Attraction #6 A Commitment to Innovation in Advanced Technology
Promoting the introduction of cutting-edge technology
Taking on the challenge of cutting-edge technology that supports local industry and the future
Challenges of companies in the prefecture that utilize cutting-edge technology
The prefecture established the Oita Prefecture IoT Promotion Lab in fiscal 2017 to certify and provide support for projects, services, and products that utilize cutting-edge technology by companies within the prefecture. So far, 90 projects have been certified, and efforts using cutting-edge technologies such as aluminum and robots are steadily expanding in various fields such as manufacturing and disaster prevention within the prefecture.
We will continue to strategically research cutting-edge technologies that are rapidly evolving and carefully support industry-academia collaboration efforts, with the aim of growing companies within the prefecture and expanding the base of the prefecture's industries.
Challenge to next-generation air mobility
Next-generation air mobility, including flying cars, is being developed around the world, and is expected to have many potential applications and significant growth in the future.
In September 2020, our prefecture signed a memorandum of cooperation with a venture company aiming to develop a domestically produced flying car. With this as an impetus, we will apply the technological capabilities we have cultivated through our past industrial clusters to these new industries, leading to the next stage of growth.
Scenes from the FY2020 Advanced Technology Challenge Forum
Signing of a memorandum for the development of flying car bodies, etc.
Challenge to social implementation of drones
Efforts toward regional implementation using drone logistics
We are collaborating with various companies throughout the prefecture to develop regionally-based operators responsible for drone delivery, etc., and we are also working on a demonstration project to implement drones in the region, which can be used as a means of solving regional issues such as during disasters. In July 2020, we delivered relief supplies to isolated households for the first time in Japan immediately after the disaster struck.
Delivery of oysters, etc. to tourists as a new tourism service in Kitsuki City
Expanding the use of drones in the industrial field
In fields where drones are becoming more popular, such as aerial photography, surveying, and pesticide spraying, we have launched a new platform site that connects drone users and service providers, and are working to create an environment that is easier to use. In addition, the Prefectural Drone Council supports the development of drone operators through research and development and service development assistance, as well as subcommittee activities by field and training sessions on drone utilization.
Relief supplies delivered by drone
Scenes from the drone business meeting
Challenge to create space-related industries
Challenges towards using Oita Airport as a spaceport
A spaceport is the general term for a port where equipment to and from space takes off and lands. In 2022, Oita Prefecture entered into a partnership with Sierra Space of the United States, Kanematsu Corporation, and Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. to explore the use of Oita Airport as a landing base for Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spacecraft, and is working toward the use of Oita Airport as Asia's first horizontal spaceport.
*About Sierra Space…A U.S. space development company. In addition to developing the spacecraft Dream Chaser, we will also develop a commercial space station with Blue Origin Corporation of the United States and others.
Sierra Space's spacecraft Dream Chaser
Challenge of creating space business by companies in the prefecture
We are working to create space-related industries within the prefecture by holding specialized courses on space equipment development and satellite data utilization, and providing assistance for research, development, and demonstrations aimed at entering the space business.
The challenge of developing next-generation human resources
We are working to develop the next generation of human resources by holding hands-on classes and workshops in collaboration with academia and other organizations with knowledge of space development.