Pegara Japan Honored with Encouragement Award at 2025 STI for SDGs Awards

Pegara Japan Honored at 2025 STI for SDGs Awards

Pegara Japan LLC, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has recently been awarded the Encouragement Award at the prestigious 2025 STI for SDGs Awards, hosted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). This recognition underscores Pegara’s commitment to utilizing science, technology, and innovation (STI) to address pressing social challenges, particularly in the realm of food security and human rights in Southern Africa.

Award Overview

- Award Name: 2025 STI for SDGs Award
- Organizer: Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
- Award Category: Encouragement Award
- Award Initiative: Comprehensive Solutions to Food Security and Human Rights Issues in Southern Africa
- Award Ceremony Date: October 25, 2025
- Venue: Telecom Center Building, Tokyo

Details of the Award-Winning Initiative

Pegara Japan’s awarded initiative tackles the dual challenges of crop damage caused by the Quelea bird in Zimbabwe and social issues related to child labor and gender inequality. The company has developed an innovative solution using AI image recognition technology coupled with autonomous drones to establish an "automatic bird repelling system." This system effectively mitigates bird damage, ensuring food security while promoting social equity.

The Multifaceted Impact of the System

1. Prevention of Crop Loss: The primary goal of the technology is to minimize grain loss due to bird damage, directly contributing to food security.
2. Liberation from Harsh Labor: The system aims to relieve women and children from the burdensome tasks of chasing away birds, addressing both labor exploitation and gender disparities.
3. Job Creation: Maintaining the system generates new employment opportunities in the local community, fostering economic stability.
4. Environmental Benefits: By reducing the reliance on pesticides, Pegara Japan’s approach also aids environmental preservation.

In recognition of these unique contributions, the selection committee praised the project for its innovative use of STI to resolve the conflicts arising between people and wildlife due to climate change while addressing complex human rights issues in developing nations. The judges noted that the initiative not only directly contributes to achieving SDG goals, including No. 1 (No Poverty), No. 2 (Zero Hunger), No. 4 (Quality Education for All), No. 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and No. 15 (Life on Land), but also does so without hindering the achievement of other critical goals.

Comments from Leadership

Toshiyasu Ichihara, co-representative of Pegara Japan, expressed, "This award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our partners, local staff, and UN agencies involved in tackling these significant challenges. Through the application of technologies such as AI and drones, we aim to create a society where no one is left behind. In the future, we will continue to expand sustainable technology applications and models that respect human rights throughout African nations and beyond."

Future Initiatives

Building on this recognition, Pegara Japan aims to strengthen its commitment to the following initiatives:

- Expanding technological implementations in sub-Saharan regions, including Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania.
- Deepening collaboration with UN agencies, local governments, and communities.
- Establishing a reverse innovation model with partner companies and research institutions in Japan.

By positioning AI as a core technology, Pegara Japan will continue to contribute to building a sustainable future.

About Pegara Japan LLC

Pegara Japan operates under the belief that "if we take action, the world can change." As a social innovation company, it harnesses AI, drones, and data analysis to resolve social issues. The name "Pegara" derives from the Spanish verb "pegar," which means "to hit or to connect," symbolizing their mission to break stagnation and bridge connections among people and knowledge. The company views AI not merely as a tool for efficiency but as a catalyst for reducing inequality and establishing sustainable systems. Their vision encompasses connecting AI and people, businesses and communities, and technology and society to realize a future where everyone can live with dignity.

- Representatives: Toshiyasu Ichihara & Akihito Nakatsuka
- Location: Marunouchi Trust Tower Main, 20th floor, 1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
- Services: Development and operation of AI-powered solutions, consulting for social issue resolution projects, organization development, and recruitment support
- Official Website: Pegara Japan