HACARUS is on a mission to build the next generation of tools for those shaping the future with its proprietary AI core – built to provide big insights from small data. Since 2014 it has helped companies solve problems in manufacturing, construction and infrastructure, among other industries. HACARUS is especially good at turning human expertise into digital instruments, to streamline operations and save on labor. By providing a full suite of services, from support of data acquisition to integration with existing systems, the company is committed to create a future where humans and AI coexist.
I Peace, Inc. is a biotechnology company pioneering the clinical and commercial application of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies for regenerative medicine and longevity. Founded by Dr. Koji Tanabe, an early pioneer and leading expert in iPSC technology, the company delivers high‑quality, end-to-end iPSCs solutions for research, clinical, and longevity applications worldwide. The company provides global services for individuals and enterprise partners, including personalized iPSC banking, as well as GMP‑compliant manufacturing, quality control, and global supply of clinical‑grade iPSCs.
KORTUC is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a new approach to improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy for cancer patients. Originally developed in Japan, its technology is designed to help radiation treatment work better against difficult-to-treat tumors.
The technology has already been used in more than 1,300 patients in Japan. Today, KORTUC is advancing global clinical development in breast, cervical, and rectal cancers in collaboration with leading cancer centers in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States.
Headquartered in Silicon Valley, KORTUC’s mission is to bring a Japanese medical innovation to cancer patients around the world.
Ookuma Diamond Device is a Hokkaido University–AIST-JAEA startup born from the decommissioning challenges of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. We develop diamond semiconductor RF devices through a vertically integrated IDM model and are building the world’s first diamond semiconductor plant in Okuma, Fukushima. By leveraging diamond’s exceptional thermal conductivity, high-frequency/high-power performance, and radiation tolerance, we aim to support Fukushima decommissioning, defense radar and seekers, space systems, and next-generation communications. We are also exploring U.S. partnerships to advance joint development and trusted supply chains for strategic applications.
Pale Blue develops and manufactures propulsion systems (engines) for small satellites, providing highly reliable solutions to satellite integrators andoperators worldwide. Since its founding in 2020, Pale Blue has successfully achieved in-orbit operations for a number of propulsion systems, building a proven track record of performance in space. Under rigorous quality control and efficient production processes, Pale Blue has established a mass production system at its cutting-edge in-house facility to meet the growing global demand. Pale Blue is committed to creating mobility that is core to the space industry, leading the next generation of space development, ranging from Low Earth Orbit to deep space.
The Japan – U.S. Innovation Awards program will select up to five exciting Japanese start-up companies that are incubating innovations with especially noteworthy potential, but that may not yet be well known in the Silicon Valley or U.S. business communities. These companies will be recognized as Innovation Showcase Companies.
The Innovation Showcase is a separate and different recognition program than the Emerging Leader Award competition. The Emerging Leader Award is a competition to select one winning company each from the U.S. and from Japan that have already demonstrated concrete evidence that their innovations are beginning to have a major, transformative impact on a market or industry. In contrast, the Innovation Showcase recognizes exciting start-up companies at earlier stages of development. Innovation Showcase Companies are incubating innovations that have the potential to be disruptive or transformational, but the companies need not have already demonstrated significant market success.
All of the Innovation Showcase Companies will participate in the Japan – U.S. Innovation Awards Symposium at Stanford University. Each Showcase Company will send at least one representative to the Symposium to receive the Showcase recognition as part of the Symposium agenda. That representative may further appear as a panelist or speaker on the program (subject to satisfactory English ability as well as possible topical programming constraints). Each Showcase Company will display their poster and other publicity materials at a booth or table at the Symposium venue. Leaders of the Innovation Awards Program will further engage in close communication with each Showcase Company’s representative to tailor some benefit especially for that Company, e.g. introductions or mentoring through the Program’s extensive network of Silicon Valley contacts, as mutually agreed on a case-by-case basis.
The Innovation Awards Steering Committee will select the Innovation Showcase Companies through a separate nomination and evaluation process than the Emerging Leader Award.
Nominations for the Innovation Showcase are invited from the public at large as well as from leading venture focused individuals and organizations in the U.S. and Japan. The Innovation Advisory Council of the Awards Program will continue to play an active role in identifying and recommending likely candidates. If the nomination comes from the company itself (i.e. from a founder, executive, or other employee), the company must also provide at least one independent letter of recommendation from someone who is not in the management of the company that states why the writer thinks the company’s innovation is particularly noteworthy, potentially disruptive, or transformative. Possible writers of such an endorsement letter include an investor, outside director, advisor, or someone else (not an employee) who is familiar with the company.
Nominations will be reviewed by the Steering Committee of the Innovation Awards program. The Steering Committee may direct requests for further information to the nominated company or nomination writer. The Steering Committee may also engage the Innovation Advisory Council in closed discussion of the nominees. But, this is a recognition program and not a competition, and so the Steering Committee will retain primary responsibility for selecting an exciting, diverse set of companies.
- Potential impact of the company’s innovation. To be highlighted as an Innovation Showcase Company, a start-up company must be incubating an innovation that is potentially disruptive or transformative. It must have an exciting idea, not just a good idea for doing profitable business.
- Quality of the company team: Backgrounds and track records of founders, employees, advisors, and investors. Does the team include interesting or exceptional people who will be great to highlight in the Innovation Awards Symposium?
- Likelihood of success. This criterion includes the quality of the company’s business plan and factors, such as whether the team has worked together in the past.
- Potential relevance to Silicon Valley / U.S. business. Will the company’s innovation likely lead to closer U.S. – Japan business ties? How and why will attendees at the Japan – U.S. Innovation Awards Symposium be interested to learn about this company?
- Degree to which company has already received recognition in the U.S. This is usually a negative factor. The Innovation Showcase aims to recognize innovative Japanese start-up companies that are not yet very well-known in the general Silicon Valley / U.S. business communities. Close ties with the Japanese community of Silicon Valley are not necessarily a disadvantage.
