Ms. Aisha Rilwanu’s Initiatives at SHEAPURE LTD, Nigeria

 

1.  The Motivation Behind Establishing This Collaborative Project

The reason we launched the SHEAPURE Project is our desire to connect Japan’s advanced technology with Africa’s abundant natural resources, and to unlock new possibilities for local communities. Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of shea butter, accounting for 55% of global production. Many rural women are engaged in shea butter production, which supports their livelihoods.

However, traditional processing methods have limitations in terms of quality and efficiency, making it difficult to enhance competitiveness in the global market. Through the SIH JICA Program^[3], we encountered the “Supercritical Fluid Extraction Technology^[4]” developed by the Watanabe Laboratory at Tohoku University. By combining Nigeria’s rich resources with Japanese technology, we are convinced that we can transform the shea butter industry.

Our goal is not only to produce world-class, high-quality products, but also to create environments where the women working in shea butter production can earn higher incomes, have sustainable jobs, and take pride in their work. By fusing Japanese innovation with African entrepreneurial spirit, we aim to realize a new growth model that empowers local communities.

Women Engaged in Shea Butter Production in Nigeria

2.  Overview of the Collaborative Project

At SHEAPURE LTD, we are working to build a sustainable shea butter production system that leverages Japan’s cutting-edge “Supercritical Fluid Extraction Method” and the knowledge and resources of African rural women.

Specifically, we manufacture high-quality shea butter and related products that meet international standards for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, while also focusing on waste reduction and environmental sustainability. We are establishing local processing hubs, providing technical training to women, and aiming for direct sales to the global market—thereby increasing producers’ incomes, promoting fair trade, and enhancing the international competitiveness of African shea.

We strive to balance social impact with commercial sustainability and create a new model that combines technology with the power of local communities.

Presentation by SHEAPURE LTD at the QUEST Idea Competition

 

3.  Introduction of Co-Creation Partner

SHEAPURE LTD collaborates with the Watanabe Laboratory at Tohoku University and Across Tohoku Co., Ltd. The Watanabe Laboratory is responsible for research and technology transfer of the “Supercritical Fluid Extraction Technology,” while Across Tohoku Co., Ltd. supports pilot plant design, cost analysis, and life cycle assessment (LCA).

Together with these partners, we are building the scientific, technological, and industrial foundations necessary to realize and expand this project.

A photo with SHEAPURE LTD and the Watanabe Laboratory

 

4.  Message to the Public and Call for Collaboration

SHEAPURE LTD aims to produce sustainable, high-quality shea butter products and revitalize local communities. We sincerely seek the cooperation of everyone who shares our vision.
Specifically, we are looking for support and collaboration in the following areas:

• Business partnerships with cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies that wish to use high-quality, ethically sourced shea butter and raw materials in their products
• Financial support for establishing pilot plants, strengthening technology, and expanding training programs for local women
• Technical collaboration for process optimization, life cycle assessment (LCA), and sustainable packaging
• Building networks with global markets and socially responsible investors, and support for public relations activities

Through partnership with all of you, we will provide high-quality raw materials to industry, empower local communities, and realize environmentally conscious production.

Ms. Aisha Rilwanu from SHEAPURE LTD and Women in Nigeria

 

^[1] JICA Website (Application Closed on Jan 12th, 2025) Call for Application: Social Innovator Hub Incubation Program  https://www.jica.go.jp/english/activities/issues/private_sec/information/2024/sih2025_2nd.html

² JICA Website [11] Dr. Masaru Watanabe
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/activities/issues/private_sec/SIH2025_dr_watanabe.html

 

 

We are pleased to announce that the Demo Day for the JICA Co-Creation & Innovation Program “QUEST,” organized by JICA and operated by Deloitte Group, will be held at Tokyo Innovation Base (Marunouchi, Tokyo) as well as online. At this event, nine diverse co-creation projects and the results of proof-of-concept initiatives will be presented by organizations from Japan and abroad, showcasing innovative approaches to addressing social issues. We invite you to discover a range of innovative initiatives aimed at addressing pressing social challenges.

Furthermore, the most recent information about the 2026 “QUEST” program will be presented. We warmly welcome the participation of all those interested in innovation and co-creation.

