1. H2L, Inc.
Facilitating cooperation between agriculture and welfare using human augmentation technology
- Field: Human augmentation
- Fiscal year: 2020
- Programme overview: This programme is designed to provide persons with disabilities, as well as those who have never been involved in agriculture in remote locations, with a system and its associated RaraaS (Remote Agricultural Robot as a Service) service. This allows them to control agricultural robots via smartphone apps using BodySharing technology and 5G networks.
The programme aims to apply this technology to address other social problems, including urban population concentration, the resultant decrease and ageing of rural farmers, and the limited job opportunities and low wages for people with disabilities. - Related topics: Education and upskilling, Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
2. Anaut Inc.
Mitigation of shortages of medical resources in rural areas utilising AI and other technologies
- Field: Local healthcare
- Fiscal year: 2021
- Programme overview: This programme is designed to promote the development and introduction of surgical support systems utilising AI technology, while investigating and verifying demand for these systems and acceptance of AI-based surgical support systems among medical professionals at surgical hospitals in rural areas. By visualising which organs to be protected and the incision sites, these systems are expected to realise shorter, standardised surgeries, reduce the incidence of surgical complications and lower the burden on physicians.
By utilising this technology, the programme aims to increase operational efficiency, mitigate shortages of surgeons at medical institutions in rural areas and ensure that necessary medical services are delivered efficiently to where they are needed most. The goal is to create a society where everyone can receive efficient and high-quality medical care according to their needs, and enjoy a healthy life. - Related topics: Education and upskilling, Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
3. Cardio Intelligence Inc.
Mitigation of shortages of medical resources in rural areas utilising AI and other technologies
- Field: Local healthcare
- Fiscal year: 2021
- Programme overview: This programme is designed to develop an ECG waveform analysis programme utilising AI technology and IoT for wearable devices. By using AI to automatically analyse ECG data measured in daily life to test for drug-induced QT prolongation, this programme aims to prevent sudden death from medication administration and provide an environment where drugs may be administered confidently by non-specialist physicians, even in areas with limited medical institutions.
By utilising this technology, the programme aims to ensure that necessary medical services are delivered efficiently to where they are needed most. The goal is to create a society where everyone can receive efficient and high-quality medical care according to their needs, and enjoy a healthy life. - Related topics: Education and upskilling, Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
4. Hydro-VENUS Co., Ltd.
Reducing disaster-related risks by utilising sensing and AI technologies
- Field: Environment
- Fiscal year: 2021
- Programme overview: This programme aims to develop a more effective disaster prevention system by assessing the risks of flood disasters, such as floods from inland waters, at an early stage to enable subsequent proper control. It utilises AI technology to predict disaster occurrences using data on water levels, flow velocity and other parameters collected by Hydro-VENUS (Hydrokinetic Vortex Energy Utilisation System; power-generating unit + sensing module) deployed alongside rivers and waterways, as well as data from surrounding water-level gauges. The entire process, up to the presentation of prediction results to Okayama City, will be verified during the grant period.
By utilising this technology, the programme aims to expand the number and scope of installations and realise accurate predictions using AI (including correlation with flood control equipment). It also aims to monetise the prediction information provision service for municipalities, supporting them in making proper decisions on flood control, disaster response and the automatic control of floodgates and other flood-control systems, etc., thus establishing its status as a legitimate infrastructure-related service. - Related topics: Measures for environmental issues
5. EF Polymer K.K.
Provision of technology-driven solutions to air, soil and marine pollution, as well as to environmental destruction and biodiversity loss
- Field: Environment
- Fiscal year: 2022
- Programme overview: This programme is designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of superabsorbent polymer, made from biological waste (garbage) and 100% organic and fully biodegradable, in transforming deserts into green land through both in-lab and field experiments. The aim is to set a clear direction for the enhancement and improvement of the product.
By utilising this technology, the programme tackles the aggravated problems of desertification and water shortages, aiming to offer solutions to the challenges facing an Earth suffering from resource depletion and environmental deterioration, ultimately striving to create a healthy global environment. - Related topics: Measures for environmental issues
6. Japan Environmental Education Forum
Provision of technology-driven solutions to air, soil and marine pollution, as well as to environmental destruction and biodiversity loss
- Field: Environment
- Fiscal year: 2022
- Programme overview: This programme is designed to visualise burdens on the natural environment by introducing RFID (Radio Frequency Identification, a wireless system for acquiring information) technology to build a database of locations and timing of natural honey collection activities. This initiative aims to balance the livelihoods of local residents with the protection of the natural environment in national parks in Indonesia to business and build a model of sustainable natural resource utilisation.
By utilising this technology, the programme aims to prevent biodiversity loss due to deforestation and the invasion of foreign species, thus safeguarding the ecosystem’s integrity. - Related topics: Measures for environmental issues
7. TechDoctor, Inc.
Redefining ‘cities and metropolises’ and rebuilding ‘places where people can live safely’ for future generations
- Field: Environment
- Fiscal year: 2022
- Programme overview: This programme is designed to facilitate timely intervention and monitoring by analysing data collected via wearable devices from residents living in small, depopulating municipalities and corporate employees in urban areas, and by sharing the resultant reports. It also aims to establish health and productivity management indicators for enhanced well-being and productivity by predicting mental disorders and measuring the effectiveness of improvement measures.
