedicated to overcoming all environmental problems with the power of science and technology, tackling the issue of waste leakage into the natural environment. Its litter picking SNS "Pirika" is used in over 135 countries and regions, with over 450 million pieces of litter picked up to date (as of May 8, 2026). In addition to developing the waste distribution survey service "TakanoME," the company also provides consulting for waste surveys, countermeasures, and resource recovery. Through diverse collaborations and partnerships, Pirika is committed to identifying and solving challenges.
Background and Project Overview
Pirika was selected for JICA's "TSUBASA Program" in fiscal year 2023 and has been conducting a pilot project with La Victoria district in Lima, Peru, as a partner since 2024. In Lima, managing scattered street litter is an urgent issue. Pirika has optimized its proprietary waste distribution survey service "TakanoME" to suit the local environment, striving to improve the accuracy of its mapping system for scattered street litter characteristics and reduce measurement time.
Effects of Service Introduction
The service visualizes the distribution of litter on maps by capturing street scenes with smartphones installed in vehicles patrolling La Victoria district. The data is shared with the district's environmental conservation department, and is expected to contribute to more efficient waste collection.
* **Efficiency in cleaning operations:** Proposal of efficient waste collection routes based on waste distribution data.
* **Acceleration of environmental improvement:** Identification of "critical zones" where scattered litter is concentrated, allowing for focused countermeasures. These efforts are expected to improve the living environment for local citizens and reduce administrative costs.
April 30, 2026: Equipment Handover Ceremony Held
To commemorate the launch of the service, an equipment handover ceremony was held at the La Victoria District Office.
At the ceremony, Mr. Rubén Cano Altez, Mayor of La Victoria District, delivered a warm message, stating, "We expect this service to improve the waste problem faced by citizens and further deepen exchanges between Japan and Peru."
Scenes from the Equipment Handover Ceremony
Future Outlook: From Peru to All of South America
Waste management due to urbanization is a common challenge in South American countries, and expectations are high for data-driven solutions provided by the waste distribution survey service "TakanoME." With this service launch in La Victoria district as a starting point, Pirika aims to further build upon its achievements in solving the problem of waste leakage into the natural environment, and expand its activities with an eye towards deployment in neighboring countries.
■ Comment from Moe Tsuchimura, Manager, Consulting Team, Pirika Inc.
"Development in Peru, with its different environment and waste characteristics compared to Japan, has been a valuable opportunity to elevate TakanoME's technology to a global standard. We are deeply grateful for the immense support from JICA and the cooperation from everyone in La Victoria district. Starting with this first overseas expansion, we will continue to challenge ourselves with further technological innovation and regional expansion to eliminate litter from streets worldwide."
■ About Pirika Inc.
Pirika Inc. is an environmental startup dedicated to overcoming all environmental problems with the power of science and technology, tackling the issue of waste leakage into the natural environment. Its litter picking SNS "Pirika" is used in over 135 countries and regions, with over 450 million pieces of litter picked up to date (as of May 8, 2026). In addition to developing the waste distribution survey service "TakanoME," the company also provides consulting for waste surveys, countermeasures, and resource recovery. Through diverse collaborations and partnerships, Pirika is committed to identifying and solving challenges.