From the fields of Okinawa to the greenhouses of Spain and Cyprus, a new cross-border initiative is shaping the future of agriculture through innovation and international cooperation.
In March 2025, OIST Innovation launched a trilateral project connecting Okinawa (Japan), Spain, and Cyprus. This initiative, Supporting the Demonstration of Sustainable Digital Solutions for Agriculture, supported by the CONCERT-Japan program, aims to strengthen collaboration between universities and innovation hubs working in digital agriculture. The project focuses on supporting agritech startups and building international testbeds for real-world technology deployment.
Just a few months since its launch, the project is already showing promising results.
A digital agricultural revolution
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that, given global population growth, agricultural demand will increase by at least 50% by 2050. To achieve global food security, innovators are turning to technology to improve the efficiency of agriculture. Whether it's precision sensing to ensure soil health, smart irrigation systems or networked farm machinery, digital technologies have the potential to change the face of agriculture. This new cross-border initiative aims to support the developing agritech sector and contribute towards a sustainable food future.
"AgriSphere Solutions" - a new hub for innovation
The AgriSphere Solutions platform connects startups, researchers, industry partners, and ecosystem builders across borders - creating opportunities for collaboration, funding, and pilot testing. The website will contain learning resources, such as webinars, training courses and mentorship opportunities, listings of grants and funding opportunities, as well as news and information on all members of the AgriSphere network.
Two interns from the University of the Ryukyus - Hikari Yamashiro and Reina Yamashita played a key role in developing this new vital resource for agri-innovators. They mapped the digital agriculture landscape in Japan and identified the challenges faced by early-stage companies seeking to expand globally.
"This internship opened my eyes to new possibilities," said Hikari Yamashiro. "I used to think I had to go abroad to find opportunities like this - but now I know they exist right here in Okinawa."
What's next: Training, testing, and talent exchange
The project team are currently planning a series of short training videos to help startups navigate the realities of international collaboration. These videos will be made available on the Agrisphere Solutions website starting next year.
In addition, a workshop is planned in Okinawa in early 2026, bringing together local stakeholders in the agritech ecosystem.
Those who will successfully complete the AgriSphere training program to be offered in 2026 will be eligible to receive up to €20,000 to demonstrate their technology in Japan, Spain and/or . Our pilot testing opportunities may include testing smart irrigation systems in Mediterranean climates or deploying AI-powered pest detection devices in Japan - all with the goal of accelerating the journey from lab to market, supported by a strong network of mentors, researchers, and field partners.
Join the AgriSphere Network
This international collaboration is just getting started - and we're looking for passionate partners to help build a more sustainable, tech-enabled future for agriculture. Startups, solution providers, researchers, farmers, policymakers, NGOs and industry leaders can now join our platform through www.agrispheresolutions.org/network, where they can collaborate, share knowledge, and drive the adoption of innovative tools that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness across the agroindustry.
Learn more and apply at: www.agrispheresolutions.org
