“Drone × AI Malaria Control” Project Selected for African Market Expansion Support Program｜SORA Technology to Exhibit at Africa’s Largest Tech Event
Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan – SORA Technology Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture; Founder & CEO: Yosuke Kaneko) has been selected for the “JapanTech Africa Challenge,” an African market expansion support program organized by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), in recognition of its drone and AI-based malaria control solution’s potential contribution to addressing social issues in Africa’s healthcare sector. The company will showcase its innovations at “GITEX AFRICA 2024,” Africa’s largest tech startup event, to be held in Morocco in May.
◾️Using Drones and AI for Malaria Control
SORA Technology employs drones and AI in Larval Source Management (LSM), a method to eliminate mosquito larvae (larvae) in water bodies before they mature into adults. Traditional LSM methods involved indiscriminate spraying of insecticides in water bodies through manual labor. However, by leveraging drones and AI, SORA Technology has developed a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach that reduces the need for manpower and insecticide.
Fixed-wing drones are used to survey targeted areas and identify water bodies where mosquito larvae breed. AI algorithms then analyze the data to pinpoint high-risk breeding sites. Insecticides are sprayed only in these high-risk areas, effectively suppressing mosquito populations and reducing the risk of malaria transmission among local populations.
◾️About JapanTech Africa Challenge
The JapanTech Africa Challenge is a program initiated by JETRO to discover Japanese startups with technologies, products, and services that contribute to solving social issues in Africa. Launched in November 2023, the program provides hands-on support to facilitate market expansion in Africa, aiming to generate concrete achievements to contribute to Japan’s trade policy with Africa ahead of TICAD9 (Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development) scheduled for 2025.
◾️About GITEX AFRICA 2024
GITEX AFRICA 2024 aims to redefine Africa’s future through groundbreaking global technology. It serves as a platform for investors, technologists, and innovators from around the world to network and collaborate. The event is expected to attract approximately 30,000 attendees and will take place in Marrakesh, Morocco, from May 29 to 31, 2024.
◾️Supportive Accelerators
In GITEX, a leading African accelerator provides support to SORA Technology.
 |
 |
 |
| Pangea Accelerator | MBM Africa |
With their help, SORA Technology will accelerate its malaria elimination project in Africa.
◾️About SORA Technology
With a mission to “revolutionize human living from space,” SORA Technology focuses on addressing mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever, which are significantly influenced by climate change. By leveraging data and technology acquired from operations in the Global South, SORA Technology aims to bring reverse innovation to advanced countries, contributing to the realization of a sustainable society resilient to disasters and epidemics.
◾️Media Contact
SORA Technology Co., Ltd.
Public Relations: Ichiho Sato
Email: ichiho.sato@sora-tech.com
