Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Masaki Umeda, co-founder of the Japanese drone startup SORA Technology, explained that their AI-driven drones collect data on water bodies in Africa to identify malaria breeding sites, helping governments focus ground spraying more efficiently. This can reduce costs and save lives in regions where malaria kills over half a million people annually.
The UN’s 2026 Science and Technology Forum featured Umeda and other innovators developing solutions such as e-waste recycling in Zambia, solar energy in Argentina, and community renewable energy hubs in Nigeria. These examples highlight the importance of combining technology with collaboration, local ownership, and scalable models, according to UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua.
The forum also noted that despite significant talent in developing countries, many innovators lack access to finance, technology, and markets, preventing their solutions from reaching those in need. Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the UN Economic and Social Council, emphasized this gap is one of inclusion rather than innovation, with many promising ideas disconnected from critical support.