Japanese Startup Opens Demonstration Plant Factory

Tokyo, July 9 (Jiji Press)–Plantx Corp., a Japanese agriculture technology company, opened a demonstration plant factory in Tokyo on Wednesday to showcase what it claims is the world’s first modular technology capable of controlling water temperature and humidity precisely. Unlike conventional plant factories, which require the management of large spaces, the demonstration facility consists of stacked, sealed modules in which light, air and water conditions can be managed independently. The company says the technology allows growers to precisely control factors such as nutritional value and sugar content, enabling the production of high-value-added vegetables and fruit. “There is no doubt that it will be an essential technology in the future,” agriculture minister Norikazu Suzuki said at an opening ceremony. Plantx plans to promote technologies aimed at reducing labor costs through automation, as well as lowering electricity, water and fertilizer consumption. “Needs for automation are higher overseas than in Japan,” Plantx CEO Kosuke Yamada told reporters. Food technology, including plant factories, is one of the 17 priority areas for public and private investment backed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration. Plantx has received 1.2 billion yen in subsidies from the government. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]