From Soil to Startup: Solving Okinawa’s Farming Challenges

Date

Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 | 14:00 to 16:00

(Doors open at 13:30)

Admission: Free

Location

OIST Center Building C209

Description

Okinawa’s agriculture is changing. Farmers are facing labor shortages, climate-related risks, and rising costs—while new technologies and startups are emerging with fresh ideas and solutions.

This event brings together farmers, startups, local government, and innovation leaders to explore one key question:

How can startups and innovators work with farmers to solve Okinawa’s real-world agricultural challenges?

In collaboration with the Okinawa Prefectural Government, Onna Village, JA Okinawa, AgVenture Lab, and AgriSphere Solutions, this session will spotlight practical challenges from the field and explore how entrepreneurial solutions can take root in Okinawa. There will be simultaneous interpretation in English and Japanse.

Event Format

14:00-14:30 Challenges in Agriculture: A series of short, 5-minute talks from our panelists highlighting on-the-ground issues and needs in Okinawa’s agriculture, including perspectives from:

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

14:30-15:00 Panel Discussion: A moderated discussion with all speakers on how startups, farmers, municipalities, and support organizations can collaborate, pilot new ideas, and scale impactful solutions.

15:00-15:30 Startup Pitches: Early-stage startups and innovators will pitch technologies and business ideas aimed at solving concrete farming challenges in Okinawa.

• Tlaloc Blue (OIST)
• Strout (OIST)
• iGEM Team
• Milk (AgVenture)
• Sagri (AgVenture)

15:30-16:00 Networking: An informal networking session to connect farmers, founders, researchers, investors, and ecosystem partners—and spark potential collaborations and pilot projects.

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. Save your spot by clicking HERE.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Questions

Reach out to OIST Innovation's Venture Development Section by emailing Caitlin Clouse (caitlin.clouse@oist.jp)