ACCJ HxD 2024 Pitch Event

On November 1, 2024, the "ACCJ HxD 2024 Pitch Event: Transforming Healthcare ~ Collaborating in a Changing World ~" brought together healthcare startups, industry leaders, and government representatives at Nakanoshima Qross, Osaka’s international hub for healthcare innovation. The event was hosted by the Healthcare x Digital Initiative (HxD) of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), with sponsorship from 15 companies, including Eli Lilly Japan K.K., AstraZeneca K.K., Innovation Infusion Japan (i2.jp), and EY Strategy and Consulting Co., Ltd.

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Moderated by Euma Ishii (Liaison), the event kicked off with opening remarks from Ms. Simone Thomsen (Eli Lilly Japan) and a welcome address by Mr. Christian Boettcher (EY Strategy and Consulting). Attendees then had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Yoshiki Sawa, Chairman of Organization for Advanced Healthcare Innovation (Nakanoshima Qross), who presented his groundbreaking research on a moving myocardial sheet created with iPS cells, a development that holds transformative potential for cardiac surgery. Dr. Sawa also highlighted Nakanoshima Qross as a vital hub for fostering cutting-edge innovation and research.

The event featured a dynamic roundtable discussion with Dr. Junji Fukumori (Osaka Keisatsu Hospital), Mr. Taro Tanaka (Osaka Prefecture), Mr. Koji Deguchi (Kobe City), and Mr. Kunihiro Oyama (Microsoft Japan), with moderation by Mr. Makoto Kawai of Zimmer Biomet G.K. Following presentations on their own initiatives, the panelists engaged in a robust conversation on the expectations for startups, the supportive environment needed to drive innovation in Japan, and the critical role events play in fostering change. Drawing on insights from medical institutions, government agencies, and private companies, the conversation offered a multifaceted and thought-provoking discussion on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Following the roundtable discussion, five startups took center stage at the pitch event, passionately presenting their innovative solutions, the unique value of their products and services, and their compelling business models.

  • Elcyo Co., Ltd. (Ms. Sunri Lee) presented their "Elcyo Lens," a pair of glasses equipped with an automatic focus adjustment lens aimed at reducing eye strain in a digital society.

  • BiPSEE Inc. (Mr. Kouhei Kamikihara) shared their use of VR (Virtual Reality) for cognitive behavioral therapy to treat mental illnesses, particularly depression.

  • Seven Point One Inc. (Mr. Luke Choi) pitched their product "AlzWIN," an AI system designed for the early diagnosis of dementia to address the rising number of dementia patients in an aging society.

  • ImmuniT Research Inc. (Dr. Akio Ametani) shared their platform that leverages AI for the quantification and monitoring of tumor immunity, with the aim of advancing cancer treatment drug development.

  • Pittan Inc. (Mr. Yoshinori Nishikawa) pitched on "Nutrifull," a system that analyzes sweat composition to visualize one’s health and nutritional status, with the goal of disease prevention.

The judging panel consisted of six HxD members: Mr. Yasuhiko Iida (Eli Lilly Japan), Ms. Miyu Harada (Eli Lilly Japan), Mr. Torsten Kanisch (AstraZeneca), Ms. Mari Ogihara (AstraZeneca), Mr. Christian Boettcher (EY Strategy & Consulting), and Mr. Joshua Flannery (Innovation Dojo Japan). They evaluated each startup based on factors such as business originality, alignment with the HxD team’s objectives, potential for U.S. market expansion, and pitching skills.

After judge deliberations, Mr. Victor Osumi, President of ACCJ and Delta Air Lines Japan, announced the winning teams of the pitch event. BiPSEE Inc. received the HxD Award, granting them regular mentoring opportunities from the HxD team to support their business development. Seven Point One Inc. won the Microsoft Award, providing them with access to optimal Microsoft services and support for business growth. Pittan Inc. received the SelectUSA Award, making them a candidate for the 2025 SelectUSA program*. They will receive dedicated support from the HxD team to prepare for potential participation in this prominent event.

*SelectUSA is an investment program within the U.S. Department of Commerce that supports new market entries and business expansion into the United States. It is recognized as one of the most prominent events in the U.S. for attracting investment.

The event concluded with a speech by Ms. Brittany Banta (U.S. Consulate Osaka-Kobe) and closing remarks from Mr. Torsten Kanisch (AstraZeneca), who expressed gratitude to the participating startups and all those involved in organizing the event.

Congratulations to the three winning teams, and a heartfelt thank you to all the startups for your inspiring pitches! Wishing you all continued success and growth in the future!