2026 ACCJ HxD Pitch Event at Nakanoshima Qross

On February 13, the 2026 American Chamber of Commerce in Japan’s (ACCJ) Healthcare x Digital (HxD) Pitch Event took place at Nakanoshima Qross in Osaka. 12 healthcare start-ups in Japan competed for the opportunity to win five awards, including the SelectUSA Investment Summit award. Liaison supported ACCJ in organizing and hosting the event.

The day began with an intimate roundtable luncheon with our sponsors, partners, and guests. Mr. Hirokazu Shimoda from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) provided an engaging overview on AMED’s initiatives which helped kickstart discussions about the future of healthcare technology in Japan. The program kicked off with opening remarks from Consul General US Consulate General Osaka-Kobe Mr. Richard N. Larsen, followed by guest remarks from Mr. Shimoda.

Session one concluded with a panel discussion moderated by HxD’s Mr. Makoto Kawai (Zimmer Biomet) featuring HxD’s Yasuhiko Iida (Eli Lilly), Dr. Okechi Oduori (Nakanoshima Qross), and Ms. Marisa Watanabe (University of New South Wales). This interdisciplinary group of experts discussed the critical role collaboration plays in healthcare innovation and how teamwork within communities and across sectors is vital. ACCJ Kansai Governor Mr. Kevin Yamaga-Karns (Eli Lilly), closed the session by presenting certificates of appreciation to our panelists.

Session two of the event included two rounds of pitching by 12 healthcare startups whose innovative ideas inspired us to think bigger about the future of technology for social impact. Each group was permitted to pitch for 5 minutes, followed by 7 minutes of Q&A with our distinguished judges: Ms. Mari Ogihara (AstraZeneca), Mr. Yasuhiko Iida (Eli Lilly), Mr. Christian Boettcher (LEK Consulting), Mr. Robert Brand (EY), Mr. Yu Moriguchi (Nakanoshima Qross and Osaka University), and Mr. Akira Omae (The Kobe Shimbun and ANCHOR KOBE).

After two rounds of exciting pitches, the judges carefully deliberated and made their decisions based on the idea’s strength, the plan’s feasibility, the pitch quality, and the team’s focus on the US market (for the SelectUSA prize). Here are the winners:

• SelectUSA Investment Summit Award: Complimentary ticket to the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit / Accommodation and Flight – SalivaTech, Inc

• ANCHOR KOBE (Kobe City): PR opportunities and access to ANCHOR KOBE – Aman Wellness Solutions

• Nakanoshima Qross Award: Access to co-working space / Mentoring support / Priority speaking opportunities at NQ-sponsored events – Purinoscience

• Osaka Bio Headquarters Award: Spot to pitch at the Osaka Prefecture Booth at the World Health Expo Osaka in July – Quadlytics Inc

• Osaka LifeScience Nexus Award: Access to the Osaka LifeScience Nexus co-working space (scheduled to open 5/28/26) – VisionPath

A huge thank you to ACCJ President’s Circle Members, Cisco and Eli Lilly; the HxD 2026 Silver Sponsors, AstraZeneca and LEK Consulting; the HxD 2026 Bronze Sponsors, Dentsu, Ubie, Welby, and EY; and the special sponsors, Nakanoshima Qross, Osaka Bio Headquarters, ANCHOR KOBE, Nissay, and CIC. This event was made possible by everyone’s combined support.

We are also very grateful to Comars, the Nakanoshima Qross staff, and ACCJ for their support on the day with technical and logistical matters! Thank you very much!

Lastly, a huge thank you to all of the pitching start-ups! We enjoyed listening to your presentations and are excited to see your healthcare innovations flourish!