Establishing Bio Engineering Capital to Create an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Medical AI/DX and Regenerative Medicine
~ Bio Engineering Capital Signs Joint Research Agreement with Tokyo Medical and Dental University to Support Medical and Life Sciences Startups ~
To create an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the fields of medical AI/DX and regenerative medicine, Bio Engineering Capital Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Yuki Shimahara, hereinafter referred to as “BEC”) has been established. Moving forward, we will form a fund and invest in startups within the life sciences sector, including medical AI/DX and regenerative medicine. In addition to co-founding ventures, we will assemble a team of experts equipped with the necessary functions to fully support entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, to explore and practically verify the methods of education and support necessary to promote an entrepreneurial ecosystem, BEC has signed a joint research agreement with the Open Innovation Center of Tokyo Medical and Dental University (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, President: Yujiro Tanaka, hereinafter referred to as “Tokyo Medical and Dental University”). This partnership will focus on providing hands-on support within the university.
【Background and Purpose of Establishing BEC】
BEC believes that the 21st century is the era of bioengineering, where life sciences are engineered to create innovations. Globally, the markets for medical AI/DX and regenerative medicine are growth sectors. In Japan, the government has also recognized the importance of advanced technologies such as medical AI and biotechnology for solving social issues and promoting economic growth, and is actively investing in and supporting related startups. BEC aims to explore this field alongside entrepreneurs who seek to innovate by studying and engineering life, contributing to a healthy and sustainable future for humanity.
【Comments and Background from Partners】
CEO: Yuki Shimahara, Ph. D.
Comment: “We established Bio Engineering Capital with the vision of advancing the frontier of bioengineering. Our goal is to support innovative entrepreneurs in the fields of medical AI/DX and regenerative medicine, providing them with the necessary resources and expertise to bring their groundbreaking ideas to life. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, we aim to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.”
Background: Yuki Shimahara completed his doctoral studies in Life Sciences at the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo. In 2014, he co-founded LPIXEL Inc., where he served as CEO, focusing on AI-based image analysis for the medical and drug discovery fields. In 2019, it obtained approval for a medical device program utilizing deep learning. Shimahara has served as an executive director of the Japan Medical Imaging and Radiological Systems Industries Association (JIRA), contributing to various administrative and regulatory reforms through recommendations to the Cabinet Office’s Regulatory Reform Promotion Council. He also worked on creating data processing guidelines under the Health and Labour Sciences Research Grant project (2021-2023). After resigning from the board of LPIXEL, he established Medical AI Promotion Institute, where he is currently working to promote the utilization of medical data under the Next-Generation Medical Infrastructure Law led by the Cabinet Office.
Partner Yuzo Kumakiri
Comment: “The field of life sciences is incredibly dynamic and influential, with technological advancements having a direct impact on human health and well-being. We aim to work alongside entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and technologies in this field, helping to develop them into feasible solutions that provide value to society. Our company is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs who strive to maximize the potential of life sciences to improve human health and welfare.”
Background: Yuzo Kumakiri graduated from Kanagawa University with a degree in Management Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering in 2006. While still a student, he founded a venture and managed an IT business, which he later successfully exited. Following this, he became an angel investor and served as the CEO of KIJ corporation., an investment company. Driven by the belief that entrepreneurial experience combined with financial knowledge and investment can support the Japanese economy, he established the investment company to nurture Japanese ventures. His investment portfolio includes notable companies like GO Fund Inc. and Kinyu Joshi Inc., with a focus on financial fintech. Additionally, he has invested in multiple AI companies, supporting their IPOs. Currently, he continues to invest in seed and early-stage financial ventures, supporting the growth of approximately 40 companies.
Joint Research with Tokyo Medical and Dental University
About the Joint Research with Tokyo Medical and Dental University: Startups in the medical and life sciences fields require extensive support even before their establishment, including the discovery of research seeds, expert advice, and significant human resources. After establishment, they need financial support for research and development. BEC and Tokyo Medical and Dental University will jointly explore and structure these support methods, examining the potential of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, including fundraising immediately after establishment.
Comments from Tokyo Medical and Dental University:
Kaori Iida, Vice President, Tokyo Medical and Dental University: “On October 1st of this year, Tokyo Medical and Dental University will merge with Tokyo Institute of Technology to form the Institute of Science Tokyo. With this integration, we aim not only to cultivate medical professionals and conduct academic research but also to return the knowledge of the university to society by implementing research results from interdisciplinary collaborations such as medical-engineering partnerships. As part of this initiative, we will focus more than ever on creating startups. However, under the current working conditions of medical professionals, there are many challenges. Through the joint research with BEC mentioned above, we aim to identify these challenges, provide hands-on support to entrepreneurs, and discover new, effective means of support while putting entrepreneurship into practice.”
From left to right: Kaori Iida, Vice President of Tokyo Medical and Dental University; Arinobu Tojo, Executive Director of Tokyo Medical and Dental University; Yuki Shimahara, CEO of Bio Engineering Capital; Yuzo Kumakiri, Partner of Bio Engineering Capital.
Company Overview
Company Name: Bio Engineering Capital Inc.
Representative: CEO Yuki Shimahara
Headquarters: Nihonbashi Muromachi Mitsui Tower 7th Floor, 3-2-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Established: November 17, 2023
URL: https://bioengineering.capital/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bec.lifescience
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bec_lifescience
Contact Information
Public Relations: Bio Engineering Capital Inc.
Email: pr@bioengineering.capital
[1] Bioengineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines biology and engineering to develop medical devices, therapies, and other innovations.
[2] Cabinet Office, Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2022