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SORA Technology is a startup that is using drone technology to tackle challenges in developing countries. We spoke with CEO Yosuke Kaneko about the company's founding and his message for entrepreneurs.
I'm Yosuke Kaneko, CEO of SORA Technology. I'm originally from Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, but I've lived in Hiyoshi, Kanagawa, since the end of elementary school. I've been familiar with Shibuya for a long time. I entered Keio University for middle school and graduated from Keio's Faculty of Economics.
After graduation, I joined a consulting firm where I worked until I was about 30. I started in the systems department but moved to the strategy department, which my supervisor drew. Later, I transitioned to a drone startup and worked as the Chief Strategy Officer.
Interestingly, I initially wanted to become a drone racer. However, there were few practice locations in Japan. I started my own company to create practice spaces. While researching various drone companies, a junior colleague who was leaving a drone company suggested I take his place. This coincidence and my interest in the field led me to join the company.
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While working at the drone company, I wanted to fly drones in the field. However, due to my background in systems development consulting, my supervisor assigned me to the drone control system department.
As I progressed in my work, I realized we needed to integrate our system with drones, helicopters, and other aircraft. Around that time, I heard that JAXA was developing a low-altitude airspace management system. They invited me to collaborate, and I joined JAXA from 2020 to March 2022.
SORA Technology is a company that uses drone and AI technology to provide various services in regions known as the Global South, including Africa. Our current flagship project involves using drones for malaria control. However, we also engage in agricultural support, pharmaceutical delivery, and disaster response.
My inspiration came from my experience in Africa while managing overseas drone operations at my previous company. The Pasteur Institute in France commissioned us to work on a hepatitis B vaccine delivery project for newborns in West Africa, which made me realize the potential of the African market.
Initially, we planned to focus on pharmaceutical delivery. We signed a contract with UNICEF in Ghana and are about to start a medical drone delivery project in cooperation with the local government. However, when we arrived, the area was poorer than expected, and malaria control was a more pressing need than pharmaceutical delivery. So, we quickly proposed a malaria control project, which has become our main activity.
I believe drones' potential is truly limitless, especially in developing countries. Beyond pharmaceutical delivery and malaria control, there's great potential in agriculture. Drones can observe farmland conditions from above, enabling efficient pesticide spraying and harvest predictions, significantly improving agricultural productivity.
Drones will likely play a critical role in disaster response, helping assess disaster-stricken areas in real-time and delivering relief supplies. This capability will become increasingly crucial in disaster-prone countries like Japan.
While Japan's drone industry has high technical capabilities, there are still regulatory challenges. For example, strict regulations on flying in urban areas or beyond visual lines of sight can limit business development. However, regulators have recently made gradual moves towards deregulation, which is promising.
Another challenge is human resource development. We need people with knowledge not just in drone operation, but also in data analysis and AI technology. While drone-related educational programs in universities and technical schools are increasing, there's still a shortage.
I value "social impact" and "teamwork." Beyond pursuing profits, I always consider how much we can contribute to society. It's crucial to genuinely improve the lives of local people, especially in developing countries.
Regarding teamwork, I emphasize diversity. Having members from different backgrounds and cultures facilitates the generation of new ideas. That's why we hold regular company-sponsored drinking parties and events to foster close communication within the team.
SORA Technology is currently moving from the seed round towards Series A funding. While most companies at this stage focus on increasing sales, we prioritize social impact. For example, we set goals like how many lives we can save through malaria control or how much we can contribute to CO2 reduction through agricultural support. Specifically, we aim to save about 500,000 lives in five years.
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Tokyo, especially Shibuya, is an exciting and safe city, which is very attractive. The cost of living is lower than overseas, and you can hire talented people at lower costs than in Western countries. If you can overcome the language barrier, it's an excellent business environment.
Moreover, support programs are abundant, and the competition is less intense compared to Western countries. There are ample financial and support resources, making it easier to receive comprehensive assistance. For instance, I recently attended VivaTech, a startup event in France. I felt it more accessible to receive support in Japan.
First, it's important to enjoy Japan. Learning about Japan's drinking culture might be a good idea. Our company accepts about 20 African interns annually, and they enjoy these Japanese-style drinking parties (laughs).
Also, Japan's culture emphasizes context. Its culture involves reading the unspoken "atmosphere," which might be challenging. While learning Japanese is important, understanding the cultural aspects might be even more crucial. So, it's essential to have someone who understands these cultural nuances by your side or to try to adapt to the culture yourself.
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We use English as our common language and create opportunities for communication. In our weekly general meetings, we dedicate time solely to communication. For example, at the beginning of the meeting, about three people introduce themselves or talk about their recent interests.
As I mentioned, we also value drinking parties and don't skimp on expenses for these (laughs). While maintaining Japanese communication styles, we strive to create a global environment.
Recently, while promoting globalization, we should remember our Japanese essence. Foreigners coming to Japan will likely be interested in Japan to some extent, so incorporating Japanese elements might please them.
First, cherish your passion. If you strongly desire to change the world, you can overcome difficulties. But at the same time, flexibility is important. Initially, we planned to deliver pharmaceuticals but switched to malaria control to meet local needs. It's necessary to be flexible and adapt to situations.
Also, don't be afraid of failure. I've failed many times, but what I learned from those experiences is valuable now. Failure is the foundation for future success.
Finally, I hope you'll have a global perspective. It's important to consider business for the Japanese market and with a view to the world. There are great opportunities, especially in developing countries. I recommend visiting these places, seeing them with your own eyes, and experiencing them firsthand. New business ideas might emerge from these experiences.
I'm looking forward to seeing the challenges young people will take on. Let's change the world together!
SORA TECHNOLOGY : https://sora-technology.com/en/
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