WAKU's Initiative to Revitalize Ukraine's Green Industry through Technology Transfer

WAKU's Commitment to Revitalize Ukraine's Green Industry

In a significant development for Ukraine’s recovery, WAKU, a startup based in Okayama, Japan, has officially been selected for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) project. This initiative aims to facilitate the revival of Ukraine's green industry through technology transfer from Japanese companies. The project's feasibility study will employ advanced Japanese technologies to support the reconstruction of Ukraine’s environmental and industrial landscape.

Overview of the UNIDO Project

UNIDO is set to implement the Ukrainian green industry revival program from 2024 to 2028. This extensive project is underpinned by funding from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and aims to foster technology transfer, human resource development, and collaborative business frameworks between the private sectors of Ukraine and Japan. The end goal is to bolster Ukraine's industrial recovery and to establish an innovation ecosystem.

Challenges Facing Ukrainian Agriculture

Ukraine, known as the "breadbasket of Europe," has faced severe challenges in its agricultural productivity since the onset of war in 2022. The conflict has led to a dramatic decline in farmland productivity, with shelling and military vehicle activities resulting in increased contamination of farmland with heavy metals like lead and cadmium. These contaminants pose a major threat to food safety by remaining in soil for extended periods and leaching into crops, complicating the restart of agricultural operations.

Furthermore, Ukraine's reconstruction efforts demand more than just rebuilding infrastructure; they require a balance of environmental preservation and sustainable industrial development. In response to these challenges, WAKU is proposing innovative solutions through biotechnology.

WAKU's Initiatives

Through the feasibility study focused on plant bio-stimulants utilizing glutathione, WAKU aims to ensure safe crop growth and yield recovery in contaminated soils. Glutathione, a natural compound known for its antioxidant properties, has recently been found to enhance stress resistance in plants and reduce heavy metal absorption.

The feasibility study will involve technical validation while also investigating the potential for local production of glutathione and the establishment of supply chains, aiming to develop a viable economic model for future business initiatives.

A Personal Connection to Ukraine

Ryousuke Himeno, CEO of WAKU, shared his deep personal connection to Ukraine. "Having traveled as a backpacker in 2016, I fondly remember my visits to Kyiv, Lviv, and Odessa. My love for this country deepened when I spent a month in Kyiv in 2017. However, upon my most recent visit in 2024, the stark contrast was shocking. The once vibrant streets were now filled with the sounds of air raid alarms due to missile attacks from Russia."

His experiences have made the ongoing war particularly complex for him, as he maintains friendships in both Ukraine and Russia. While he acknowledges the uncertain path ahead, he is hopeful for Ukraine's recovery and sees WAKU's efforts as a means to contribute positively to reclaiming the beauty of Ukraine.

About WAKU

WAKU is driven by its mission, "To protect humanity's food through glutathione." The startup focuses on the research, development, and commercialization of agricultural bio-stimulants and fertilizers. By leveraging glutathione, they aim to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, stabilize yields, and improve quality, all while striving for sustainable agriculture.

Collaborating with research institutions such as the University of Tokyo, agricultural corporations, and fertilizer dealers, WAKU pushes for demonstration and spread of its innovations both domestically and internationally. Their ambitions extend beyond Japan, targeting markets in Europe and Asia to address pressing global issues like climate change and food insecurity with cutting-edge Japanese technologies.