What we learn from Japan for the greenhouse of the future
In early September 2025, NXTGEN joined stakeholders, partners and companies from the greenhouse sector on a mission to Japan. At the NL Pavilion under Common Ground and with partners in the region, we discussed labor shortages, an aging population and climate change. Japan is leading the way in AI and robotics and is looking for smart and automated solutions that already deliver value in the greenhouse today. This is exactly where Dutch expertise connects seamlessly.
What this week delivered for your roadmap
The mission made clear that the societal challenges in Japan are very similar to those in the Netherlands. The need for smart and scalable solutions is growing rapidly and creates opportunities to advance knowledge and technology together. One example is Inaho, a Japanese robotics company that also develops R&D in the Netherlands. What became especially evident is that robotics development is a complex challenge that requires intensive collaboration and multidisciplinary expertise.
How this directly connects to NXTGEN Hightech Agrifood
This is exactly what NXTGEN Hightech Agrifood focuses on. By testing and validating technology under realistic conditions, we help innovative companies reach the market faster. The conversations in Japan confirmed how important it is to establish international connections and to work on standards and integration. This is how we build an ecosystem in which innovations reach practice faster, with impact on global food production.
Thanks for a strong program
With thanks to Dutch Greenhouse Delta, Municipality of Westland and the Netherlands Embassy in Tokyo for a well-structured and insightful program that opened doors and advanced international collaboration.