 

■ Event Details
Date: Monday, January 19, 16:00–19:30 (JST)
Format: Hybrid (Onsite and Online, with simultaneous Japanese-English interpretation)
Venue: Tokyo Innovation Base (3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

 

■ Program (Tentative)
16:00–16:05 Opening Remarks
16:05–16:15 Overview of the QUEST Program
16:15–18:15 Presentations by QUEST Awardees (with intermission)
18:15–18:25 Closing Remarks
18:25–19:30 Networking Session

 

■ Registration：Application Deadline: Friday, January 16, 12:00 (JST)

Audience Registration Form  JICA Co-Creation & Innovation Program “QUEST” Demoday

 

■ Participating Organizations (in no particular order):

 

For inquiries, please contact us at:

■ QUEST Secretariat

Email: quest-info@tohmatsu.co.jp

Business hours: 9:30–18:30 (weekdays only)

Support available in both Japanese and English.

Group photo of FiberCraze and TIDREC members

 

1.  The Motivation Behind Establishing This Collaborative Project

At FiberCraze, under the vision of “Weaving together the future of humankind and the Earth through microscopic technology,” we are committed to the social implementation of advanced textile materials that help prevent mosquito-borne infectious diseases.

Dengue fever and malaria, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, threaten daily life through the simple act of mosquito bites, impacting not only health but also opportunities for education and work. Having visited hospitals in four Southeast Asian countries, we were deeply shocked by the sheer number of patients affected.

Based on these experiences, we aim to reduce infection risks in everyday life through one of the most familiar products: clothing. Utilizing our proprietary “Craze-tex®” textile technology, we are developing high-performance materials that encapsulate insect-repellent ingredients.

To design not only innovative materials but also a supply system tailored to local lifestyles, expertise in disease ecology, evaluation methods, and public health is essential. Through our selection for the “QUEST” program, we are accelerating international co-creation with TIDREC, a world-renowned authority in tropical infectious disease research, to combine scientific effectiveness with real-world applicability.

By transforming cutting-edge Japanese technology into tangible value for daily life, we aim to deliver sustainable options for infectious disease prevention worldwide.

Craze-tex®

 

2.  Overview of the Collaborative Project

This project is built upon three main pillars:

1. Design and Prototyping of High-Performance Mosquito-Repellent Textiles:
   We design materials with attention to comfort, durability, and environmental impact, utilizing over 30 years of academic research and nanotechnology to develop “Craze-tex®” textiles. These combine multiple mechanisms—repellency, inhibition, and suppression of blood-feeding—to create highly functional prototypes.
2. Laboratory and Field Effectiveness Evaluation:
   Leveraging TIDREC’s extensive expertise and state-of-the-art research infrastructure, we conduct standardized testing in tropical and subtropical regions and gradually validate effectiveness under conditions close to actual living environments.
3. Development of Locally Adapted Products and Supply Models:
   Through local interviews, we assess user acceptance and design specific implementation scenarios for schools, healthcare, and industry. We also examine supply models, including collaboration with local factories and distributors, procurement, logistics, and after-sales service.

Through these efforts, we aim to develop products that balance scientific evidence with local needs.

Interview with healthcare workers in Malaysia

Hospital visit in Malaysia

 

3.  Introduction of Co-Creation Partner

TIDREC, established at the University of Malaya, is Malaysia’s leading infectious disease research institute, specializing in diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and Zika virus common in tropical regions. With advanced research facilities and an international network, TIDREC is dedicated to early detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases.

Through co-creation with FiberCraze, we combine the expertise and technologies of both organizations to deliver concrete solutions to global health challenges. By collaborating with TIDREC—one of the world’s foremost infectious disease research institutions—we are committed to developing innovative solutions tailored to local needs.

Discussion with TIDREC

 

4.  Message to the Public and Call for Collaboration

We are fully committed to protecting “everyday life” from infectious diseases through this project. Our goal is to translate proven laboratory effectiveness into real value for local communities, and your cooperation is essential to achieving this.

We are seeking municipalities, educational institutions, companies, and NGOs to collaborate in the following areas as we move toward mass production and local deployment:

• Provision of Demonstration Fields:
  Collaboration for pilot introduction and evaluation of uniforms, bedding, and protective materials at schools, healthcare, agriculture, construction, tourism, and other sites.
• Manufacturing and Sales Partnerships:
  Support for small-lot sewing, inventory collaboration, and sales validation through local e-commerce and retail channels in Southeast Asia.
• Funding and Support:
  Impact investment, grants, CSR donations, and assistance with distribution channel development.
• Information Dissemination:
  Promotion of accurate understanding of infectious disease risks and preventive actions.

