30+ CEA companies contacted. Zero research partners. Here’s what I’m changing before I relocate to Japan.

Over the last two weeks, I contacted 30+ companies and industry contacts across the CEA / vertical farming sector.

The goal was to find research partners for Japan CEA Watch 2026/27, a 12-month field research project connected to VerticalFarming.blog and my relocation to Japan in the next few days.

The response was interesting:

I got replies, had conversations and several calls.

But so far:

30+ contacts. Zero research partners.

The recurring issue was not really the idea itself.

It was budget.

That tells me the original sponsorship model probably isn’t the right fit for the current market.

So I’m changing the approach.

Instead of looking for a few larger research partners, I’m testing a smaller Founding Supporter model:

€50/month for 12 months

Supporters would receive monthly intelligence from Japan based on what I observe and research on the ground:

• plant factories and new projects
• automation and technology
• retail products and prices
• packaging and positioning
• company/farm visits where possible
• developments over time

Supporters can also suggest companies, topics or questions worth investigating. I can’t guarantee every suggestion will be covered, but they can influence the research direction.

The programme will only launch if there is enough serious committed interest.

If you would genuinely consider joining:

https://forms.gle/kGe6psf8ZvnMeLH19

Background on my relocation and why VerticalFarming.blog is going to Japan:

https://verticalfarming.blog/verticalfarming-blog-goes-to-japan/

The bigger question for me now: what Japan CEA intelligence would actually be worth €50/month to you?