From Field to Startup: Solving Okinawa’s Agriculture Challenges

Date

Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 | 14:00 to 16:00 (Doors open at 13:30)

Location

Sydney Brenner Lecture Hall (B250)

Zoom URL：
https://oist.zoom.us/s/99147878604

Webinar ID：991 4787 8604
Password：797910

Description

Okinawa’s agricultural community is facing challenges — from labor shortages and climate risks to rising costs — just as exciting new technologies from startups are offering solutions.  

This hybrid event brings together farmers, local government, cooperatives, researchers, and innovators to explore how the next generation of tools — drones, sensors, robotics, AI, and other smart agriculture technologies — can support fields and communities across the region.

The session will be held in both English and Japanese (simultaneous interpretation).

Program

14:00-14:30 Future of Farming: Short presentations by experts on challenges facing agriculture today. Including perspectives from

• Okinawa Prefectural Government
• Onna Village
• JA Okinawa
• AgVenture Lab

14:30-15:00 From Problem to Opportunity: A panel discussion on how local problems can lead to global opportunity

15:00-15:40 Agri-tech Startup Pitches

• Tlaloc Blue (OIST)
• Strout (OIST)
• iGEM Team　
• Milk (AgVenture)
• Sagri (AgVenture)
• Tech Vegetas
• Prof. Yoshimichi Fukuta (U of the Ryukyus)
• EF Polymer (OIST Incubator)
• AgriSphere Solutions

15:40-16:00 Community Networking

Who Should Attend?

• Farmers and agricultural cooperatives interested in new tools and services
• Startups and entrepreneurs working on agri-tech, climate, food, or rural innovation
• Local government officials, extension officers, and support organizations
• Researchers and students curious about startup–farmer collaboration
• Anyone interested in the future of smart agriculture in Okinawa

Registration

Participation is free, but registration is required. Sign up by clicking HERE.

Questions?

Reach out to OIST Innovation's Venture Development Section by emailing vd@oist.jp