Together with you, we hope to pioneer a sustainable future for infectious disease prevention. Please contact us if you are interested.

 

■ Company Information / Contact

FiberCraze Corporation
Gifu University, Academic Research & Industry-Government Collaboration Promotion Headquarters, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Shunya Chosokabe, President and Representative Director:
Website: https://www.fibercraze.com/en
Email: info@fibercraze.com
Phone: +81-58-293-3357

The Quest Co-Creation Project team recently held a capacity building and fellowship session, bringing together project staff from Caramoan Camarines Sur and those deployed in Naga. This gathering fostered collaboration, shared learning, and strengthened the collective mission of driving climate innovation at the community level.

 

1. The Motivation Behind Establishing This Collaborative Project

Every nation today speaks of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, yet a fundamental challenge persists—you cannot manage what you cannot measure.

In the Philippines, publicly listed companies are required to conduct carbon reporting under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for Publicly-Listed Companies (Memorandum Circular No. 4, series of 2019), which mandates the submission of an annual sustainability report alongside their financial filings. However, 99.6% of all businesses in the country are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as of 2023, there were 1,246,373 business enterprises, of which 1,241,733 (99.63%) were MSMEs.

Despite their scale and importance, MSME emissions remain largely invisible. Agrabah Ventures estimates that MSMEs collectively contribute approximately 70 million metric tons of CO₂e annually, based on approximations derived from DTI and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data and their proportional share in national business-sector activity. For context, the PSA reported the Philippines’ total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at 204.33 teragrams of CO₂e (Tg CO₂e) in 2020. Yet, there is no official or disaggregated data capturing the emissions of MSMEs, underscoring the urgent need for reliable measurement, reporting, and validation systems.

This data gap is not unique to the Philippines. Across ASEAN, MSMEs form the backbone of national economies, but their carbon footprints remain unaccounted for in most national climate frameworks.

Recognizing this gap, Agrabah Ventures, recipient of the ASEAN Business Awards 2023 Net Zero Award, has leveraged its expertise in carbon sequestration and carbon offsetting to design a localized, inclusive solution. Existing global carbon accounting standards are often misaligned with developing economies where MSMEs dominate. To address this, Agrabah developed the Net Zero Policy Framework—a model tailored to the Philippine context that localizes carbon calculation, reduction, and offsetting for both enterprises and farming communities.

Supporting this vision, the Naga College Foundation (NCF) Center for Research, Training, and Development, led by Dr. Regina Valencia, will spearhead the evidence-based research component of the project. The Center will compile and validate local studies and data on carbon sequestration, emissions sources, and measurement methodologies, bridging scientific rigor with community-driven sustainability practices to strengthen local climate action.

 

2. Overview of the Collaborative Project

The QUEST Co-Creation Project aims to pilot a policy-driven, nature-based solution for a Local Carbon Accreditation and Credit Framework. The project’s proof of concept will demonstrate how farmers and MSMEs can measure, validate, and monetize their carbon sequestration or reduction activities through a locally endorsed carbon policy.

This initiative combines Agrabah’s expertise in nature-based climate solutions with the research and technical capabilities of the NCF Center for Research, Training, and Development. Together, they are designing a science-based, community-adaptive model for carbon measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) that aligns with the needs of local governments and grassroots enterprises.

The approach is policy-driven, evidence-based, and inclusive, aiming to make carbon accounting and trading accessible at the local level while promoting climate-resilient livelihoods.

As part of the QUEST Co-Creation by JICA, our project team is now in the process of accrediting farms for carbon credit certification, following the Carbon Accreditation Protocol

 

3. Introducing the Co-Creation Partners

In addition to our co-creation partner, Naga College Foundation, Inc., this project is being carried out through the collaboration of various stakeholders in the Philippines. The main partners are as follows:

• The Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Jose, Partido,
• The LGU of Naga City,
• The Seaweed Farming Community of Caramoan, Camarines Sur and
• The Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI).

Together, these partners represent the convergence of policy, academia, private sector innovation, and community participation—the essential pillars of an inclusive net zero transition.

Initial presentation of the Agrabah Carbon+ Project to Mayor Jerold Peña of the Municipality of San Jose Partido, Camarines Sur. From left: Ms. Jayzel Asido, Mr. Jun Ocol, Mayor Jerold Peña, Ms. Jojo Gumino-Ocol, Dr. Regina Valencia, and Ms. Jennifer de Jesus.

