Japan announces 2026 winners for University-launched Venture Awards

The 2026 Award for Academic Startups has been announced, recognizing six university-launched ventures and the institutions or companies that supported their growth. The awards, organized by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), aim to promote entrepreneurship based on university research and development.

Key award recipients include:

• OUI: Received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for developing the ‘Smart Eye Camera’ and AI-driven remote ophthalmology systems. • BionicM: Received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award for its ‘Bio Leg’ powered prosthetic limb. • Sakana Dream: Received the JST President’s Award for its technology in the complete aquaculture of rare fish. • Planet Savers: Received the NEDO President’s Award for its Direct Air Capture (DAC) system designed to recover CO2 from the atmosphere. • Adriachyme: Received the Japan Venture Society President’s Award for its device to control acute inflammation via vagus nerve stimulation. • fcuro: Received a Special Award for its ‘ERATS’ AI-driven diagnostic imaging for emergency medicine.

Out of 41 applicants, the winners were selected through document and interview screenings by an external committee. NEDO has provided support to five of the six winning companies.