2025.04.18
Panasonic Group People
Discover the Earth Area at The Land of NOMO
Cyanobacteria—Technology that Nurtures Nature Through Nature

Encouraging Growth in the Truest, Most Natural Way—That’s Novitek

Kojima: While animals like us get the nutrients we need for survival through food, plants use their chloroplasts to perform photosynthesis and generate the energy required for growth. “Novitek” is a technology that enhances photosynthesis, stimulating plant growth. It works by transforming cyanobacteria into a biological plant growth stimulant, mimicking the role of chloroplasts.

Michael: When I first discovered this technology, I thought, “This is incredible!” Everywhere you go, people are talking about the need to increase greenery to tackle food shortages and environmental issues. But if we’re only expanding plants in limited spaces or spending excessive amounts of money and energy on greening efforts, it doesn’t really achieve much. What sets Novitek apart is that it offers an easy way to encourage plant growth simply by spraying it on plants. On top of that, it’s made from natural, biologically derived ingredients. I believe we need to spread this technology further and make more people aware of it.

Kojima: Initially, this technology was developed with field and greenhouse crops in mind, so when I first heard about using Novitek for an Expo exhibit, I was honestly surprised. I also had concerns about whether it could be effective for houseplants or indoor pot cultivation.

Embracing the Fun of This Project, Unexpected Challenges and All

Kojima: This project has been a massive source of inspiration for me. The idea of using Novitek—initially developed for crops—on houseplants was an entirely new perspective I hadn’t considered before. Beyond that, working with Ryokukou Garden to actually grow the plants and collaborating with the team to share ideas... It’s been a completely different experience from my usual work, where I quietly conduct research in the lab. The space that Mr. Tanisaki set up for the experiments is incredible, don’t you think? It felt like a secret hideout, and I was excited every time I walked in (laughs).

Tanisaki: I’ve always grown plants with the assumption they’d be under natural sunlight, so it was a refreshing experience to observe them while measuring the intensity of artificial light. For instance, figuring out things like “This plant needs XX lux” or “With artificial light, it has to be placed at this distance.” This project has been a great learning experience for me, and I feel like my knowledge has really expanded.

Michael: Environmental challenges have reached a point where even large companies can’t tackle them alone. That’s why collaboration must extend beyond our walls, whether it be with technology or between people. I believe this approach is not only a mission for Panasonic, but something that should become increasingly standard moving forward.

Kojima: The real challenge of our exhibit starts once we bring the plants into the venue. We can expect some unexpected hurdles, whether it’s the lighting or temperature. But that’s the beauty of working with plants, and I believe the only way to overcome these challenges is by facing them together as a team.

Tanisaki: Plants have their own individual variations, so what worked in the experiment may not always work as expected. But if we’re going to do this, I really want it to be something that makes children say, “What plant is this?” “Wow, that’s its name!” or “This shape is so cool!”—something that will spark their excitement and curiosity.

Michael: Today’s kids may only know tomatoes as just tomatoes, right? But when they see how something they only recognize as a fruit actually grows on a branch, it will surely make a lasting impression. We don’t know exactly how things will unfold yet, but if they can touch the plants or spot a few bugs, I think it would be wonderful to create a space where they can engage with nature in the most natural way possible.