Sony and IIJ form smart agriculture joint venture

Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ) and Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony) have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture that will develop soil moisture sensors and irrigation navigation services for smart agriculture. The new company is scheduled to begin operations in April 2026 and will combine IIJ’s communications and IoT capabilities with Sony’s sensor and data analysis technologies to promote efficient, sustainable farming.

The initiative seeks to address the growing challenges faced by the agricultural sector as climate change intensifies and labor shortages increase. By supporting better water management and data-driven decision-making, the partnership aims to improve productivity and environmental resilience in farming operations.

Technology-driven response to climate and labor pressures

Global climate change is amplifying risks such as poor crop growth and unpredictable weather conditions. In Japan, these pressures are compounded by an aging agricultural workforce and a shortage of successors. Since 2017, IIJ has advanced smart agriculture initiatives using proprietary water management sensors and LPWA (Low Power, Wide Area) wireless communication technologies. Collaborations with farmers and local governments have helped build IoT networks across rice paddies, vegetable fields and citrus farms, allowing data to enhance operational efficiency.

Sony, meanwhile, has been developing high-precision soil moisture sensors and AI-based analytical tools aimed at improving environmental management and agricultural productivity. The joint venture will merge these complementary strengths to develop and deliver sensor-based agricultural support services.

Supporting efficient water and crop management

The new company will provide high-precision soil moisture sensors and irrigation navigation services for both facility-based and open-field farms. By analyzing real-time data from soil sensors, the service will recommend optimal irrigation volumes and timing, helping farmers improve yield and quality while reducing reliance on experience-based practices.

The joint venture will be led by Toru Saito, currently Deputy Division Director of IIJ’s IoT Business Division. IIJ will hold an 85 per cent stake, Sony 11 per cent, and other investors 4 per cent. With total capital of JPY 559 million, the company will focus on developing, selling and supporting moisture sensors and related agricultural technologies.

Combining IoT and sensing for sustainable agriculture

By integrating IIJ’s communication infrastructure and Sony’s sensor innovation, the new venture aims to advance precision agriculture that conserves water, optimises resources and enhances productivity. The partnership also reflects both companies’ broader commitment to developing technologies that support environmental sustainability and climate adaptation in agriculture.

www.iij.ad.jp

www.sony.com

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