Leveraging AI in the Food Industry: Lessons from Kitakyushu Chamber Seminar

Exploring the Integration of AI in the Food Industry

On August 8, a significant seminar was hosted by the Kitakyushu Chamber of Commerce, focusing on the application of AI in the food industry. Led by Noriko Harada, CEO of AI CROSS, and featuring insights from AI Evangelist Yuji Kikukawa, the session emphasized how AI can tackle pressing challenges such as labor shortages and food waste within the sector.

Seminar Overview

During this enlightening session, Kikukawa shared successful case studies of AI implementation specifically within food retail. The discourse included practical methodologies for adopting AI technologies while outlining the vital collaborative efforts with local universities aimed at nurturing talent within the industry. This combination aims to provide multi-faceted support addressing sector-specific challenges.

AI's Practical Applications in the Food Industry

The food sector faces notable structural issues, such as severe labor shortages and high levels of food waste. The seminar highlighted several concrete AI solutions available today. One standout service presented was the no-code predictive AI and decision-support system called "Deep Predictor," which combines sales data with weather information to optimize ordering and inventory management processes. This service significantly aids frontline staff in their operational decision-making.

This emphasis was not merely academic; rather, it showcased real-world examples where AI technologies like Deep Predictor are already making a positive impact on business operations. The discussion underscored the fact that AI is not just a theoretical concept but a practical solution ready to be utilized by diverse businesses in the food industry.

Collaborative Talent Development Through Local Industry-Academia Partnerships

An integral part of the seminar was addressing ways to ensure that the introduction of AI extends beyond being a mere tool, diving into what sustainable digital transformation (DX) looks like, rooted in community engagement. An example of this strategy is AI CROSS's partnership with Kyushu Nutrition Welfare University in Fukuoka.

Under this agreement, a branch office was established on the university premises, facilitating collaboration with their newly created "Food Environment Data Science Department." The program emphasizes the development of data scientists specifically tailored for the food and health sectors, showcasing an innovative model of talent development that could inspire similar partnerships nationwide.

The talk encouraged attendees to ponder the potential collaborations between local enterprises and educational institutions, broadening the possibilities for fostering skill sets vital for advancing the industry.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, AI CROSS is committed to supporting industries, notably the food sector, by providing practical AI adoption strategies that enhance corporate competitiveness while actively seeking solutions to industry-wide issues. The company aims to focus on creating durable models for sustainable DX initiatives through community-centric academic partnerships and the successful cultivation of talent.

About the Kitakyushu Chamber of Commerce

The Kitakyushu Chamber of Commerce operates as a comprehensive economic organization based in Kitakyushu City, deeply involved in supporting local small and medium enterprises while undertaking various initiatives aimed at revitalizing the regional economy. Through seminars, workshops, and direct support for startups, the Chamber plays a crucial role in fostering the continuous growth of local industries.

Profile of Yuji Kikukawa

A graduate of Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kikukawa previously held positions at NTT West Japan, focusing on developing and testing communication infrastructures. His extensive experience at NTT DoCoMo involved leading innovative business initiatives, particularly as a serial intrapreneur across numerous projects, including overseeing diverse new ventures. Currently, he is focused on shaping corporate strategies at AI CROSS and supporting the promotion of AI solutions. Additionally, he leads projects associated with industry-academic collaborations in Fukuoka and has played a pivotal role in establishing the company's local branch. Kikukawa is also active in academia, conducting seminars and guest lectures related to new business creation, thereby bridging the gap between technology and education.

About AI CROSS Inc.

AI CROSS Inc. specializes in providing messaging services tailored for corporate clients. Their flagship services include the SMS distribution service "Absolute Reach! SMS," the RCS distribution platform "Absolute Reach! RCS," and various data analytics services powered by AI, including the "Deep Predictor". These innovations aim to facilitate operational efficiency while enhancing customer communication pathways.