#Japan #Hokkaido #Kitahiroshima #DAC #Planet Savers

Planet Savers Launches Carbon Recycling Initiative in Hokkaido

In an ambitious effort to integrate carbon recycling into agriculture, Planet Savers Inc., a Tokyo-based startup known for its pioneering Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, has commenced a groundbreaking proof-of-concept project in Hokkaido. This project, beginning on April 13, 2026, at the ELTRES Agri-Tech Field in Kitahiroshima, will utilize captured CO2 to cultivate spinach and komatsuna.

A Step Toward Sustainable Agriculture

The initiative signifies a crucial step towards exploring the effective use of CO2 in farming while also investigating the feasibility of implementing DAC technology within the Hokkaido region. With plans to enhance investments in green industries, Hokkaido was designated as a GX AI finance and asset management special zone, aiming for significant advancements in its carbon neutrality initiatives. The ELTRES Agri-Tech Field serves as a smart agricultural hub where various parameters, including temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, and sunlight exposure, can be meticulously recorded and visualized.

Background of the Project

Hokkaido, particularly Sapporo, has positioned itself as a growing hub for industries focused on green transformation. With a significant potential for renewable energy, the region is conducive to the deployment of decarbonization technologies. Being Japan's first DAC startup, Planet Savers is working on developing cost-effective and high-performance DAC systems, striving to turn the concept of "carbon recycling" into a practical reality. Rather than merely capturing CO2, the startup aims to employ this greenhouse gas in agricultural production, demonstrating how environmental technology can benefit food cultivation.

This initiative is also backed by STARTUP HOKKAIDO, which has facilitated the connection between Planet Savers and Kitahiroshima-based Kitahama Skytech Inc. to meet the smart and decarbonized agricultural needs with cutting-edge DAC technology.

Detailed Project Overview

• - Duration: April 13 - April 24, 2026
• - Location: ELTRES Agri-Tech Field, Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido, Japan
• - Crops: Spinach and Komatsuna
• - Goal: Utilizing CO2 captured from the atmosphere to enhance the farming environment

Future Outlook

Following this agriculture-specific project, Planet Savers intends to view Hokkaido's DAC implementation as just the beginning. As the region progresses in its renewable energy use, the company plans to explore broader applications for DAC technology, including underground CO2 storage and its utilization in concrete production. Special support structures for the accumulation of green transformation-related industries are being developed to complement the efforts of Planet Savers, which aims to accelerate DAC's societal implementation in alignment with local characteristics.

Statements from Leaders

CEO of Planet Savers, Kyo Ikegami said: "This demonstration project illustrates the potential of utilizing CO2 captured via DAC in agricultural practices. It marks a critical step forward for societal implementation in Hokkaido, where the GX industry is proliferating. With further developments, we aim to pursue initiatives beyond agriculture to expand DAC applications."

President of Kitahama Skytech, Koichi Kitahama remarked: "Our collaboration with Planet Savers emphasizes our commitment to building sustainable agricultural models through advanced technology. This initiative highlights the potential synergies between decarbonization and enhanced agricultural productivity."

Kyohpei Fujima from STARTUP HOKKAIDO added, "Our organization is keen to nurture startups capable of driving future innovations, and Planet Savers’ focus on environment and energy aligns perfectly with Hokkaido's growing GX industry momentum. We are committed to supporting technological implementations that accelerate Japan’s innovation landscape."

About Planet Savers Inc.

Founded in July 2023, Planet Savers aims to make Direct Air Capture technology practical and financially viable. With a focus on innovative CO2 adsorbents using zeolites and optimized recovery systems, the company contributes to Japan's goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

Location: 113-0033, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
Website: https://planetsavers.earth/