The SusHi Tech Tokyo Global Startup Program 2024, an annual flagship startup event hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, was held grandly from May 15 to 16.
Among the selected startups, CancerFree Biotech Ltd., the only Taiwanese company in the competition, not only made it into the global top 20 but also received two Special Prizes awarded respectively by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Shimizu Corporation (SHIMIZU CORPORATION). This achievement highlights Taiwan’s leading position in the global biotech field, truly making it the pride of Taiwan.
Avatar Medicine: Bringing Taiwan’s Biomedical Innovation to the World
The SusHi Tech Tokyo Global Startup Program 2024 (Sustainable High Tech, abbreviated as SusHi Tech) is a prestigious international innovation and technology event hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Recently held with great success, the event attracted 400 startups and 40,000 attendees from more than 40 cities worldwide, making it one of Asia’s top innovation events.
Supported by the National Development Council (NDC), Startup Island TAIWAN, Taiwan’s national startup brand representing the innovative ecosystem, is one of Tokyo’s major global partners. This year, it served as the International Ambassador for SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024, collaborating with Tokyo to promote innovation linkages between Asia and the world. The event featured a series of conferences, seminars, and the large-scale SusHi Tech Challenge competition.
Last year, CancerFree Biotech received the Startup Business Award and subsequently stood out during the global team selection, becoming the only Taiwanese startup to make it into the top 20. On May 15, the company participated in the final selection in Japan and successfully won two Special Prizes, awarded respectively by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Shimizu Corporation.
According to reports, Shimizu Corporation, which has a history of participating in hospital construction projects, will provide the award winners with a one-year office space usage right and other incentive measures as part of the prize.
Patient-Centric Innovation: Reducing Cancer Treatment Risks
Po Chen, CEO of CancerFree Biotech, stated that “Putting the Patient First” has been the company’s top principle since its founding. Currently, the team is focused on developing personalized anti-cancer drug testing technology to reduce cancer treatment risks and find new therapeutic opportunities for patients.
This innovative approach, known as “Avatar Medicine”, uses proprietary culturing techniques to create personalized tumor models for patients. These models act as “avatars” to simulate drug reactions, allowing doctors to test therapies without directly involving the patient. Through this international stage, CancerFree Biotech hopes to further advance global precision oncology. Winning this award not only affirms the company’s technology and team but also serves as international recognition of Taiwan’s innovative strength.
Prestigious Guests at the Event
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, Adi Ignatius, Editor-in-Chief of Harvard Business Review, as well as representatives from Bloomberg Associates, The Edgeof / Mistletoe, and Suntory Holdings Limited.
Additionally, notable speakers included Jen Carter, Global Head of Technology at Google.org, and John Roos, founding partner of Geodesic Capital and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan. These prominent figures gathered to discuss critical global issues, positioning Tokyo as a hub for solving urban challenges worldwide.
