Japan, a country well known for its technical prowess, is aggressively looking for methods to improve public health. This is clear from the nation’s Top MedTech Startups, which provide cutting-edge goods that are frequently disregarded. To make healthcare more interesting and approachable, these health tech firms are concentrating on industries like consumer electronics and medical equipment. The compilation of these firms demonstrates the nation’s dedication to technological advancement and innovation, positioning it as a major force in the industry.
OMRON
Established in 1933 in Kyoto, Japan, OMRON provides cutting-edge sensing and control solutions for applications involving industrial automation. The health tech firm, which has a Tracxn Score of 70/100, sells a variety of items, such as power supplies, counters, temperature controllers, relays, safety devices, timers, and sensors. OMRON maintains its position as a leader in the market by continuously delivering state-of-the-art solutions and ranking 11 out of 1,141 competitors.
WHILL
A Japanese health tech firm called WHILL creates personal electric cars and wheelchairs with cutting-edge design and technology for orthopaedic assistance. The gadgets are small, easy to use, and include 3G and Bluetooth capabilities. They may be remotely connected to a smartphone app, allowing users to obtain vital device information and battery status. Additionally, the gadgets have electromagnetic brakes for safe stopping on inclines and an anti-sway function for straight driving on side slopes. Additionally, users may draw up to desks and tables and glide forward to a comfortable posture thanks to their motorised sliding seat. WHILL, a 2012 top medtech startup, with a $62.5 million Series C fundraising round and a 64 out of 100 Tracxn score.
FiNC
The weight-loss healthcare business FiNC provides expert-led, smartphone-based 60-day diet plans as well as other online weight-loss options. Additionally, it has partnered with Wellness Frontier, the business that owns the Joyfoot chain of Japanese athletic clubs, to introduce a 60-day group weight-loss programme. Joining a mobile app group allows users to support one another’s weight loss attempts. FiNC, a top medtech startup, was established in Tokyo in 2012 and has raised $17.5 million in Series B investment.
CureApp
A well-known provider of therapeutic medical software for digital health in Asia, CureAPP was established in 2014 and has a smartphone app for treating smoking addiction. The program logs smoking behaviours using a smartphone and a portable CO Checker and then offers suggestions for bettering one’s lifestyle. In December 2020, CureApp became the first app for digital treatments to be insured. The healthcare business also creates additional applications, such as a cure for smoking cessation programmes, a HERB app for blood pressure control, and NASH for liver cirrhosis therapy.
Allm
Healthcare service company Allm provides a range of solutions for healthcare organisations, including omnichannel ICT (FollowUP and IDSO), entertainment education ICT (PrimeBook and Kid Int), local health care and medical treatment network (Team and AcaMed), medicine/home care ICT (Join, MySOS, Kaigo, and Kango), and business incubation. It was established in 2001, is rated 5 out of 294 competitors, and has a track record of 59/100.
AI Medical Service
The 2017-founded AI Medical Centre (AIM) in Toshima, Japan, is creating a method to help endoscopists identify abnormalities in the digestive tracts that may be associated with cancer. Through image analysis in clinical settings, the system offers diagnostic help by analysing historical data from endoscopic imaging. The software created by AIM makes use of previously acquired data as well as ongoing research and development. The health tech firm is in its Series C stage and has raised $122 million from investors, including SoftBank Vision Fund and Incubate Fund.
Awarefy
Awarefy is a Shinjuku, Japan-based self-care app and healthcare business that was launched in 2018 and utilises digital cognitive behavioural therapy approaches to improve mental health. The app provides audio-guided training, mindfulness meditations, behavioural activation, cognitive restructuring, self-monitoring, assessment, and meta-cognition. Nippon Venture Capital, Mobile Internet Capital, and two other investors have invested in Awarefy. Awarefy is a potential contender in the digital therapeutic market, with a Tracxn Score of 54/100 and a rival rank of 15 out of 674.
M3
M3 is a top medtech startup site that offers a platform for doctors to exchange opinions, search for career change information, learn about private practice, and access various medical tools and services. It also offers services like MR-kun, where pharmaceutical representatives deliver medical information online, MEDI: GATE, which provides services for South Korean healthcare professionals, and MDLinx, which reviews medical articles and theses in English for US physicians. Established in 2000, M3 has a Tracxn score of 54/100 and is ranked 2 out of 308 competitors.
iCARE
iCARE, a Tokyo-based healthcare business, offers medical record management software, or Catchball, as part of its employee health management solutions. The platform provides complete analysis, visualisation, and administration of employee health data in the cloud. Additionally, iCARE offers chat-based health material, including advice on how to stay healthy following physical examinations or stress tests. The firm is placed 72nd out of 977 rivals with a Tracxn score of 53/100.
Triple W Japan
Dfree is an app that monitors urine, and its primary source is Triple W Japan, a Japanese healthcare business. Through preemptive notifications, the software assists users in better managing their urine. The health tech firm has received a substantial $8.75 million investment from well-known investors, such as Foxconn Electronics and Mizuho Financial Group. In addition to accelerating the company’s growth, this calculated investment has strengthened its position in the market. Triple W Japan is a pioneer in the industry, showcasing its dedication to technical innovation and user-centric solutions with a competitive Tracxn Score of 50/100. The success of this health tech firm may be attributed to its dedication to enhancing people’s lives via healthcare technology.
CyberDyne
Founded in 2004, CyberDyne is dedicated to creating cutting-edge technology with an emphasis on health maintenance, early diagnosis, and prevention for the ageing population. Their revolutionary nerve signal transmission method, the Robot Suit HAL, has made a major difference for those with lower limb problems. The studio provides customised training sessions that allow for a remarkable improvement in leg control by rewiring the neural connections in the brain. The therapeutic experience is improved by the studio’s inclusive approach to robotic arm technology, showcasing CyberDyne’s dedication to raising the standard of living for less fortunate people.
HACARUS
HACARUS, a Kyoto-based AI top medtech startup, has developed AI SALUS, a system that revolutionises clinical decision-making by using advanced diagnostic tools. The system can make accurate diagnoses with efficiency, requiring only around fifty sample scans, including CT, MRI, and ECG data. The primary goal of AI SALUS is to assist medical professionals in optimising patient care through tailored treatment interventions. It offers reliable and rapid diagnostic predictions for a wide range of medical conditions, including rare disorders. HACARUS aims to enhance the quality of care delivery in medical settings and improve patient outcomes, ultimately leading to better global health outcomes.
Handiii
Using 3D printing technology, Exiii has created Handiii, a myoelectric prosthetic arm featuring EMG sensors. It incorporates smartphone connectivity for data collecting and reporting, and it gives those without arms their functioning and dignity back. Handiii is reasonably priced, costing around 14,000 US dollars, or 1.5 million yen. By enabling people with disabilities to live life on their terms and promoting independence and a sense of normality in their daily routines, it seeks to revolutionise the healthcare business. The primary goal of the arm is to empower people with impairments.
Conclusion
The goal of Japan’s MedTech firms is to use cutting-edge consumer technology and medical equipment to improve public health. Innovative solutions are provided by businesses such as OMRON, WHILL, FiNC, Allm, AI Medical Service, Awarefy, M3, CyberDyne, HACARUS, and Handiii across a variety of industries. These health tech firms establish Japan as a dominant player in the sector by showcasing the country’s dedication to innovation and technical improvement.
