| Company name | Group | Parent | Subsidiary | Customer | Supplier | Alliance | Bank | Shareholder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives | ||||||||
| Ie-No-Hikari Association | ||||||||
| National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives | ||||||||
| National Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives | ||||||||
| Nokyo Tourist Corporation | ||||||||
| The Norinchukin Bank | ||||||||
| JA Group Kochi | ||||||||
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AgVenture Lab has begun accepting entries for the 6th Student Business Plan Contest "JUMP NEXT 2026" on November 1, 2026. This year’s theme is "Ideas that Change the Future of Food, Agriculture, and Communities," aiming to connect production sites and regional challenges with students’ fresh ideas.
On October 2, AgVenture Lab hosted a forum with 11 directors, including Chairman Hoshi of JA ZEN-CHU, and four startups. Each company presented solutions to on‑field challenges using AI, and the group engaged in lively discussions about agricultural field issues and technology adoption. Participants expressed positive views that could lead to future collaboration.
AgVenture Lab, as the operating secretariat for Tokyo's 'Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Issue-Solving Project utilizing startups and others', supports the initiatives of the seven selected companies. The selected project operators collaborate with producers and related businesses in Tokyo, aiming to commercialize products and services. AgLab provides mentoring, a venue for problem verification, and support toward implementation and dissemination.
AgLab held its third open innovation matching event on August 28, with approximately 170 participants. Twenty startups participated, and active交流 and business matching took place. Participants praised the event's significance and expressed positive outlooks for the future.
On August 28, AgVenture Lab, a general incorporated association, held its third open innovation matching event, attracting a record approximately 170 participants. Twenty startups exhibited, including companies selected for the JA Accelerator Program, along with JA signage. Participants made many quick connections with companies and JA representatives and said they gained ideas useful for future business development. Startups and attendees actively exchanged views, while the JA Group and government organizations built new networks.
A showcase was held for the BLOOM course of AgLab's GROW&BLOOM program, where selected teams presented the results of their approximately three months of activities. A video of the event is scheduled to be published on YouTube in early October.
TERRIA Co., Ltd., a participant in AgVenture Lab's GROW&BLOOM entrepreneur development program, held a tasting of sea urchin raised in land-based facilities. Participants exchanged views on quality and commercialization potential. The company will continue efforts to expand sales channels and secure funding.
AgLab introduces the businesses and ambitions of six Excellence Award winners in the JA Accelerator Program. Noken Nature Ponics aims to develop fertilizer using underused resources and is building a resource-circulation model.
AgVenture Lab, a general incorporated association, will change its executive officer structure effective September 1, 2026. Hiroshi Shinohara will step down as secretary-general, and Yoshinari Okuda will succeed him. Under the new structure, the organization will deepen collaboration with partners and work to address social issues.
A matching event hosted by AgVenture Lab will be held on August 28, 2026, with 20 startups and major companies and organizations participating. Previous events have produced collaborative projects, new connections and other results. The organizers expect further partnerships to emerge through meetings and pitches at this event.