SORA Technology Completes First Close of Pre-Series A Funding Round to Combat Global Health Issues

SORA Technology Completes Funding Round to Combat Global Health Crises

In a significant milestone for Japanese startups, SORA Technology, recognized as one of the inaugural companies under the Shibuya district's S-Startups program, has successfully closed the first stage of its Pre-Series A funding round as of March 2025. The company, based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and led by founder and CEO Yosuke Kaneko, has managed to raise about 670 million yen in total funding, including debt financing. This funding aims to harness local technological innovations to address global social challenges and foster the creation of new pillar industries.

SORA Technology firmly believes in its mission, “Transforming lives through the skies (SORA).” The startup specializes in air mobility solutions using drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to create a more safe and prosperous society globally. Their primary focus has been on utilizing drones and AI for public health solutions, specifically targeting infectious disease management and climate change mitigation, highlighting the critical role technology plays in today’s world.

Addressing Infectious Diseases

One of the significant issues SORA Technology aims to tackle is the ongoing threat of infectious diseases like malaria, which continues to plague many regions around the globe. Malaria alone infects over 200 million people each year, primarily in Africa, where it leads to approximately 600,000 deaths annually. In response, SORA Technology is pioneering solution-focused projects, deploying drones and AI to develop malaria response systems and predictive analytics for infectious diseases. The company has established partnerships with various international organizations and local governments across six African nations, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Benin, DRC, Senegal, and Kenya, leaving a notable social impact through its initiatives.

In addition to its core focus on infectious disease response, SORA Technology has also ventured into the agricultural sector for climate change mitigation, participating in initiatives that create carbon credits both in Japan and Africa. This diverse approach illustrates the company's commitment to addressing various pressing global issues while ensuring sustainable business practices.

Clarifying Fund Usage

The funds raised from this Pre-Series A round will be directed toward several critical areas:

- Advancements in AI Algorithms: Enhancing AI algorithms specifically for infectious disease prediction.
- Expansion in African Markets: Scaling local operations focused in African countries to amplify impact.
- Strengthening Collaborations: Establishing robust frameworks for collaboration with international organizations and government entities.
- Enhancing Drone Operations: Investing in operational improvements and capabilities for drone deployment.

Vision from the CEO

Yosuke Kaneko, the founder and CEO of SORA Technology, expressed his enthusiasm for the support received during this funding round. He stated, “We are extremely grateful to our investors for sharing our vision and social mission. This funding is crucial for accelerating product development, enhancing operational capabilities in the field, and recruiting new talent to drive broader impacts across regions. Our commitment continues towards addressing local challenges and leveraging technology to create life-saving societal infrastructures, aiming for a future where everyone can live healthily.”

Company Overview

Founded in 2020, SORA Technology has emerged as a key player in the use of drones and AI for developing solutions to combat infectious diseases, enhance agricultural practices, and create disaster response technologies. Based in Nagoya, Japan, the company is dedicated to leveraging local innovations for global challenges.

About Shibuya's S-Startups Program

The S-Startups program in Shibuya aims to create an environment where startups can thrive and innovate without fear of failure. It encourages diverse startups to tackle challenges creatively, ultimately positioning them for growth on a global scale. The program supports promising startups by boosting their visibility and helping them provide new value to the world.

For further inquiries, please reach SORA Technology through their public relations contact, Ichiro Sato, at ichiro.sato@sora-tech.com.