 

4. Message to the Public and Call for Collaboration

The Agrabah–NCF Co-Creation Project is more than a pilot—it is a movement toward measurable and inclusive climate action. By connecting policy design, local governance, research, and livelihood innovation, this initiative seeks to empower every small business and farming community to participate meaningfully in the low-carbon economy.

We invite research institutions, local governments, private companies, and development organizations to collaborate in scaling this initiative. Together, we can create a localized carbon ecosystem that reflects the resilience, ingenuity, and sustainability aspirations of the Filipino people—and serve as a model for ASEAN nations striving toward net zero.

Join us in transforming data into action, policy into impact, and communities into climate champions.

Field Survey in Mongolia

 

1. The Motivation Behind Establishing This Collaborative Project

SetsuroTech Inc. is a startup launched from Tokushima University in 2017 to industrialize biotechnology developed by former university professors Dr. Tatsuya Takemoto and Dr. Shun Sawatsubashi. Since 2019, SetsuroTech has been working on “precision breeding,” a new technology that enables direct chemical editing of genes for breed improvement, moving beyond traditional statistical breeding methods that cross superior males and females.

 Responding to a client’s request to help prevent desertification in Mongolia by improving the breed of cashmere goats using this technology, SetsuroTech began collaborative research with Nagoya University and others. After filing a patent application and establishing the precision breeding technology, the project in Mongolia was set to begin in earnest. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the client’s management policy changed, and they withdrew from the project.

 Believing in the value of this project, SetsuroTech decided to continue cashmere goat development as an in-house research initiative. Later, a capital and business partnership was formed with SUMITOMO CORPORATION, and the project continues to progress.

 

2. Overview of the Collaborative Project

Mongolia produces about half of the world’s cashmere, with the number of cashmere goats reaching nearly 25 million in recent years. However, goats are known for their tendency to graze grass down to the roots, which contributes to desertification—a major issue highlighted in Mongolia’s national strategy “VISION2050.”

 Through precision breeding, we aim to improve the breed of cashmere goats to increase the value of cashmere produced per animal. While Mongolian cashmere typically has a fiber diameter of 15–18 μm, the ultra-fine “baby cashmere” (13–14 μm) commands prices several times higher. Using precision breeding, we are working to develop goats capable of producing finer fibers.

 As precision breeding of goats takes time to become profitable, we are also exploring the commercialization of a “genetic testing service” related to the breeding process for short-term business opportunities. The breeding industry utilizes “marker-assisted selection,” which uses genetic markers for selection, and we are considering offering this service for Mongolian goats.

 Additionally, we are seeking local investors who share our vision and are willing to support the development of cashmere goats in Mongolia.

Cashmere Goats in Mongolia

 

3. Introduction of Co-Creation Partner

Our co-creation partner, Sumitomo Corporation, is a global trading company with 127 offices in 63 countries. Its Agri-Innovation Unit promotes sustainable development and technological innovation in agriculture and livestock, working to build next-generation food production systems.

 Recognizing the potential of precision breeding, Sumitomo Corporation entered into a capital and business partnership with SetsuroTech in November 2022. The company is now developing projects in various fields such as livestock (chickens, pigs) and microorganisms (yeast, enzymes) using precision breeding. This project has also been supported since last year, with members from Sumitomo’s Ulaanbaatar office joining efforts to coordinate and negotiate with local industry, government, and academia partners.

 

4. Message to the Public and Call for Collaboration

SetsuroTech applies precision breeding technology to various organisms, aiming to produce high-value, highly productive agricultural, livestock, food, and chemical products. If you have needs for new product development or production enhancements, we may be able to provide solutions utilizing precision breeding. Please feel free to discuss with us to explore new possibilities for solving your challenges.

Cashmere Goat Herd in Mongolia

Group photo at the JICA Headquarters during the Kickoff Networking Event

 

■ Event Report

On Friday, September 12, 2025, the JICA Co-Creation × Innovation Program “QUEST” Kickoff Networking Event was held for selected project participants at three locations: JICA Headquarters (Tokyo), JICA Chubu (Nagoya), and online. A total of approximately 40 participants, including the selected project operators and JICA personnel, attended the event.

