Undergraduate On October 5, 2026, Can Tho University (CTU) held a signing ceremony for Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with AGRIWAVE Co., Ltd. and SANSHO SHOJI Co., Ltd. (Japan). The three parties will focus on research into soil improvement using biochar-based soil conditioners and the carbonization of agricultural and plant residues. The cooperation also promotes technology exchange, joint research and technical development, academic collaboration, and internship opportunities for students. Through these activities, CTU aims to combine the technologies and expertise of Japanese enterprises with its in-house research capacity to explore solutions suited to the production and environmental conditions of the Mekong Delta.
Representing CTU at the meeting was Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai - Acting President, together with representatives of relevant university units. The Japanese delegation included Mr. Takeshi Natsui - CEO of AGRIWAVE Co., Ltd.; Mr. Junichi Asano - CEO of SANSHO SHOJI Co., Ltd.; and other members.
Representatives of CTU, AGRIWAVE Co., Ltd. and SANSHO SHOJI Co., Ltd. signed the Memoranda of Understanding, establishing a framework for cooperation in research and technical development
According to the plan, the cooperation will be implemented through a roadmap extending to 2029, with two main research directions: evaluating the effectiveness of biochar-based soil conditioners and researching the carbonization of agricultural and plant residues. The partners will collaborate throughout the process, from research, method optimization, and the selection of suitable materials and equipment to crop trials, gradually moving from small-scale experiments to testing under actual farm conditions.
The cooperation will be implemented based on the respective strengths and roles of each partner. CTU will contribute its strengths in science and technology, research expertise, and understanding of production conditions in the Mekong Delta. AGRIWAVE Co., Ltd. will contribute its experience in agricultural business and facilitate connections with enterprises involved in carbon credits. SANSHO SHOJI Co., Ltd. will provide soil conditioners and support in technologies and equipment for biochar production and agricultural residue carbonization. Through collaboration and field trials, the partners aim to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of the solutions while exploring development pathways suited to the agricultural and environmental conditions of the Mekong Delta.
Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai stated that CTU has consistently placed importance on strengthening collaboration with enterprises to apply research capacity, knowledge, and technology to practical challenges. The signing with AGRIWAVE Co., Ltd. and SANSHO SHOJI Co., Ltd. will create further opportunities for CTU units to work with Japanese enterprises on specific approaches to soil improvement and the treatment and utilization of agricultural residues, while expanding opportunities for students to engage in activities closely connected with industry practices.
Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai welcomed representatives of AGRIWAVE Co., Ltd. and SANSHO SHOJI Co., Ltd. to CTU
Representative of AGRIWAVE Co., Ltd., Mr. Takeshi Natsui expressed the company's interest in collaborating with CTU on soil improvement research and developing applications aligned with agricultural production practices in the Mekong Delta
Representative of SANSHO SHOJI Co., Ltd., Mr. Junichi Asano expressed his expectation that the research will deliver practical results and provide a basis for the partners to assess the applicability of technologies in agricultural production
In addition to the specific research activities, the MoUs establish a framework for the partners to exchange information on technologies of mutual interest; conduct joint research and technical development; organize relevant workshops and conferences; and provide opportunities for CTU students to undertake internships in suitable projects of AGRIWAVE Co., Ltd. and SANSHO SHOJI Co., Ltd. in Vietnam, based on written agreements among the parties.
Delegates discuss cooperation opportunities during the signing ceremony
Building on the commitments established through the MoUs, CTU, AGRIWAVE Co., Ltd. and SANSHO SHOJI Co., Ltd. will gradually implement the joint action plan, drawing on their respective strengths in research, technology, and production practices. The cooperation aims not only to generate research outcomes with practical applicability, but also to strengthen academic exchange, develop students' practical skills, and explore new approaches to agricultural and environmental challenges in the Mekong Delta.
The signing of the MoUs marks the beginning of a long-term cooperation program between CTU and the two Japanese enterprises. Building on joint research, technology exchange, and field trials, the partners aim to develop solutions suited to the conditions of the Mekong Delta, contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, and further strengthen collaboration between the university and the enterprises in the years ahead.
Commemorative photo
(Website Editorial Board)
