Plantio to Manage "Soradofarm Lumine" at Lumine Ogikubo ― Starting April 2026: Transitioning to a Hybrid Operation of Rental Plots and Community Farming ―

Plantio Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Koetsu Serizawa), a social impact startup aiming to democratize agriculture and food, announced on January 13 that it has been entrusted with the operation of "Soradofarm Lumine," the rooftop farm at the commercial facility "Lumine Ogikubo" operated by Lumine Co., Ltd., starting in April 2026.

With this new management agreement, Plantio will launch a hybrid operating model that adds "Community-style Plots" to the existing "Rental Plots." The goal is to create new value and vibrancy within this urban rooftop farm.

■ Creating New Value with "Rental Plots" x "Community"

"Soradofarm Lumine" is highly popular as a farm where people can enjoy vegetable gardening empty-handed, offering the convenience of being directly connected to JR Ogikubo Station.

Plantio will leverage this existing foundation while adding elements of a "Smart Community Farm" by introducing the "grow CONNECT" IoT sensor and the dedicated "grow" app. This will facilitate communication among users and establish a system for sharing cultivation tips and environmental contributions (such as CO2 reduction).

■ Practicing Sustainable Agriculture in the City

By creating a space where the joy of individual focus coexists with the experience of growing together with others, Plantio aims to expand the circle of people involved and deepen community engagement.

The company states that it will continue to promote "Agri-tainment" (the realization of sustainable food and agriculture) and create new value in urban spaces through flexible farm operations tailored to specific locations and facility characteristics.

■ About ICT Startup League
This support program was launched in FY2023, initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Start-up Creation-type Germination Research and Development Support Project."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Accompaniment Support
Up to 20 million JPY in R&D funding is provided as a grant. In addition, selection committee members involved in choosing league members provide "accompaniment support," staying close to the startups to promote growth even after selection. For companies that evaluators feel strongly about—thinking "we definitely want to select them"—a support system akin to "fandom" (Oshi-katsu) is built, where the evaluators themselves provide continuous support, such as advice on business plans and offering growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Development
We provide learning opportunities and venues for encounters to accelerate the business growth of league members.
We also expand the base by discovering and developing those who aim to start businesses in the future.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Designed as a venue for positive competition like a sports league, startups learn together and improve through friendly rivalry to win the necessary funding (up to 20 million JPY). We also provide opportunities for co-creation where league members can collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with selection committee members.
4. Dissemination
We broadcast the initiatives of league members in collaboration with the media! By letting more people know about these businesses, we aim to expand opportunities for new matching and chances.

Other Columns

Member's Interview

2026/01/15

The Future Envisioned by a Gen Z Entrepreneur: A Career-Linked AI English App Ushering in an Era Where Anyone Can Aim for Professionalism

Column COLUMN

Plantio to Manage "Soradofarm Lumine" at Lumine Ogikubo ― Starting April 2026: Transitioning to a Hybrid Operation of Rental Plots and Community Farming ―

■ Creating New Value with "Rental Plots" x "Community"

■ Practicing Sustainable Agriculture in the City

Other Columns

Column
COLUMN