エントリー企業詳細
Vidi Labs is an AI startup founded in 2021, specializing in computer vision technology with a focus on assistive and geotechnology. The flagship product is Seekr, a compact AI-powered wearable device designed to empower visually impaired individuals (VIPs) and elderly people to navigate daily life more independently and safely.
Key points about Vidi Labs and Seekr:
— Seekr uses a camera to analyze the user’s surroundings and translates information into accessible audio narration.
— The device assists with tasks like reading, navigation, and locating items.
— Vidi Labs has sold over 154 units, indicating market traction.
— They have Hong Kong partnerships with major NGOs, including Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Hong Kong Blind Union.
— The company has received recognition, including the Hong Kong ICT Startup Silver Award in 2023,
Market potential:
— Approximately 200,000 VIPs in Hong Kong, 13 million with vision loss and 400,000 blind in Japan, and 300 million worldwide. The number of VIPs is expected to triple in the next 40 years due to aging populations and degenerative eye diseases.
Nominated by
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Vidi Labs has developed a groundbreaking wearable device called Seekr that empowers visually impaired individuals (VIPs) and the elderly to navigate daily life more independently and safely. Leveraging advanced computer vision technology, Seekr uses a camera to analyze the user's surroundings and translates the information into accessible audio narration, assisting with tasks like reading, navigation, and locating items.
With over 154 units already sold, Vidi Labs has demonstrated strong market traction, particularly in Hong Kong where they have established partnerships with major NGOs like the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the Hong Kong Blind Union. As the company looks to expand globally, the Japanese market represents a particularly promising opportunity.
Japan has a rapidly aging population, with nearly a third of its people over 65, as well as a significant visually impaired demographic of 13 million individuals with vision loss and 400,000 who are blind. This large elderly population is poised to drive substantial demand for assistive technologies like Seekr. With the support of the Asia Entrepreneurship Award, Vidi Labs can accelerate its expansion into Japan, forging critical partnerships with hospitals, elderly care providers, and other stakeholders to bring its innovative solution to those who need it most.
BatX Energies is a pioneering company specializing in the recycling and refurbishing of lithium-ion batteries. Utilizing a proprietary “zero-emission-zero-waste” technology, BatX efficiently recovers valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The company’s new HUB-1 facility in Sikandrabad, Uttar Pradesh, is a state-of-the-art plant that integrates advanced material science research, a commercial-scale battery refurbishing setup, and a patented material extraction process. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, BatX aims to scale operations to recycle 50,000 metric tons of batteries annually by 2030, contributing significantly to a circular economy and environmental conservation.
Nominated by
BatX is a global Player in black mass production and export, and they are set to enter the Japanese market with a strategic approach. Leveraging their extensive worldwide network and database, they aim to tap into Japan's thriving lithium-ion battery manufacturing sector, which heavily relies on critical metal imports.
Their strategy will revolve around adopting a Hub and Spoke model within Japan. This entails establishing hubs nationwide to efficiently collect materials, bolstering their raw material supply chain for electronics and electric vehicles (EVs). Collaboration with local EV companies in Japan and exploring potential joint ventures with them will be a key focus. Therefore we belive they have a good potential to colloborate with Japanese companies either in Japan or other overseas market and can be one of the best candidates for AEA 2024.
Mission and Vision:
Dynolt aims to create Energy Efficient Power Converters for clean energy products. Our vision is to handle every joule of energy as if it were the last one ever available, emphasizing energy conservation.
Target Market: Dynolt Technologies serves the mobility, renewable energy, and clean energy sectors. Our primary clients include clean energy providers, electric vehicle manufacturers, and businesses focused on sustainable energy solutions.
Products:
・Swap Stations Power Converters: Essential for last-mile mobility solutions,
・EV Chargers: Compact On/Off Board Chargers for electric vehicles.
・Motor Controllers: Designed for optimal performance and efficiency in various electric motor applications.
・Solar Charging for EVs: Integrating solar energy with electric vehicle charging to promote sustainability.
