Solafune Inc. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Ren Uechi; hereinafter “Solafune”) participated in the “Ceremony to Introduce the UNIDO Industrial Cooperation Programme in the Global South through Technology Transfer from Japan,” hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) through its Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) in Tokyo on July 29, 2026, at the United Nations University Headquarters Building in Tokyo.

At the event, Solafune reported on approximately 10 months of progress since the launch of its technology demonstration project using satellite data and AI to strengthen transparency and resilience in the mineral resources sector of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

About Solafune’s Project
Solafune has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Service Géologique National du Congo (SGN-C), the national geological survey under the DRC Ministry of Mines. With support from UNIDO, Solafune is implementing the following project over a demonstration period from September 2025 to October 2027.

Project title:
Usage of satellite data and artificial intelligence technology for improving the transparency and resilience of the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

At the event, Solafune’s Head of Research & Development, Dr. Pushkar Kopparla, took the stage and reported mainly on the following progress.

Dr. Pushkar Kopparla, Head of Research & Development at Solafune, presenting at the event

Development of “ShigenAI,” an analysis and project implementation support system for mineral exploration and the monitoring of mining activities

Solafune is developing technology that uses satellite data to continuously monitor the progress of mining and excavation at open-pit mines, as well as changes in extraction and stockpiling activities.

“ShigenAI,” currently under development, is a system designed to support analysis and project implementation by companies and specialists involved in mineral exploration and development. The results of integrated analyses combining high-resolution satellite data with a wide range of indicator data can be viewed in comprehensive reports on a desktop. This enables users to efficiently understand conditions across broad areas that are difficult to assess through on-site surveys alone, as well as changes over time.

In this way, ShigenAI is intended to improve the accuracy of mineral exploration while helping specialists work more efficiently by reducing the burden associated with repeated on-site surveys and analytical work. Satellite data analysis is also expected to support the planning and prioritization of field surveys, including decisions on where further on-site investigation, such as exploratory drilling, may be warranted.

Information on mineral extraction and production volumes is subject to a number of limitations: data is unavailable for some regions, basic statistical data may remain unupdated for long periods, and available information depends heavily on reports from companies and local stakeholders. As a result, the means of objective assessment and empirical verification remain limited. Through the use of ShigenAI, Solafune aims to contribute to greater transparency and reliability of information in the mining sector by continuously and objectively monitoring exploration and mining activities based on satellite data.

Comment from H.E. Dr. Lukumwena Nsenda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Japan (Excerpt from His Remarks)

“The DRC is blessed with abundant natural resources, including strategic minerals essential to the global energy transition. We firmly believe that their true value lies not only in their abundance, but in our ability to manage them responsibly, transparently, and sustainably for our people and future generations.

I recognize the valuable contribution of Solafune, whose technological expertise has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life—a clear example of how Japanese innovation and international cooperation can solve complex development challenges.

In this journey, Japan remains a trusted partner. We hope this opens new avenues of cooperation between Congolese institutions, Japanese companies, and research partners in digital transformation, industrial development, and responsible resource management.”

Future Outlook

Through this project, Solafune aims to improve transparency and strengthen resilience in the DRC’s mining sector by developing and demonstrating a practical approach to mineral resource monitoring and analysis. To this end, Solafune will continue to support the development and enhancement of information resources in individual countries and regions, improve the accuracy of analyses for resource development, expand data collection and application development, and focus on introducing technology to local institutions, building their capabilities, and developing human resources. The company will also continue working to support sustainable resource management, with a view to expanding its technology to other regions, including African countries connected through supply chains.

About Solafune Inc.
Solafune is a technology company with the mission of “Hack The Planet.” The company uses AI to integrate and analyze diverse sources of information, including GEOINT (satellite data), OSINT (open-source intelligence: the collection and analysis of publicly available information), and SIGINT (signals intelligence: the interception and analysis of radio waves and communication signals). Across a wide range of fields—including resources, disaster prevention, agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and defense—Solafune supports government agencies and international organizations in developing measures and making decisions, while also supporting private companies in expanding their businesses. Solafune positions these initiatives collectively as the “Planetary Intelligence OS” and aims to redefine social infrastructure through technology and create new possibilities. Going forward, the company will further expand its presence in Africa while accelerating business development in new markets, including Europe and Southeast Asia.