Recursive CEO Tiago Spoke at UNDP Roundtable During Global Head Visit to Japan.

On April 20, 2026, Recursive’s CEO Tiago Ramalho spoke at a roundtable hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The event was held in conjunction with the first official visit to Japan by UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo, who assumed office in December 2025.

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The roundtable brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—including government representatives, international organizations, universities, startups, and private companies—to exchange views on innovation and collaboration toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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During the session, discussions focused on the potential of digital technologies and AI to address social challenges, the development of startup-centered ecosystems, and the importance of cross-sector partnerships. In particular, on the topic of “industrial applications of AI for social impact,” Recursive shared its initiatives and expertise.

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Recursive presented several case studies demonstrating how AI can be applied across a wide range of industries to solve social issues:

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• Environmental sector: Environmental monitoring technologies powered by AI and their applications to sustainability

Smarter Water Planning with AI-Powered Precipitation Modeling

AI Plays a Part in Sustainable Forestry

• Education sector: AI-driven homework grading support and systems to improve operational efficiency in education

Kyoikudojinsha and AI Startup, Recursive, Enhance MITORU, an AI Model that Automatically Grades Elementary School Students’ Handwritten Answers, with New Features as a Google Classroom Add-On

• Healthcare sector: Enhancing R&D for skincare products using AI

Tiago also highlighted “limited data accessibility” as a major barrier when deploying AI solutions globally.

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Throughout the discussion, participants shared the view that AI and digital technologies have significant potential to contribute to achieving the SDGs, that startups play a critical role as drivers of implementation, and that institutional frameworks and international collaboration are essential to realizing this potential.

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Recursive will continue leveraging AI technologies to address cross-industry social challenges and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.