Battery Energy Storage Systems: Power Converters for Energy storage Solutions
・Hydrogen Fuel Products: In development, these products will further diversify our clean energy portfolio.
Key Achievements:
・Developed converters for swap stations in India, enabling over 12 million swaps for a micro-mobility last mile fleet operator.
・Established strong partnerships with leading electric vehicle manufacturers and clean energy providers.
・Received industry recognition for our innovative and sustainable energy solutions and signed a deal with a listed company in India
Nominated by
PSG-STEP
GEXVal, a Japan-based clinical-stage biopharma founded as a Takeda Pharmaceutical spin-off, tackles “Access to Medicine” issues in rare diseases and underserved medical conditions. As innovative ‘Drug Hunters’, we focus on pharma-originated high-value drug candidates for preclinical proof-of-concept (POC), swiftly progressing to clinical POC before licensing for late-stage development and commercialization.
Our strength lies in a global virtual team of seasoned pharma professionals, each averaging over 30 years of industry experience across various therapeutic areas. RePhaIND™, our proprietary AI-assisted pharmacoinformatics tool, drives innovation by uncovering hidden links between compounds, mechanisms, and diseases.
Our lead compound, GXV-001, originated from Takeda, is well differentiated from existing therapeutic approaches for its potential to modulate neurobehavioral and cognitive disorders by unique triple action for neuroprotection-balancing neurotransmitters and inducing neurotrophic factors, protection from BBB destruction, and neuroinflammation. Just completed Phase 1 and confirmed proof-of-mechanism. It is now ready for two pivotal POC studies: one in a rare neurobehavioral disease and another in more prevalent cognitive disorder with shared underlying mechanisms. First in-patient study targets post-operative delirium, addressing a significant unmet need in our super-aging society. GEXVal envisions a brighter future: a society free from delirium and dementia, embracing longevity.
Nominated by
Primary industries like agriculture and construction are currently facing huge challenges due to labor shortages and tough manual labor requirements. Given these socio-economic conditions, many people move to cities for better job opportunities, destroying rural communities.
Kisui developes an autonomous AI off-road platform, Adam, to support these jobs, work alongside people, but amplifying their work while removing physical burdens. A single machine is modular and can equip various work unit attachments to do various jobs like transportation, grass cutting, pesticide spray, data collection and more. This makes it versatile to do many jobs for different customer segments.
Agriculture is our first market segment, and we have found PMF and early champion customers in all key fruit varieties and regions around Japan, as well as strong early interest in Spain, Indonesia and America.
Our team is incredibly diverse with 30 members from 15 different nationalities, a feat we can tap into for global expansion. We combine various industries, including space robotics, automotive, AI and agriculture to build the world leading off-road autonomy solution. We have received numerous awards including MIT Innovators Under 35 Japan, Forbes 30 under 30 Asia, and have been featured by the Prime Ministers Office in Japan.
Nominated by
Chiba University
TopoLogic develops high performance semiconductor technology using the unique properties of topological material. The technology is based on research at the University of Tokyo, one of the leading research institutions in this research field. TopoLogic’s technology leverages the unique electronic, spintronic, and thermoelectric properties of topological material. TopoLogic currently focuses on 2 technologies. First is TL-RAM, a new type of high-speed non-volatile memory which is 10x more energy efficient compared to conventional memory devices. Second is TL-SENSING, a MEMS thermal sensor technology which can detect heat fluctuations 100 times faster than conventional sensors. TopoLogic has filed over 30 patents since 2022, and also secures the fundamental patents from the University of Tokyo through exclusive licensing agreements. Development continues with strong collaboration with Professor Nakatsuji at the University of Tokyo, who is also our co-founder, and joint PoCs with multiple Japanese corporations in the automotive, industrial equipment, and semiconductor related industries.
Nominated by
The University of Tokyo
Entomal Biotech pioneers sustainable waste management solutions, specializing in the transformation of organic waste into valuable resources through innovative Black Soldier Fly (BSF) bioconversion.
