SORA Technology Selected for Tokyo’s “GlobalXpander Tokyo” Program to Launch AI & Drone-Based Malaria Control Pilot in Zanzibar
Tokyo, Japan – October 15, 2025 — SORA Technology Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagoya, Aichi, Founder & CEO: Yosuke Kaneko) has been selected for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “GlobalXpander Tokyo” program. Through this initiative, the company will launch a pilot project in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania, using AI and drone technology to combat malaria vectors. The project aims to support Zanzibar’s final push toward malaria elimination and create a scalable model that can be expanded from Africa to the rest of the world.
Tackling the “Last Mile” Toward Malaria Elimination in Zanzibar
Zanzibar has maintained malaria prevalence below 1% since 2008, making it one of the regions in Africa closest to elimination. However, localized “hotspots” of malaria vector mosquitoes remain, and identifying, monitoring, and controlling these sites is the greatest challenge in achieving full elimination.
SORA Technology’s solution combines AI-based water body detection and visualization with drone-based larvicide spraying. This approach enables precise, efficient control of mosquito breeding sites that are difficult to detect through traditional manual surveys.
In July 2025, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zanzibar Malaria Elimination Program. The Zanzibar pilot is expected to serve as a model for broader deployment across mainland Tanzania, neighboring African countries, and international elimination programs.
Project Overview
Under the SORA Malaria Control Project, SORA Technology applies AI and drone technology to automatically detect and map mosquito breeding sites and conduct targeted larval source management (LSM). Compared with conventional manual surveys, this approach has demonstrated:
・A significant increase in the number of breeding sites detected
・Reduced manpower and operational costs
・Improved spraying precision
In 2024, a proof of concept (PoC) in northern Ghana, conducted in collaboration with local health authorities and research institutions, confirmed the effectiveness of this method. The company will continue working with international partners such as WHO, The Global Fund, and USAID to contribute to global malaria elimination goals.
Future Outlook
Through the GlobalXpander Tokyo program, SORA Technology will collaborate with Tokyo-based institutions and local partners to accelerate its initiatives in infectious disease control, agricultural support, and climate risk response across Africa and Asia. By demonstrating the effectiveness of AI- and drone-enabled larval source management in Zanzibar, the company aims to establish this technology as essential infrastructure in global health efforts.
About GlobalXpander Tokyo
GlobalXpander Tokyo is a program led by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to help Tokyo-based startups strengthen their competitiveness and expand into global markets by addressing social challenges in developing countries. The program provides business planning support, feasibility validation, and hands-on guidance for companies aiming to launch operations overseas.
SORA Technology was selected from a large pool of applicants for the program’s second cohort.
