In recent years, Taiwan and Japan have seen close business exchanges, with numerous forums, summits, and business matchmaking events taking place, reflecting the enthusiasm and expectations of both governments and people for bilateral industrial cooperation. This year, as AI technology continues to disrupt various industries, more Taiwanese companies have actively participated in Japan’s international exhibitions and competitions, hoping to find opportunities and expand their business in the changing environment.
Recently, Taiwanese startup CancerFree Biotech (精拓生技) has once again won the prestigious Life Science Award and Audience Award at Asian Entrepreneurship Award (AEA), marking the fourth time this year that the company has been honored with an international award in Japan. After winning in competitions such as SusHi Tech, KOZAROCKS, and RAMEN TECH, CancerFree Biotech’s cancer avatar technology, which assists cancer patients with identifying an optimal drug treatment plan, has gained significant international attention.
Promoting the Development of the Asian Innovation Ecosystem, First Physical Event in Five Years
The Asian Entrepreneurship Award (AEA) this year was held in Kashiwa-no-ha, Chiba Prefecture, also known as Kashiwa-no-ha Smart City, developed and co-managed by Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. This area continues to promote research institutions, university clusters, renewable energy, smart grids, and ICT applications, aiming to achieve three major goals: new industry creation, healthy longevity, and environmental coexistence.
The award is organized by the AEA Steering Committee and co-hosted by several institutions, including The University of Tokyo, Mitsui Fudosan, TX Entrepreneur Partners, the Japan Academic Society for Ventures and Entrepreneurs (JASVE), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and Kashiwa City Government.
This year, the chairperson of the AEA Advisory Committee is Shigeo Kagami, President of JASVE and a professor at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Engineering. He also serves as the Deputy Director and General Manager of the University of Tokyo’s Corporate Relations Department, with deep experience in both academia and entrepreneurship.
The AEA has been held annually since 2012 to promote the development of innovation ecosystems across Asia and improve international entrepreneurial exchanges. This year marks the first physical event in five years. Thus far, 295 startups from 16 countries and regions have participated, with notable companies such as EDP Corporation and Cyfuse Biomedical K.K. listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s Growth Market, and Axelspace raising 1.43 billion yen (9.5 million USD).
Returning to the International Stage, Cancer Avatar Technology Shows Immense Potential
This year’s competition was based solely on recommendations, with participants nominated by the leaders of accelerators or incubators from public, private, or academic institutions. CancerFree Biotech was nominated by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) for the competition. A total of 64 companies from 13 countries applied, with six finalists chosen by the judges. In the finals, CancerFree Biotech’s CEO, Po Chen, showcased the company’s patient-centric vision and its experience helping over 1,500 cancer patients using their exclusive technology, earning high international recognition. The company was awarded the Life Science Award by LINK-J (Life Science Innovation Network Japan), the only award in the event focused on life sciences. This recognition symbolizes a major breakthrough for technology in the field of life sciences.
LINK-J focuses on areas such as healthcare, personalized medicine, and drug development. It regularly organizes seminars, networking events, and accelerator programs. Its international partners include BIOCOM, the University of California, San Diego, and Eurobiomed, all aimed at promoting cross-border connections and open innovation.
One of CancerFree Biotech’s core technologies, its cancer avatar technology, is a precision medicine tool for cancer treatment. It uses tumor-derived organoids from patients as a “stand-in” for drug testing, allowing for precise screening and identification of the most effective treatment options while minimizing risks during the treatment process. This technology has gained global attention from experts in the biotech field and has become a research focus at top international academic journals and exhibitions.
Building a Shared Ecosystem, Enhancing Startup Momentum
This year has been a productive one for Taiwan-Japan business exchanges, with numerous Taiwanese and Japanese companies and institutions forming strong collaborations that lay the groundwork for long-term growth. In recent years, these bilateral partnerships have fostered a positive exchange environment, empowering the new generation of talent to unleash their creativity. As a result, industrial momentum is expected to accelerate in the future.
Caption: The Asian Entrepreneurship Award (AEA) was held in Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture. Pictured is Kazumi Ota, the Mayor of Kashiwa City, Chiba.