At the forefront of the circular economy, Entomal’s patented technologies enable the rapid conversion of food waste into high-quality insect protein for animal feed and nutrient-rich fertilizers in just seven days.
Our scalable and modular solutions cater to diverse waste volumes, offering two approaches: the Entomal Mobile Bioconversion System (EMBC) for smaller-scale waste producers, and the Central Biowaste Conversion Plant for large-scale waste treatment. EMBC operates on a rental model, providing subscribers with tax exemptions and carbon reports to align with their ESG goals, while the central plant model leverages waste tipping fees and downstream product sales.
Backed by a multi-award-winning team, Entomal Biotech stands as the preferred partner for scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective waste solutions. Our international track record includes successful projects with FGV in Malaysia, as well as collaborations in Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and our pivotal role in South Korea’s net-zero mission.
At Entomal, we’re not just managing waste – we’re shaping a greener, more resilient future that aligns with the planet’s needs and priorities.
Nominated by
Entomal Biotech, a Malaysian startup, transforms food waste into valuable resources using Black Soldier Flies, contributing to a sustainable future.
What sets Entomal Biotech apart from competitors is their comprehensive approach to waste management and resource recovery. They don’t just focus on one aspect of the problem, but tackle it from multiple angles. Their solutions are not only effective but also versatile, catering to both small and large-scale waste producers.
Significant progress has been made in waste management through their scalable solutions, namely the Entomal Mobile Bioconversion System (EMBC) and Central Biowaste Conversion Plant. These initiatives result in the production of high-quality insect protein and fertilisers, promoting a circular economy.
Global recognition, including the title of a Global Top 50 Deep Tech Startup, confirms their excellence. Collaborations with clients worldwide showcase the potential for a global impact. Aligning with Japan’s focus on sustainability, the innovative solutions offered by Entomal Biotech could be a valuable addition to the Japanese ecosystem. Participation in AEA2024 promises mutual benefits and the opportunity to foster stronger collaborations in sustainable waste management of both countries.
Formus is enabling personalized orthopedics at scale through a fusion of AI-automation with computational biomechanics. Built on 20 years of musculoskeletal research at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Formus 3D hip replacement surgery planning is FDA, PMDA, and TGA cleared, and has planned over 3,000 hip replacement surgeries to date. We are at the next frontier of orthopedics, combining AI-automation with patient-specific modelling of bony and soft-tissue to optimize joint replacement surgeries for each and every patient. Working in tandem with implant manufacturers, we integrate seamlessly into existing industry workflows to reduce costs and vastly increase reliability and scalability. Formus’s unique capabilities revolutionizes personalized orthopedics at scale to improve the outcomes of every patient.
With a successful three-year partnership in Australia and New Zealand, Formus is expanding to Japan with orthopedic market leader, Zimmer Biomet. Japan is an ideal market for Formus software, with its high adoption of CT imaging and surgical technologies. Pilots are underway with Zimmer Biomet Japan surgeons and all going well, we expect commercial launch in early 2025.
Nominated by
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
There is widespread agreement that the process around orthopaedic surgeries remains inefficient, with poor surgical planning and execution, resulting in undesirable and unacceptable outcomes. Whilst joint implant hardware has been refined with greater precision, the analysis and planning around the selection of implant size, technological advancement around joint placement and overall pre and post-operative mechanics have been largely neglected.
The Formus solution will modernise the orthopaedics industry:
・Provides surgeons with real-time feedback from positional correlation to an implant’s expected long-term function and form.
・Ability to reduce patient wait time and time to treatment with the delivery of a clinical plan in the same day.
・Potential to improve efficiency in time for hospitals and clinicians (i.e. precise pre-operative planning that reduces intra-operative time of estimating implant size and trials).
・Allows for accurate plans to improve patient outcomes whilst still giving surgeons the flexibility and control to make decisions around the implant's fit and orientation, materially decreasing the likelihood of future revision surgeries.
