In 2023, CIC Japan Desk proudly partnered with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to support Japanese startups in the bio and healthcare industries through the Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP). One year later, we caught up with a handful of startups from the 2023 cohort to celebrate the progress they have made since. In the video below, learn about how we support startups’ international expansion through programs like GSAP, and read on to discover more about the program participants’ continued growth and success.
1. AMI
As a clinical cardiologist, Dr. Ogawa witnessed firsthand how earlier diagnoses and interventions could have saved patients’ lives. This experience led to the creation of AMI, a startup dedicated to developing an AI-equipped stethoscope that brings innovation to cardiac screening. In 2024, the company pushed its vision forward by exhibiting at large-scale medical exhibitions such as Medical Fair Asia and the Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, and by participating in overseas acceleration programs. Furthermore, AMI announced the official launch of their new service, Cloud ChouShin®︎, which provides doctors with analytical support for cardiac screening.
2. Any-Edge
Any-Edge is an IoT healthcare tech startup developing a home & pet sensor that monitors oral health in real time. They are passionate about the early detection of active inflammation using biomarkers from non-invasive saliva and breath samples to prevent gum disease. After their time with GSAP in 2023, Any-Edge was selected for the L&R Accelerator Program and the Scaler8 Kickstarter program – and has their sights set on expansion to Europe.
3. BiPSEE
BiPSEE is creating the future of VR therapeutics with their evidence-based digital solutions for mental health issues. Their first target is depression, a condition that the WHO estimates affects over 280 million people worldwide. BiPSEE’s SaMD (Software as a Medical Device) offers patients an immersive experience that augments and personalizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This year, BiPSEE is excited to announce that in addition to their VR depression treatment system being designated as an item for priority review by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, they have also obtained a sales and manufacturing license for their technology. And with two pharmaceutical company collaborations on the horizon, BiPSEE is fast moving toward making their VR solutions a reality.
4. FerroptoCure
FerroptoCure is determined to develop an anticancer agent that targets the ferroptosis regulatory mechanism – a mechanism for regulating cellular death that is present in all types of cancer. 2024 has been a landmark year for FerroptoCure as they racked up awards and exhibited at showcases. They have been selected to participate in multiple acceleration programs including LINK-J UNIKORN, Aichi Deeptech Launchpad and GSAP 2024 (Deep Tech). Having started Phase 1 trials in Japan, FerroptoCure is now preparing to conduct a clinical trial in the USA, and looks forward to opportunities for collaboration with pharma and fundraising.
5. Flying Cell
Flying Cell aims to develop treatments for osteoarthritis that are highly effective yet gentle on the body. The company is developing practical applications for the award-winning research on magnetic targeting therapy by the Hiroshima University Department of Orthopedics and President Ochi. They recently completed domestic clinical trials and are in the process of analyzing the results. In the future, Flying Cell aims to conduct further clinical trials and obtain approval in major markets around the world, including in the US, where there is already an established business infrastructure for regenerative medicine.
6. iXgene
In 2001, Dr. Furukawa, Dr. Toda, and Dr. Okano co-founded the first-ever startup at Keio University School of Medicine. In 2019, the team came together once again (this time, with the addition of Dr. Mizuno) to found iXgene. iXgene’s mission is to cure intractable diseases with genome editing and iPS cell technology. They are addressing the problem of cell sourcing by generating neural stem cells (NSCs) from iPS cells. This year, iXgene has been accepted into the LINK-J UNIKORN acceleration program and Dr. Mizuno’s presentation at ICC Fukuoka 2024 Real Tech Catapult won 2nd place. “Certainly, these may be the outcome of GSAP,” says Dr. Mizuno, who is slated to join the Direct Flight Philadelphia program powered by CIC Japan Desk this fall.
The success stories from the 2023 GSAP cohort highlight the incredible strides Japanese startups are making in healthcare and bio-innovation on the global stage. Through partnerships like the one with JETRO, CIC Japan Desk continues to support these entrepreneurs as they expand internationally, making groundbreaking advancements in their fields. Learn more about how CIC Japan Desk helps Japanese startups thrive and scale globally.