By utilising this technology, the programme will shed new light on the impact of the super-ageing society and rapidly declining population on urban communities and neighbourhoods in Japan in terms of infrastructure and social capital, thus seeking to improve Quality of Life (QoL). - Related topics: Inclusion and Diversity (I&D), Measures for environmental issues
8. ViXion Inc.
Activities utilising human augmentation technology
- Field: Human augmentation
- Fiscal year: 2022
- Programme overview:This programme is designed to improve work environments for individuals with retinitis pigmentosa, whose activities in dark places are constrained, by leasing for free or donating eyeglasses that support their scotopic vision, providing training on the daily use of the wearable device and referring them to job placement services/groups. The goal is to eliminate gaps in the working environment between those who have such constraints and those who do not.
By applying this technology to patients with eye conditions to support their independence, the programme aims to advance their job satisfaction and sense of purpose in life and establish Japan as a leading country for inclusion in the global community. - Related topics: Education and upskilling, Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
9. H2L, Inc.
Facilitating cooperation between agriculture and welfare using human augmentation technology
- Field: Human augmentation
- Fiscal year: 2022
- Programme overview: This programme is designed to provide opportunities for social engagement among people with disabilities, those with long-term illnesses and others who may find it difficult to physically visit work sites or tourist locations, by utilising BodySharing technology to introduce remote agriculture to farming areas.
By utilising this technology, the programme aims to solve relevant social problems, such as decreasing numbers and ageing of rural farmers and providing social participation opportunities for persons with disabilities. - Related topics: Education and upskilling, Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
10. Hokkaido University
Mitigation of shortages of medical resources in rural areas utilising AI and other technologies
- Field: Local healthcare
- Fiscal year: 2022
- Programme overview: Hokkaido University’s research group has developed an original single particle surface molecule analysis technology, which can potentially detect and identify various types of cancers from blood tests. This programme aims to complete prototypes of either or both inspection chips and devices for these blood tests.
By utilising this technology, the programme aims to realise simple and efficient cancer tests and mitigate shortages of medical resources in rapidly ageing communities. - Related topics: Education and upskilling, Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
11. Cardio Flow Design Inc.
Mitigation of shortages of medical resources in rural areas utilising AI and other technologies
- Field: Local healthcare
- Fiscal year: 2022
- Programme overview: This programme aims to automatically simulate blood flow patterns after heart surgery by applying 3D modelling and fluid analysis technologies to medical image data. Initially, the focus will be on congenital heart defect (CHD) surgeries, which require four types of extra-anatomic revascularisation used to treat congenital heart disease (CHD): aortic reconstruction operation, coronary vascular reconstruction, pulmonary arterioplasty operation and single-ventricle repair (including the Fontan procedure), to develop a cloud simulation service for surgical planning and medical equipment.
By utilising this technology, the programme will enable the determination of operative methods for heart diseases, a process that was previously challenging due to the limited experience of the surgeons. Simultaneously, it introduces the concept of quantitative evaluation to heart surgery, an area traditionally not assessed quantitatively, thus reducing the reliance on highly skilled or celebrity surgeons. - Related topics: Education and upskilling, Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
12. Gaia Vision Inc.
Reducing disaster-related risks by utilising sensing and AI technologies
- Field: Environment
- Fiscal year: 2023
- Programme overview: With the aim of realising flood and inundation forecasting based on high-resolution predictions that take into account the effects of embankments and dams, this programme is designed to build a prototype of a practical flood and inundation prediction application. This will enable appropriate evacuation orders during flooding to mitigate damage.
By utilising this technology, the programme aims to contribute to the reduction of worldwide disaster risks. - Related topics: Measures for environmental issues
13. Hydro-VENUS Co., Ltd.
Mitigation of human casualties utilising sensing and AI technologies
- Field: Environment
- Fiscal year: 2023
- Programme overview: Utilising technology for generating power in flowing water environments, this programme is designed to build a sensing network by deploying modules capable of power generation, measurement and wireless communication alongside rivers and waterways. Acquired data is sent to the cloud for analysis by AI to predict disaster risks and navigate floodgates for appropriate flow distribution under ordinary conditions.
By utilising this technology, the programme aims to mitigate human casualties caused by region-specific disasters. - Related topics: Measures for environmental issues
14. TOWING Ltd.
Upcycling and reduction of food loss through the utilisation of AI technology and biotechnology
- Field: Food systems
- Fiscal year: 2023
- Programme overview: This programme is designed to utilise high-performance biochar made from unused biomass to increase yields of agricultural produce and reduce and upcycle organic waste generated in the food and agriculture field.