・Reduction in costs by reducing the number of implants and trial trays (different sized implants) the orthopaedics companies have to ship for each surgery, which impacts inventory shipping and sterilisation costs for the hospitals.
CoNEX Healthcare provides privacy-preserved inpatient monitoring solution – PreSAGE. PreSAGE was co-developed with nursing leaders from Tan Tock Seng Hospital – Singapore’s main geriatric hospital. The solution is based on thermography sensors, novel image processing and machine learning models, to build a predictive solution that prevents falls, enhance patient safety and improve nursing productivity. The solution is focused on three key aspects – automated continuous monitoring, privacy-preserved and non-contact. These are the 3 key design principles that makes the solution work, particularly in a healthcare institutional environment in order to meet operational needs. For an automated continuous monitoring solution to work with high accuracy, image-based solution is required. Unlike traditional camera-based solutions, PreSAGE utilizes thermal sensors which overcomes any privacy concerns, yet provides the necessary high-definition thermal data for image-based monitoring. To date, PreSAGE has been adopted in public and private hospitals, community hospitals, nursing homes and residential apartments in Singapore. PreSAGE has also been deployed commercially overseas in private hospitals in Thailand. CoNEX is now working towards expanding the adoption of PreSAGE, with Japan as a key market.
Nominated by
Every 30 seconds, someone around the globe undergoes an amputation due to a chronic wound. Underlying causes of chronic wounds such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and aging are all rising rapidly, costing the healthcare industry over $100b annually. A shortage of wound care nurses makes the problem worse.
The KroniKare Wound Scanner (KWS), a revolutionary AI-powered system to automate the assessment and management of chronic wounds, started off as a post-doc research project between the Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD) and a local community hospital in 2017. Wound care nurses had highlighted the problems and challenges of chronic wounds to the KroniKare team.
Fast forward 6 years and the KWS is today a commercialized, state-of-the-art, AI-powered system for the assessment and management of chronic wounds. This multi-award winning, patented system has received the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore (HSA) Class B approval and the prestigious CE Mark certification (CE MDR Class IIa) and has been launched in Europe.
Japan has 11.8% of its population with diabetes and has a large aging population. Diabetes and older individuals are more prone to chronic wounds, making Japan a very important market for KroniKare.
Nominated by
Singapore University of Technology & Design
Kronikare is a health technology company focused on improving wound care management through innovative solutions. Their primary product is a digital platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and advanced imaging technologies to assess and monitor chronic wounds. By providing healthcare professionals with detailed insights into wound conditions, Kronikare aims to enhance treatment outcomes and streamline care processes.
The platform offers features such as real-time wound measurement, analysis of healing progress, and predictive analytics to identify potential complications. This data-driven approach enables clinicians to make informed decisions and personalize treatment plans for patients, ultimately improving healing times and reducing healthcare costs.
Kronikare's technology is particularly beneficial in managing conditions like diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and other chronic wounds that require ongoing attention. By integrating their solutions into existing healthcare workflows, Kronikare seeks to empower both patients and providers, fostering better communication and collaboration in wound care management. A possible use is in assisted living facilities for the elderly which would allow for better care with a more dignified way for the elderly to have their wounds reviewed.
Overall, Kronikare aims to revolutionize the way chronic wounds are treated, leveraging technology to enhance patient outcomes and optimize healthcare delivery.
CancerFree Biotech creates 3D tumor organoids from 20 mL of blood, using the organoids to test cancer therapeutics. Using our platform, which is called Ex Vivo Avatar (EVA), we culture the circulating tumor cells from patient blood samples to produce organoids that reflect each patient’s unique tumor composition. Our technology is used in precision medicine to produce patient treatment plans and in drug development research to test drug efficacy. As a precision medicine tool, we help doctors and patients create optimal treatment plans, limiting the risk of trying ineffective drugs. As a drug development tool, we accurately predict a developing drug’s clinical response, guiding pharmaceutical companies in making time- and cost-saving decisions.
