SORA Technology Co., Ltd. is excited to welcome a powerful new force in our fight against mosquito-borne diseases. On July 1, 2025, Masahiro Yamaguchi joined our team as Chief Mosquito Officer (CMO) — a uniquely symbolic role created to reflect both his outstanding career and our bold commitment to eradicating malaria.

Yamaguchi’s journey into international cooperation began with his assignment to Ethiopia as a member of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. He later worked in Ghana with an international NGO, before joining Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., where he played a central role in the global expansion of Olyset Net, a mosquito net designed to prevent malaria. There, he led collaborations with key international organizations including the World Bank, UNICEF, and the Global Fund.

His career continued across South and Southeast Asia, where he co-created numerous grassroots ventures in partnership with NGOs and local entrepreneurs. At Bridgestone Corporation, he founded an internal startup, Soft Robotics Ventures, developing innovative “artificial muscles” that harness the flexibility of rubber — an achievement that earned prestigious awards such as the iF Gold Design Award and the Good Design Award. He also contributed to the design and operation of Bridgestone’s in-house innovation programs.

At SORA Technology, we created the title Chief Mosquito Officer as a testament to Yamaguchi’s expertise and shared passion for our mission.

“To take on the smallest enemy — the mosquito — and generate the greatest impact.”
This title embodies our commitment to innovation and action in global health.

With Yamaguchi on board, we aim to further strengthen both our on-the-ground capabilities and global communication efforts, accelerating the development of next-generation malaria control solutions through drones and AI.

About Masahiro Yamaguchi

Masahiro Yamaguchi began his career in international development through the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, working in Ethiopia. After serving with an international NGO in Ghana, he joined Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., where he contributed to the global rollout of Olyset Net, a mosquito net for malaria prevention. He led partnerships with global organizations such as the World Bank, UNICEF, and the Global Fund.

Later, he launched multiple social ventures across South and Southeast Asia, rooted in local needs and built in collaboration with NGOs and entrepreneurs. At Bridgestone Corporation, he founded “Soft Robotics Ventures,” an internal startup focused on developing soft artificial muscles. His work received major design awards and helped promote internal innovation culture at the company.

Today, he is once again working on the African continent, applying cutting-edge drone and AI technologies to tackle malaria. Bridging field experience with business insight, he continues to pursue technology-driven solutions to pressing global challenges.