#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #Hydro Venus #ICT Startup League

Hydro Venus: Pioneering Flood Risk Management with Digital Innovation

In a remarkable achievement, Hydro Venus, a startup launched by Okayama University, has been chosen to participate in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' prestigious ICT Startup League program. This announcement was made during the Update Earth Symposium Summer held in Tokyo on July 11, 2025. The event attracted around 200 attendees, including startup support officials, politicians, investors, and members of the media, all gathered to discuss future innovations aimed at shaping the next decade.

Hydro Venus was prominently featured, representing a wave of innovation emerging from academia. Their main focus is on the “Flood Management DX System,” a cutting-edge solution developed based on research conducted by Professor Shinji Hiejima of the university’s Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences. The system utilizes IoT sensors and AI analytics to enhance flood management in urban and river environments by monitoring water levels and flow rates in real time. Such advancements allow for swift predictions and mitigations of flood risks, enabling authorities to respond promptly and accurately, ultimately minimizing natural disaster damages and contributing to a safer and more sustainable society.

Takuji Ueda, CEO of Hydro Venus, expressed his honor and responsibility upon receiving the selection notice from the Ministry. He remarked,