HarvestX Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yuki Ichikawa), which develops and sells the automated strawberry cultivation solution "HarvestX," announced on March 25 that it has entered into a capital and business alliance agreement with Sumitomo Corporation. At the same time, the company reported receiving its first overseas order in Malaysia.
Through this alliance, HarvestX plans to fully leverage Sumitomo Corporation's strengths, including its global network spanning over 150 countries and its extensive expertise in the food, agriculture, and distribution sectors. The company aims to tackle the complete automation of artificial light plant factories centered on AI-driven robotic pollination technology, while accelerating its expansion into overseas markets.
The "Automated Pollination Robot" developed by HarvestX utilizes the world's first patented technology that combines deep learning for flower condition identification with highly precise robotic arms. While it has been common practice in conventional plant factories to keep honeybees to mediate pollination, this approach has faced challenges such as the bees' inability to fly due to closed-environment stress, early mortality, and deteriorated hygiene conditions. The company's robot fundamentally solves these issues, contributing to enhanced productivity and profitability by maintaining a high pollination rate.
Secured alongside this alliance, the first overseas order in Malaysia was placed by a company operating a Japan-related food business within the country. While the demand for strawberry-related products is rising in Malaysia, locally produced strawberries face issues with quality and stable supply. Additionally, stable procurement of Japanese imports has been difficult due to cost and freshness concerns. By introducing the HarvestX solution, even staff with minimal agricultural knowledge can easily operate the system, enabling the stable, year-round production of Japanese-quality strawberries at plant factories in Malaysia.
Starting with this achievement in Malaysia, the company intends to further refine its products and accelerate business development worldwide, including in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. HarvestX aims to establish a global sales foundation and build a platform to deliver Japanese-quality agricultural products to the world.
■ ICT Startup League
This support program was launched in FY2023, spurred by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Startup Creation Sprout Research and Development Support Project."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million yen in R&D expenses is provided in the form of subsidies. Additionally, selection evaluation committee members who participated in choosing the league members will continue to work closely with them to promote their growth. For companies that the committee members deemed "must-haves," a dedicated support system is in place where the members themselves continuously provide advice on business plans and growth opportunities—acting much like passionate advocates.
2. Discovery and Development
We provide learning and networking opportunities that encourage the business growth of our league members.
We also aim to broaden the ecosystem by discovering individuals who aspire to start their own businesses in the future.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Functioning as a positive competitive environment akin to a sports league, startups learn together and engage in friendly rivalry to win the funding they truly need (up to 20 million yen). Furthermore, through various opportunities such as sessions led by the selection evaluation committee, we provide a collaborative space where league members can work together to expand their businesses.
4. Dissemination
We actively share the initiatives of our league members in collaboration with the media! By introducing these businesses to a broader audience, we aim to create new matching opportunities and expand their potential for success.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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HarvestX Inc. (Official Website)
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HarvestX Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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Original Press Release
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