On March 19, Plantio Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo; CEO: Takayoshi Serizawa), a social impact startup aiming for the social implementation of a democratic "Agri-Food Infrastructure," announced that it has been selected alongside CLASS EARTH Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo, Tokyo) as an exhibitor for the Flowers and Greenery section of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2027 (GREEN×EXPO 2027).
This initiative will see a collaboration between "grow," the digital cultivation guide developed by Plantio, and the "Earth Saver Project," a next-generation leader development program operated by CLASS EARTH. Together, they will roll out a new form of agri-food education powered by technology.
In the convenience of modern urban life, it is becoming increasingly difficult to feel the "cycles of nature." This project aims to create a space where children do not just learn through passive knowledge, but can actually touch the soil and utilize technology to become the protagonists of a "story to save the Earth."
Plantio’s digital cultivation guide, "grow," uses sensors inserted into the soil to measure environmental data—such as sunlight and soil moisture—in real-time. Through an app, it provides optimal navigation tailored to the plant's current condition. Rather than relying solely on intuition or experience, the accumulation of experiences noticing subtle changes in plants via technology helps nurture children's sensitivity toward life.
The project focuses on growing "heirloom vegetables" that have been passed down in specific regions for generations. These native species have deep ecological connections with local insects, birds, and biodiversity.
By using the "grow" app, participants can share how a single pot on their balcony connects to the wider city with their peers. This trial aims to bring back the concept of the "Satoyama Commons" into children's daily lives—where an individual's act of "growing" contributes to the preservation of nature across the entire region through technology.
By the time GREEN×EXPO 2027 opens, the project is intended to evolve into a process-based learning program where children can sow the very seeds they have produced themselves.
■ About the Next-Generation Leader Development Program "Earth Saver Project"
Born from the anime "La Terre of the Earth," this program is themed around becoming an "Earth Saver." Children take the lead in activities to protect nature by thinking about what they can do within the context of biodiversity. Through Nature Positive education and SDGs promotion events, the project sends a message for the future.
■ About "grow": A Crowd-Distributed Agri-Food Infrastructure
A system that combines technology and entertainment to lower the barriers to entry for agriculture. It creates touchpoints for farming in various locations, such as office building rooftops, urban gaps, and indoors. It aims to be a democratic, crowd-distributed infrastructure where anyone can easily participate in agriculture.
■ ICT Startup League
This support program was launched in FY2023, triggered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Project for Supporting Seed-stage R&D for Startup Creation."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
R&D expenses of up to 20 million yen are provided in the form of subsidies. In addition, selection committee members stay close to the startups even after the selection process to accelerate growth. For companies highly rated by evaluators, a support system similar to "fan-based support" (Oshikatsu) is established, where the evaluators themselves provide advice on business plans and growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Nurturing
The league provides opportunities for learning and networking to promote the business growth of league members. It also seeks to discover aspiring entrepreneurs to expand the startup ecosystem.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Functioning like a positive sports league, startups learn and compete to win the necessary funding (up to 20 million yen). It also provides a space for co-creation where members can collaborate and expand their businesses through sessions with evaluation committee members.
4. Dissemination
The league collaborates with media to promote the initiatives of its members. By making these businesses known to a wider audience, it aims to expand opportunities for matching and new business chances.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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Plantio Inc. (Official Site)
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Plantio Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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CLASS EARTH Inc. (Official Site)
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Original Press Release (Japanese)
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