On 28th November, One&Co hosted a startup pitch event in collaboration with Osaka Innovation Hub, JETRO, JR East and NUS Enterprise.
Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH) is a startup community and ecosystem backed by Osaka city, historically known to be a city of merchants, and located in the center of the second largest industrial area of Japan. OIH is transforming the Osaka business scene by leveraging its legacy as a business city to energize more startups, aiming to generate greater innovations in the city and helping startups grow and expand globally. Currently, OIH is working with over 300 startups under its network.
The 5 startups that took part in the pitch session are participants to the Seed Acceleration Program run by OIH. They pitched to an audience that included startups from NUS Enterprise network and corporates in Singapore, to seek greater collaboration and investment opportunities.
Let’s us take a closer look at the 5 startups!
-Founded：2007
-Funding：N/A
-Investors：N/A
Chinougijutsu is an AI and robotics startup led by Dr. Ryoji Otsu. Chinougijutsu literally means Intelligence (知能：Chinou) and Technology(技術：Gijutsu), and provides technology consulting and development services related to AI, robotics and sensing. Its latest product is Finger Mouse, which enables users to manipulate devices using finger movement, just by installing the software to your smartphone or laptop. Chinougijutsu will be conducting a PoC for medical purposes in the next year.
-Founded：2018
-Funding：JPY 125M
-Investors：Beyond Next Ventures
Novenine is a dental service startup. The cofounders, Akira Takeyama and Tomokazu Hirose, dentist and MBA holder respectively, met at a seminar for entrepreneurs held by Osaka Business Development Agency and started Novenine together. By combining technology and oral healthcare, Novenine is providing effective preventive dental care services such as Burashiru, a remote dental consulting service for parents and toothbrush subscription services. The smart toothbrush, “SMASH” can monitor mouth odor and detect gum disease, helping the user see a dentist when irregularities happen.
-Founded：2005
-Funding：N/A
-Investors：N/A
Techlico provides Virtual Reality rehabilitation services called Rihamaru. Using MR(Mixed Reality) with VR devices, Rihamaru makes rehabilitation more fun and effective. While the traditional rehabilitation requires one-to-one therapist and patient interaction, Rihamaru enables therapists to handle one-to-many rehabilitation programs or remote programs. The coverage of rehabilitative care range from dementia to paralysis rehabilitation. Techlico is developing this service together with Kansai Medical University, and has already started clinical trials.
-Founded：2012
-Funding：N/A
-Investors：Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital, Samsung Venture Investment
Aromajoin develops digital scent products based on the harmony of hardware, software and material technology. Its flagship product, Aroma Shooter, is a tennis ball sized device which can contain 6 scents and integrate with computers, smartphones, VR/AR devices and other electronic devices. The device is positioned as a new communication tool and used as an aroma signage system in multiple perfume shops in Osaka and London. The company is a spin-off from NICT, established by Dr. Kim Dong Wook, a former researcher at the research institute.
-Founded：2010
-Funding：JPY 100M
-Investors：Mizuho Capital, Genesia Ventures
ACALL provides smart office platforms such as a smart check-in, lock, and meeting room management services using QR code and face recognition technology. The platform is already being used by over 3,000 companies including LINE, Trendmicro and MUFG. Its smart lock product, ACALL GATE, enables fast and easy access to the facility utilizing face recognition technology, recording the entrance and exit of users. This system is used in BaseQ, a coworking space in Tokyo. The CEO Yoshihisa Naganuma created the company to change the way people work by digitalizing workplaces.
The issues these startups are addressing are also commonly seen in Southeast Asia, and they are looking to further expand in the region and seek new partnerships. We looking forward to seeing new, innovative products and services in Singapore in near future!
Writer：NAMI NISHIMURA（NUS）
Editor：TAKAHIKO ITO / TEO LEIA（One&Co）
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