The programme thus aims to form a sustainable society where productivity is increased and environmental load is reduced in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries fields. - Related topics: Measures for environmental issues
15. Regional Fish Institute, Ltd.
Solution to the protein crisis utilising biotechnology, etc.
- Field: Food systems
- Fiscal year: 2023
- Programme overview: This programme aims to develop tasty and sustainable new varieties of fishery products by utilising ultra-high-speed breeding technology and smart aquaculture technology. It focuses on creating varieties that help to reduce environmental load and increase the productivity of aquaculture businesses. Additionally, the performance of these varieties, including their ability to reduce the amount of feed required during breeding, will be evaluated.
By utilising this technology, the programme aims to supply sources of protein large enough for anyone to lead a healthy life, while conserving fast-decreasing natural fishery resources and caring for the global environment and ecosystem. - Related topics: Measures for environmental issues
16. Planet Savers, Inc.
Provision of climate-tech-driven* solutions to air, soil and marine pollution, as well as to environmental destruction and biodiversity loss
*A collective term for technologies focusing on combating climate change (for example, reducing CO2 emissions and measures against global warming effects)
- Field: Global environment
- Fiscal year: 2023
- Programme overview: This programme aims to develop a pilot device for a DAC (Direct Air Capture) system that uses an adsorbent made from zeolite (inorganic porous material) to capture CO2 from the atmosphere. In the course of its development, necessary data and intellectual property rights will be acquired to scale up the DAC system and achieve its social implementation.
By utilising this technology, the programme aims to achieve net zero CO2 emissions. - Related topics: Measures for environmental issues
17. TechDoctor, Inc.
Prediction and prevention of loneliness and isolation utilising AI and other data analysis technologies
- Field: Well-being
- Fiscal year: 2024
- Programme overview: A wearable device will be distributed to residents living in areas with limited medical institutions and a high percentage of elderly single-occupant households. Medical professionals will use digital biomarkers analysed from the data collected to conduct monitoring and, if necessary, early interventions, such as visits to medical institutions and social prescribing, to verify the effects of early interventions on mitigating loneliness and isolation.
By utilising this technology, it should become possible to monitor health conditions remotely without physical or time constraints. The programme aims to reduce loneliness and isolation among the elderly when medical resources are in short supply and optimise the distribution of medical resources. - Related topics: Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
18. LIFESCAPES Inc.
Improvement of activities of daily living (ADLs) and support for long-term care utilising brain-machine interfaces (BMI)
- Field: Human augmentation
- Fiscal year: 2024
- Programme overview: This programme will apply the neurofeedback BMI system to patients with post-stroke hemiplegia who are admitted to long-term care health facilities or undergoing out-of-pocket rehabilitation. The aim is to verify the system’s effect on improving motor functions and to evaluate its usability, aiming to popularise the system as a patient-friendly product.
By utilising this technology, the programme aims to ensure the treatment of severely paralysed patients, which is an unmet medical need, restore patients’ physical functions, reduce the level of long-term care requirements and consequently improve patients’ QOL. - Related topics: Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
19. Araya Inc.
Improvement of activities of daily living (ADLs) and support for long-term care utilising brain-machine interfaces (BMI)
- Field: Human augmentation
- Fiscal year: 2024
- Programme overview: For patients with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and other intractable neurological diseases whose physical functions are severely restricted, the ability to manipulate a computer mouse is critically important. This programme is designed to replace conventional techniques, such as eye control, with a BMI system attached to patients, thus verifying reductions in their mental and physical strain and improvements in operability.
By utilising this technology, it will become possible for patients to use their brains to control and operate computers, which, it is hoped, will enable smooth and instant communication, create social participation opportunities and contribute to improving their QOL. - Related topics: Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
20. JiMED Inc.
Improvement of activities of daily living (ADLs) and support for long-term care utilising brain-machine interfaces (BMI)
- Field: Human augmentation
- Fiscal year: 2024
- Programme overview: This programme is designed to develop an implantable wireless BMI system and commercialise this medical device. It will enable patients who are in a locked-in state due to severe neurological diseases or injuries—those unable to move their bodies or communicate—to operate external devices with their own will in a timely and accurate manner.
By utilising this technology, the programme aims to help these patients communicate and support their physical activities independently, thus creating social participation opportunities and reducing the burden on caregivers. - Related topics: Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
21. Specified non-profit organisation Okayama sarcoma group SORA
Optimisation of cancer treatment utilising AI and other data analysis technologies
- Field: Local healthcare
- Fiscal year: 2024
- Programme overview: This programme is designed to analyse big data, such as clinical information on hereditary neoplastic syndromes and genetic test results, using generative AI. The aim is to build a prediction model for cancer types, timing, incidence rate, etc. according to the types of alterations in tumour suppressor genes.
By utilising this prediction model, the programme aims to establish personalised medicine tailored to each patient’s risk of developing cancer, realise early diagnosis and treatment, and improve prognosis. Additionally, it seeks to build an appropriate treatment system for hereditary neoplastic syndromes, thus realising a society where preventive medicine advances and the QOL for cancer patients improves. - Related topics: Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
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