IIJ and Sony to Establish Joint Venture for Smart Agriculture
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Group, with a focus on Image Sensors, develops microdisplays, LSIs, and semiconductor lasers. On November 7, 2025, Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ) and Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony) announced they will form a joint venture to provide soil moisture sensors and irrigation navigation services aimed at smart agriculture. The new company is set to start operations in April 2026.
Collaboration Goals
Combining IIJ’s expertise in communication technologies and smart agriculture with Sony’s advanced sensor technology, the joint venture intends to enhance work quality and efficiency in farming. The partnership also aims to promote sustainable agriculture that can adapt to climate change challenges.
Background of the Joint Venture
With climate change intensifying, agriculture faces increased risks like poor crop growth due to extreme weather. To combat these challenges, innovative methods beyond traditional farming are necessary.
IIJ has worked with farmers and local governments to create IoT infrastructures across diverse agricultural environments, including rice paddies and citrus farms. The data gathered through these efforts have been used to boost both quality and efficiency in agricultural operations.
"The new company aims to support improvements in work quality and efficiency in agricultural practices, while contributing to sustainable agriculture that is resilient to climate change."
By integrating communication and sensor technologies, the venture will offer tools to optimize irrigation and monitor soil moisture, essential for adapting to changing environmental conditions.
Author’s summary: The joint venture between IIJ and Sony will combine advanced communication and sensor technologies to modernize agriculture, enhancing sustainability and efficiency amid climate challenges.