[From Chisato Horiuchi in Tokyo, Japan]
Zip Infrastructure develops its own ropeway as next-generation urban transportation (President Suchi on the experimental line)
New technologies and ideas brought in by startups have the potential to solve the challenges of key industries such as energy, transportation and food. We will introduce the latest trends of startups by picking up from the articles published in the first half of 2021 in the serialization "STARTupX" of the Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun. Please see the video as well.
Professional knowledge at a business opportunity startup for the "trouble" of renewable energy
Startups are trying to solve the problem of renewable energy. Overcome issues such as the amount of power generated depending on location and weather with technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analysis, and storage batteries. By having human resources with experience in large companies take charge of management, it will bring about a change in the situation where there are few entrepreneurs in renewable energy and it is centered on major companies. As the annual funding of energy startups has tripled in the last three years, it will be questioned whether it will lead to business results.
New ropeway development, inspired by "Space Elevator"
The ropeway, which has a strong impression of tourism, is attracting attention as a foothold for moving around the city. In addition to being permanently installed in Yokohama City, the startup will develop a new model that overcomes the weaknesses of the existing type and aims to put it into practical use in 2025. While the cost-effectiveness of transportation infrastructure development is being questioned, some local governments consider it easy to work on alleviating traffic congestion in cities. The issue is how to get the understanding by giving explanations to the residents.
New ropeway development, inspired by "Space Elevator"
The ropeway, which has a strong impression of tourism, is attracting attention as a foothold for moving around the city. In addition to being permanently installed in Yokohama City, the startup will develop a new model that overcomes the weaknesses of the existing type and aims to put it into practical use in 2025. While the cost-effectiveness of transportation infrastructure development is being questioned, some local governments consider it easy to work on alleviating traffic congestion in cities. The issue is how to get the understanding by giving explanations to the residents.
Organic farming, his tech cultivated by startups is fruitful and stable
Startups are bringing cutting-edge technology to organic farming, which is labor-intensive, with a focus on manual and experience-based farming. The production of organic agricultural products that basically do not use pesticides or chemically synthesized fertilizers has increased by about 50% in the last 10 years, but the problem is that the quality and yield are not stable. Therefore, we will utilize drones (small unmanned aerial vehicles) and sensors to efficiently improve the quality and quantity. As the country also announces the expansion of organic farming, it is urgent to develop new farming methods by tech.
