Soil cultivation is vital for agriculture, involving plowing, tilling, and leveling to foster fertile soil for crops. Traditional methods take up to three years for soil formation, unable to keep pace with global food demands. Moreover, the use of specific fertilizers often degrades soil health, leading to crop failures.

Towing, a Nagoya University spinout, addresses these challenges with its innovative microbial cultivation technology, Soratan. This method combines high-performance biochar and porous materials to create soil in about a month, compared to the usual three years. Soratan enhances soil productivity and yield while supporting carbon sequestration, storing carbon dioxide in the soil to benefit both agriculture and the environment.

Shogo Okisho, head of sales and business development at Towing, emphasizes the unique aspect of their technology: the ability to cultivate multiple bacteria within the biochar, protected by intellectual property. This process not only boosts crop yields but also contributes to tackling climate issues by fixing carbon in the ground, rather than releasing it into the atmosphere.

Founded in 2020 by Kohei Nishida, Towing aims to revolutionize soil cultivation globally. Despite challenges in attracting investment due to the competitive climate tech sector and fluctuating market conditions, Towing has secured $7.7 million from Japanese venture firms. This funding supports mass production and international expansion.

Towing relies on partnerships with Japanese agricultural cooperatives for product distribution, bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and innovative technology. With ongoing support from venture capital, Towing continues to refine its strategy and research, aiming for broader societal implementation of its groundbreaking biochar-based soil cultivation technology.

READ MORE: Towing’s soil technology supports farmers moving towards sustainable agriculture