Innovative Startup Ushers in New Era of Seaweed Farming with AI and Drones in Tokoname

Innovative Solutions for Seaweed Farming

In a remarkable initiative, a startup called Umito Plus, founded by graduates of Nagoya University Business School, has started experimental projects aimed at enhancing seaweed farming in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and drones, the company is tackling the pressing issue of damage caused by birds, particularly ducks, in the seaweed production industry. This venture represents a significant step towards digitizing the fishing industry, aiming to ensure sustainable practices and improved productivity in local fisheries.

Founded in February 2025 by Saori Naya and several fellow alumni, Umito Plus is based in Nagoya and collaborates closely with the university’s Incubation Center to develop its business model. Since April of the same year, the startup has been conducting practical tests with the support of the Kizaki Fishery Cooperative, a prominent seaweed production area known for its high-quality output.

The experimental approach involves using AI to analyze footage from sea surveillance cameras. When the system detects ducks, drones autonomously fly to chase them away. This innovative method aims to minimize reliance on manual labor, thereby enhancing efficiency and achieving a targeted reduction in damage by up to 80%. The initiative addresses key challenges in the fishing sector, including significant labor shortages and declining productivity, through the application of advanced technology.

Saori Naya’s previous experience with a space venture company in visualizing nutrient distributions in marine environments paved the way for her meeting key stakeholders at the Kizaki Fishery Cooperative. She has since intensified her efforts to combat the structural issues facing the marine industry. In her own words, "By continuously experimenting through trial and error, I aim to increase production volume and deliver Japan’s high-quality seaweed to the world."

Before enrolling at Nagoya University, Naya had already ventured into entrepreneurship. However, uncertainties related to business expansion prompted her decision to pursue further education. After completing her degree, she gained valuable skills in developing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies, creating data-driven financial documents, and delivering logical presentations. With this newfound confidence in management decision-making and internal operations, Naya expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from faculty members post-graduation. "The invaluable network I formed during my studies has been crucial in advancing my business."

This initiative serves as a model case that merges university education, the cultivation of entrepreneurial talent, regional industry support, and technology-driven solutions to societal challenges. As Umito Plus continues to develop its proof-of-concept project, the expectation is that it will pave the way for other aspiring entrepreneurs to follow suit.

About Nagoya University Business School

Nagoya University Business School offers a weekend-only MBA program in both Japanese and English, along with courses for tax advisor training, utilizing a practical case method approach aimed at working professionals. As the only institution in Japan to hold all three major international accreditations (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), it provides world-class management education in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. The school is a full member of the PIM consortium, and its EMBA, MBA, and MiM programs are ranked first in Japan by QS, highlighting its esteemed international reputation in business education.