To date, we have completed over 1500 patient cases across over 100 different solid tumor types. In Taiwan, we have partnerships with over 60 medical institutions across the country and 2 distributors. We are now looking to expanding beyond Taiwan, with Japan as a key target. As a result, we’ve entered and won several Japanese startup competitions, including first place at Kozarocks 2024 and finalist at SusHi Tech 2024. These prizes, which include office space and research institute introductions, will support our expansion into Japan.
Nominated by
CancerFree has developed a system that cultivates and analyzes organoids derived from circulating tumor cells in the blood.Called the Circulating Tumor Cell-Derived Organoid (CDO) culture system, it develops a personalized patient cancer profile called an “avatar” that can simulate the body’s response to drugs.
CancerFree’s system can successfully grow cancer cells in approximately 90% of the more than 100 cancer types. The technology has been tested successfully in over 900 cases, said Dr. Chin, the dean of Taiwan Medical University Hospital.
The system can furthermore be matched to over 100 types of generic drugs, making it easier for physicians to find the appropriate drug to match the patient’s tumor profile, he added. This was achieved with software developed by CancerFree that automates drug selection.
Mobility startup eMoBi is a fabless manufacturer that plans and manufactures a small three-wheeled EV, and a rental service called “Emobi” for tourist destinations throughout Japan. We mainly provide sharing services at local sightseeing spots or resort areas. We finance the vehicle with leasing scheme, and deploy them at hotels and stations in the realm.
Our goal extends beyond tourism to transform urban living on a global scale. Redefining how cities can be, we are leaders in this era of revolutionary change. We aim to move people and their hearts, offering services that deeply resonate with our users.
We take pride in being comprehensive innovators, overseeing everything from hardware design and development to software architecture and service operations. This holistic approach enables us to deliver excellence in every facet of our business. We are paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future.
Nominated by
Darwin Ventures
Kenkone is committed to using AI-driven solutions to ensure the comprehensive documentation of medical processes, alleviating the burden on healthcare professionals while maximizing the quality of care provided to patients. Our flagship product, EVAS, harnesses generative AI and speech recognition technology to assist healthcare professionals in timely documentation and generation of medical records during surgeries, significantly reducing their burden of medical record writing and ensuring complete documentation of patient conditions. EVAS has been successfully implemented in numerous hospitals and clinics in Taiwan, validating its market adaptability and business model. Recently, we have also established partnerships with other hospitals in Japan, including the National Cancer Center Japan, Tokyo University Hospital, Keio University Hospital, marking a significant milestone in our expansion efforts. This groundbreaking product has garnered high praise from the president of the World Endoscopy Organization. Recently selected by NVIDIA Inception Taiwan, EVAS has been recognized as a highly promising medical AI application. It has secured investments from several hospitals in Taiwan as well as companies in Japan.
Nominated by
Innovation Fund I and CDIB Cross Border Innovation Fund II.
Taiwan Carbon Shuttle Co., Ltd. specializes in developing carbonaceous material and carbon reduction technologies, providing customers with more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and facile technologies to achieve precision separation/purification in the domain spanning from precious metal recovery to pollution control in air, water, and soil. We have state-of-the-art R&D facilities, equipment, and team members who excel in developing and upscaling the production of adsorbents. In addition, Taiwan Carbon Shuttle Co., Ltd. collaborates with suppliers of the Apple supply chain, continuously improving their processes by incorporating our innovative adsorbents to make urban mining much greener.
Nominated by
Epoch Foundation
Alternō is a VC-backed startup pioneering the development of sand batteries, a revolutionary thermal energy storage solution. Our patented technology harnesses the abundant and cost-effective properties of sand to store renewable energy, which can then be used for various industrial processes such as drying, heating, and powering machinery.
With current clients including industry giants like Pepsi Foods and partnerships with global organizations, Alternō is on a mission to decarbonize the energy-intensive sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, and residential heating. We are committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices worldwide. Alternō’s scalable technology and innovative business model position us as a leader in the transition to a zero-emission future.
Nominated by
Foreign Trade University