Aichi’s agricultural DX startup “Mirai Vegetable Garden” selected for NEDO’s “SBIR Promotion Program (Consolidated)”

Aichi’s agricultural DX startup “Mirai Vegetable Garden” selected for NEDO’s “SBIR Promotion Program (Consolidated)” ​
Mirai Saien Co., Ltd. Press release: September 26, 2024 Aichi’s agricultural DX startup “Mirai Vegetable Garden” selected for NEDO’s “SBIR Promotion Program (Consolidated)”
Development of pest control DX app that reduces both onion disease and pesticide amount Mirai Saien Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Representative Director: Tomoshi Hatakeyama), whose mission is to “minimize farmers’ management risks,” has proposed research and development projects jointly with the Cabinet Office (Kyoto
Prefecture). We would like to inform you that our company has been selected for the 2024 “SBIR Promotion Program” (consolidated type) of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), a national research and development corporation based on needs.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/83617/4/83617-4-d9a16ceae10ed09e47910666ecfa1a22-1080×720.png

Diseases of green onions (from left: rust, black spot, botrytis leaf blight) [Research and development theme] Development of a pest control DX app that optimizes onion disease prevention and reduces both disease and pesticide amount [Research background] There is a need to reduce the amount of pesticides used and achieve stable harvests Green onions are grown throughout the year and are an essential ingredient in our daily diet. On the other hand, in its cultivation, there are high risks of seasonal diseases such as downy mildew, rust, black spot, and black rot sclerotium. For green onions in particular, since the leaves are a commodity, disease can affect whether or not they can be shipped, which is a big problem. These diseases are often dealt with by spraying pesticides, but in recent years, there has been a need to reduce the amount of pesticides used from the perspective of decarbonization and reducing environmental impact. Measures must be taken to ensure this. [Business details] Developed pest and disease outbreak forecast using AI In order to maintain stable yields while reducing the amount of pesticides used, it is important to apply pesticides (pest control) at the right time. In response to the above issues, our company will develop a forecasting AI system that will notify the timing of pest outbreaks in real time. [Future development] Implementation in the pest control DX app “TENRYO” that “forecasts” the occurrence of pests and diseases using AI
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/83617/4/83617-4-24ebd5e402b6126eeaed24c7fe36358d-1080×720.png Operation screen of the pest control DX app “TENRYO”. In addition to displaying the degree of risk of occurrence in a list, it is also possible to display it on a map. We are currently developing the pest control DX app “TENRYO” (formerly known as MIRAI), which uses our unique AI to “predict” pest outbreaks by comparing 20 years of weather data from all over the country with outbreak history collected from app users. is. Currently, it is compatible with seven types of crops: cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, strawberries, and radish, and by leveraging the results of this research, it is planned to support green onions in the future. Starting in 2022, we will collaborate with agricultural cooperatives (JA) in Aichi and Gunma prefectures to conduct demonstration experiments at
approximately 50 farmers. Pest control using AI forecasting has achieved great results from the development stage, with young broccoli farmers increasing their yields by 15% and veteran cabbage farmers increasing their yields by 4%. Through this research, we will achieve optimal pest control using AI and contribute to the realization of sustainable agriculture that combines “reduced environmental impact” and “stable harvest.” Japan aims to reduce chemical pesticides by 50% by 2050 While chemical pesticides and fertilizers play a major role in the stable production of food, there is a growing movement worldwide to reduce the amount of chemical pesticides used from the perspective of decarbonization and reducing environmental impact. In Japan, the Green Food System Strategy calls for a 50% reduction in the use of chemical pesticides and a 30% reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers made from imported raw materials and fossil fuels by 2050. In Japan in particular, the warm and humid climate makes it easy for pathogenic bacteria that cause plant diseases to inhabit, and the recent emergence of resistant bacteria has also become a problem, reducing the effectiveness of pesticide spraying. ■ About NEDO “SBIR Promotion Program” The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) promotion program aims to promote R&D by R&D startups that contribute to solving diversifying social issues and to smoothly implement the results in society. Regarding research projects conducted by related ministries and agencies, we will provide grants for each phase, with Phase 1 being the initial stage of research and development and Phase 2 supporting practical development. Reference:
https://www.nedo.go.jp/activities/ZZJP_100205.html Company profile Company name Mirai Saien Co., Ltd. Representative Representative Director Yuji Hatakeyama Founding May 2019 Capital 40.6 million yen Location Global Gate 11F, 4-60-12 Hiraike-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya Business details Providing pest control DX services to reduce pest damage