NEC Innovation Challenge 2023

We are looking for ideas of efficient and environment-friendly ways to treat or reuse waste generated from agricultural activities, not including conventional waste disposal or open burning.

For example, the ordinance allows for the disposal of pruned branches from fruit tree by open burning as the exception for farmers, but this is difficult to implement especially in urban agriculture due to environmental concerns. In addition, disposing of the branches as garbage is not an eco-friendly method since it requires coordination with waste management facilities and labor and cost involved in transporting the waste to the facilities. We are looking for new ways to improve sustainability and resource efficiency.

Challenge Statement:

Challenge statement: We are seeking solutions that can solve the issue, such as the efficient and environmentally friendly treatment and reuse of organic waste, pruned branches, and defective products generated by agricultural activities.

Example Solutions:

• A project to compost these wastes and use them as a soil conditioner
• A method to use pruning branches as woody biomass energy
• A solution to promote recycling resources and reduce environmental impact

Expectations

We expect proposals with a broad perspective and viewpoint, not bound by existing practices. We hope to see the development of means to wisely reuse or recycle agricultural waste and the creation of new business models that contribute to sustainable agricultural ecosystems and local communities. We look forward to receiving proposals that will reduce the environmental impact of Urban Agriculture and bring us one step closer to a circular economy.

Requirements

The startups selected in this challenge will be given the opportunity to conduct a demonstration experiment at the Kawasaki Agricultural Technology Support Center from FY2024. We expect the startups who have not yet established a presence in Japan to enter the Japanese market.

During the demonstration experiment, all communication with the Center's staff, local farmers, and agricultural cooperative staff will be in Japanese.

Therefore, it will become necessary to:

• Hire Japanese speaking personnel
• Establish a presence in Japan before the start of the demonstration experiment

Evaluation Criteria

We expect proposals with a broad perspective and viewpoint, not bound by existing practices.

1. Matching the Problem and the Solution: Does the proposed solution sufficiently solve the problem?
2. Your Ability to Execute: Would you be able to implement the proposed solution? Do you or your company have the ability to operate a business in Japan? Does the facility have a financial base that enables stable management and operation over the long term?
3. Performance Record: Does the proposed solution have a performance record for similar issues?
   

Benefits: What you can expect

• Use of the experiment station in Kawasaki City which will be aprox. 22 a. (2,200 square meter) within approx. 60 a. (6,000 square meter) of the orchard field (pears, persimmons, citrus fruits, and grapes)
• Networking with local farmers and agricultural cooperatives

We are looking for new solutions to reduce the dependence on pesticides and protect crops using environmentally friendly methods. We are also looking for ways to solve the issue multidimensionally, including not only biological control, but also mechanical means and insecticides with natural origin. The goal is to achieve sustainable agriculture by balancing the environment and productivity.

Challenge Statement and Example Ideas

Challenge statement: The issue we wish to solve is to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, which have a large impact on the environment, and to achieve sustainable agriculture. For instance, we expect to minimize the contamination of soil and water from pesticides and the impact on the ecosystem. On top of that, we need to find new ways to effectively control the influences of pests and diseases.

Example Solutions:

• The introduction of natural enemies as biological control
• The use of naturally derived products that increase the resistance of the plants themselves
• Other possible methods besides those mentioned above, we welcome proposals from a variety of perspectives

Expectations

Our expectation is that environmentally friendly pest and disease controls will become more widely spread, and that sustainable agriculture will be further promoted. We also expect that this will maintain the quality of agricultural products and significantly reduce the burden on the environment.

Requirements

The startups selected in this challenge will be given the opportunity to conduct a demonstration experiment at the Kawasaki Agricultural Technology Support Center from FY2024. We expect the startups who have not yet established a presence in Japan to enter the Japanese market.

During the demonstration experiment, all communication with the Center's staff, local farmers, and agricultural cooperative staff will be in Japanese.

Therefore, it will become necessary to:

• Hire Japanese speaking personnel
• Establish a presence in Japan before the start of the demonstration experiment

Evaluation Criteria

We expect proposals with a broad perspective and viewpoint, not bound by existing practices.

1. Matching the Problem and the Solution: Does the proposed solution sufficiently solve the problem?
2. Your Ability to Execute: Would you be able to implement the proposed solution? Do you or your company have the ability to operate a business in Japan? Does the facility have a financial base that enables stable management and operation over the long term?
3. Performance Record: Does the proposed solution have a performance record for similar issues?

Benefits: What you can expect

• Use of the experiment station in Kawasaki City which will be aprox. 22 a. (2,200 square meter) within approx. 60 a. (6,000 square meter) of the orchard field (pears, persimmons, citrus fruits, and grapes)
• Networking with local farmers and agricultural cooperatives