The event began with opening remarks by Mr. Toru Uemachi, Director General of JICA Chubu. This was followed by presentations of PoC (Proof of Concept) plans by each selected participant, as well as a Q&A session.

 

Scene from the “QUEST” Kickoff Networking Event at JICA Headquarters

The networking event was conducted by connecting three sites—Tokyo, Nagoya, and online—in real time. Each selected project operator took the stage to present their PoC plans in turn. The sessions featured lively Q&A exchanges among the selected operators and JICA staff at each location. There were also discussions on potential business collaborations between the participants, making it a highly productive and valuable networking opportunity.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Shinichi Tanaka, Senior Director of Operation Strategy Department. A networking session was also held at the Tokyo venue afterwards.

 

Group photo of the “QUEST” Kickoff Networking Event (Online)

 

Participants interacting at the event

The QUEST program is planning to hold a public Demo Day in January 2026. We look forward to your participation.

 

■ Upcoming Schedule

PoC (Proof of Concept): August – December 2025
Exit Strategy Planning & Demo Day: January 2026

If you have any questions, please contact us below.

 

■ Contact

QUEST Secretariat: quest-info@tohmatsu.co.jp
Business hours: 9:30–18:30 (weekdays only, support in Japanese and English)

Providing support to Vietnamese children and capturing those moments on camera

 

1. The Motivation Behind Establishing This Collaborative Project

Through my experience working with children with developmental disabilities in Vietnam, I have been deeply drawn to their genuine and endearing nature. However, I have faced the reality that, while developmental support is readily accessible in Japan, it is scarcely available in Vietnam. Many parents, anxious about their children’s growth and future, do not know where to turn for advice or what kind of support is available, and are often left feeling helpless.

Although hospitals, universities, and even parents themselves have started to establish early intervention facilities, the number of such facilities remains limited, and there is an overwhelming shortage of professionals with specialized knowledge. Introducing an effective and efficient system to train support personnel is critically important.

Hattatsu Wanpaku-kai has accumulated extensive experience in the field of developmental support in Japan and has refined its approach to human resource development. Fvital Inc. has developed innovative AI video analysis technology that visualizes the developmental status of young children with disabilities, enabling effective and efficient assessments in therapeutic settings.

By combining the expertise and advanced technology cultivated in Japan, we are taking on the challenge of building a society in Vietnam where local support providers can independently assist both children and their families.

 

2. Overview of the Collaborative Project

This project leverages the 15 years of practical developmental support know-how that Hattatsu Wanpaku-kai has cultivated in Japan, together with Fvital Inc.’s AI video analysis technology “Baby Track®,” to co-create a new support system for children with developmental disabilities in collaboration with Vietnamese therapy and support institutions. Our goal is to develop a sustainable structure in which local support providers can independently and continuously assist children and their families.

Specifically, the project is based at a special support institution in Hanoi, Vietnam, and collaborates with training institutions for psychologists and childcare workers to conduct a PoC (Proof of Concept) study. Initially, lectures are provided to local support providers and students to teach the fundamental knowledge required for developmental support, followed by practical training on assessment and support plan development. Furthermore, AI video analysis devices are used to record and analyze therapy sessions, visualizing the children’s developmental status. Based on these analysis results, support providers can reflect on their practice and implement systems to improve the quality of their support.

To enhance the ability to respond to challenging cases, local support providers and Hattatsu Wanpaku-kai specialists will jointly conduct case studies. By combining Fvital Inc.’s AI-driven quantitative developmental data with the qualitative support know-how accumulated in Japan, we aim to achieve effective human resource development in a short period.

Ultimately, we plan to expand this model to a nationwide network of special support institutions in Vietnam, aiming to deliver high-quality developmental support to 10,000 children and 20,000 parents over three years.

Conducting a class for students in Hanoi, Vietnam

 

3. Introduction of Co-Creation Partner

This project is a collaborative effort involving multiple organizations from both Japan and Vietnam. Fvital Inc. provides patented AI analysis devices, playing a key role in objectively visualizing children’s developmental status and providing valuable information to support providers. Vietnamese special support institutions serve as practical sites for working with children and families, forming the foundation that links actual support activities with technology. Additionally, Hanoi Medical University contributes to the training of future support professionals through its psychologist training program. By bringing together the unique strengths of each partner, we are establishing a highly effective support and human resource development scheme that integrates cutting-edge technology with practical education tailored to local needs.

