Key Takeaways
- Square Roots Japan, headquartered in Tokyo, has been launched as a new venture leveraging Square Roots’ indoor vertical farming platform.
- The initiative combines modular, high-tech farming systems with traditional Japanese agriculture, ensuring year-round production of specialty crops.
- The newly established company aims to preserve the expertise of Japan’s specialty farmers while adapting to challenges such as climate change and demographic shifts.
- The first farm under the Square Roots platform in Japan is set to open soon, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks.
- Existing partnerships include Gordon Food Service and the Gates Foundation, exploring new sustainable food production technologies.
Square Roots Japan to Advance Indoor Farming with Traditional Agriculture
Square Roots, an innovator in indoor vertical farming, has announced the launch of Square Roots Japan, a new company headquartered in Tokyo. The venture will expand the company’s modular and scalable indoor farming platform while collaborating with traditional Japanese farmers to ensure the long-term viability of specialty crops.
“We’ve created a flexible and scalable platform for innovation that is enabling partners across the global agri-food ecosystem to shape the future of food.” — Tobias Peggs, CEO & Co-founder, Square Roots
Square Roots Japan will adapt the technology and expertise developed in the United States, offering solutions for Japan’s changing agricultural landscape.
Technology Meets Tradition: A Collaborative Approach
The platform provides:
- Modular growing systems for climate-controlled indoor farming.
- Smart operating software that optimizes crop production.
- A database of crop recipes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for precision farming.
- Expert services in agricultural R&D and production farming.
This model has already been deployed through partnerships such as Gordon Food Service, producing nutrient-dense greens for large-scale healthy eating programs, and the Gates Foundation, which is testing artificial photosynthesis to develop low-cost, high-nutrient foods in low- and middle-income countries.
“The Square Roots technology platform is impressive. But equally important is the cultural alignment between our two teams.” — Kotaro Shiba, Co-founder, Square Roots Japan
Preserving Agricultural Heritage in a Changing Climate
The foundation of Square Roots Japan was laid during a joint visit to Hokkaido, a region known for its high-quality seasonal vegetables. Farmers in Hokkaido rely on generations-old knowledge, but challenges such as climate change and an aging population threaten the continuity of these practices.
The new Japanese company is working to translate this knowledge into “golden recipes” for high-tech indoor farms, ensuring that:
- Japan’s specialty crops remain available year-round.
- Farmers receive royalties for their expertise.
- The next generation of growers benefits from a sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural model.
“I’ve spent more than 20 years working on innovative, scalable solutions that make farmers and end-consumers happier and healthier. I’m thrilled to be working alongside such mission-aligned partners in Japan in our goal to nourish global communities through food.” — Kimbal Musk, Co-founder & Executive Chairman, Square Roots
A Long-Term Vision for Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Square Roots Japan plans to expand its indoor farming network over time, offering specialty crops year-round while addressing climate change and food security challenges.
“Our long-term vision is for a wide range of specialty crops to be grown across a network of indoor farms, available year-round, resilient to the impacts of climate change, and honoring the farmers’ legacy for generations to come.” — Yasaki Mai, CEO, Square Roots Japan
With strong backing from investors like Collaborative Fund, the company is set to scale its operations while maintaining its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“By expanding the Square Roots platform, they’re not just growing the business—they’re amplifying its positive impact on the world.” — Guy Vidra, Partner, Collaborative Fund
As Square Roots Japan prepares to open its first farm, further details on the launch and future expansion plans will be announced in the coming weeks.
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