#Japan #Chiba #Agricultural AI #Metagri Laboratory #Hackathon 2025

Solving Agriculture's Real Challenges with AI!

In July 2025, the Metagri Laboratory, operated by Nōjōjin Co., Ltd., held the first-ever Agricultural AI Hackathon, aimed at addressing real challenges faced by farmers. This groundbreaking initiative brought together innovators from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and create prototypes that leverage Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize the agricultural sector.

The event focused on pressing issues such as labor shortages, aging farm populations, and climate change risks, which continue to threaten the sustainability of agriculture in Japan. By utilizing Generative AI, participants sought to find innovative solutions to these complex problems, demonstrating the potential of AI in enhancing agricultural productivity.

A Unique Collaborative Environment

During the hackathon, local farmers presented their specific challenges, inspiring participants to tackle them as part of the competition. Engineers, designers, and students from around the country came together, utilizing a novel development methodology known as Vibe Coding. This approach emphasizes interaction and collaboration, allowing individuals with varying levels of programming skills to contribute effectively.

With mentorship from the CDI Hiroshima community, participants received support in overcoming technical obstacles. This assistance created an inclusive environment that maximized creativity and facilitated the development of high-quality prototypes.

The Prototypes that Emerge as Seeds of the Future

The hackathon culminated in the selection of several innovative prototypes by the farmers themselves as judges. Notable projects included the integrated management system