An event held at a facility for children with autism in Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam

 

4. Message to the Public and Call for Collaboration

This project is a challenge to create a society in which children with developmental disabilities and their families in Vietnam can live with peace of mind and grow freely. Currently, local support systems are insufficiently developed, and parents spend each day with deep anxiety. By combining the developmental support expertise cultivated in Japan with AI video analysis technology, we are working to establish a system in which local support providers can independently assist children and their families.

To make this initiative successful, we need the cooperation of as many people as possible. We sincerely invite you to join us in supporting the future of children in Vietnam. Your involvement—whether by directly participating in local activities, introducing interested individuals, spreading the word, or providing donations—will be a tremendous encouragement. Every single person’s support will help drive this project forward.

Photo: Scenes from the environmental education workshop with the Biome app in Bolivia

 

1. The Motivation Behind Establishing This Collaborative Project

The loss of biodiversity on a global scale is accelerating, posing a serious threat to vital resources such as food, water, and climate stability—essential foundations for human survival. It has also been pointed out that this could lead to an annual loss of natural capital valued at $44 trillion.
The Galápagos Islands, located in the Republic of Ecuador, are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot with approximately 9,000 endemic species. However, the islands are under threat from multiple factors, including invasive species, tourism pressure, agricultural expansion, and climate change, prompting UNESCO to warn that the Galápagos are “one of the most vulnerable natural heritage sites in the world.”
In the agricultural sector, unsustainable farming practices and the economic instability of small-scale farmers have negatively impacted both environmental conservation and regional economies. Given these circumstances, it has become increasingly urgent to develop models that simultaneously achieve environmental preservation and improved livelihoods.
This project aims to implement and validate a biodiversity-sensitivefriendly agricultural model through agroforestry-based coffee production in the Galápagos—an iconic location. By showcasing scientifically-backed results, we hope to establish a scalable model that can be applied to other areasisland and rural regions, paving the way for a future where biodiversity conservation and increased incomes for small-scale farmers coexist.

 

Photo: Aerial view of a farm in Galápagos

2. Overview of the Collaborative Project

This project targets small-scale coffee farmers in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador, introducing agroforestry-based coffee production and scientifically verifying its effects through a Proof of Concept (PoC).
Specifically, we will utilize a biodiversity monitoring app developed by BIOME Inc. to quantitatively record indicators such as the presence of rare species, the number of indicator species like birds, ants, and mammals, as well as vegetation diversity, canopy structure, shade cover ratio, and green space connectivity. This will help visualize the contribution of agroforestry to biodiversity conservation.
The coffee produced under this initiative will be branded by SAKA NO TOCHU Co., Ltd. as “coffee that contributes to biodiversity,” and sold to coffee roasters in Japan. This approach enables farmers to secure stable income while actively participating in biodiversity conservation.
Ultimately, we aim to scale this model to other biodiversity hotspots facing similar challenges, expanding systems where environmental conservation and economic development can coexist.

Photo: Scene of app usage

Photo: Coffee drying process

 

3. Introduction of Co-Creation Partner

This project is being implemented by two Kyoto-based startup companies.
SAKA NO TOCHU Co., Ltd. specializes in the sale of environmentally-friendly agricultural products in Japan and imports specialty coffee from overseas for sellingdistribution to Japanese roasters. The company has extensive experience in promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting small-scale farmers, and it maintains strong networks with local partners and farms in Ecuador.
BIOME Inc. has developed an AI-powered biodiversity monitoring system that enables both simple smartphone-based measurements and advanced data analysis. With past implementation experience in South America, including Bolivia, and Spanish-language compatibility for its app, BIOME Inc. is well-positioned to adapt quickly to field operations in the Galápagos Islands.

 

4. Message to the Public and Call for Collaboration

This project represents a bold challenge to simultaneously achieve biodiversity conservation and improved livelihoods for small-scale farmers in the globally iconic Galápagos Islands. However, establishing this model requires financial, technical, and market support from Japan and the international organizations such as UN agencies community.
For the expansion of this initiative, we seek long-term support from international organizations and corporations in the form of grants, sponsorships, or participation in the distribution channels for sustainable coffee.
Success in the Galápagos has the potential to bring ripple effects to other regions facing similar challenges worldwide. Moreover, the choices of individual consumers can play a vital role in shaping the future of environmental conservation and communityregional development. We sincerely invite as many people as possible to join this movement and help create a sustainable cycle for a better tomorrow.