Overview

Imagine a future where healthy aging is prioritized, and innovations drive transformative change.

In Japan, the population is aging faster than anywhere else in the world¹. With more than one in ten people now aged 80 or older for the first time², cutting-edge advancements may be more crucial than ever. Therefore, addressing frailty, a condition in older adults that increases their risk of poor health outcomes, is a top priority for research and innovation.³

To help inspire innovations that can prolong healthy life expectancy in Japan and be leveraged globally, Johnson & Johnson launched the Japan Smart Healthy Aging Initiative (SHAI) aims to improve the lives of the aging population by working with other partners from hospital institutions, academia, government, business, and the healthcare industry, expanding both the breadth and depth of our offerings, and delivering a truly holistic approach to healthy aging. The platform serves to test, prove, and build holistic, data-driven smart healthy aging solutions.

In support of this initiative, Johnson & Johnson is proud to launch the Japan Smart Healthy Aging QuickFire Challenge 2024. Japan-based innovators and those from across the globe working on Japan-focused innovations^* are invited to submit promising science or technologies that aim to potentially increase healthy life expectancy – to help people live longer, happier lives. Innovations should focus on driving scientific progress within Japan and serving the needs of the Japanese population.

The innovator(s) with the best potential solutions will have the chance to receive grant funding from a total pool of $200,000, virtual access to the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Asia Pacific ecosystem for one year, and mentorship from experts across Johnson & Johnson.^**

¹ _{https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7731274}
² _{https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66850943}
³ _{https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3028599/3}
^* _{The submitted innovation must be centered on advancing science within the Japan region and benefitting the Japanese population. Applicants located outside of Japan are eligible to participate, provided they can fulfill one or more of the following criteria:}

• _{Applicant company has physical presence in Japan (e.g., at least one Founder/Co-Founder(s)/Founding Member(s)/C-Suite Executive located in Japan)}
• _{Applicant can clearly demonstrate that innovation was inspired by and/or insights gained in Japan}
• _{Applicant has existing or planned collaborations in Japan}

^** _{Subject to terms and conditions of applicable QuickFire Challenge and execution of an award agreement}

Why this Challenge Matters to Us

Building on Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to championing transformative innovation, the Japan Smart Healthy Aging Initiative (SHAI) takes a holistic approach to improving life for older adults in Japan. By prioritizing early detection and intervention, we aim to identify health risks before they become significant problems. The initiative emphasizes empowering patients to manage their own health, leading to better outcomes. Ultimately, the program aims to prevent chronic diseases from becoming a burden, fostering a healthier future for all through collaboration.

What We’re Looking For

We are searching for innovators who share a vision where aging does not limit an individual’s ability to live a full and vibrant life.

Japan-based innovators and those from across the globe working on Japan-focused innovations* are invited to submit promising science or technologies that aim to potentially increase healthy life expectancy. Innovations should focus on driving scientific progress within Japan and serving the needs of the Japanese population. We are specifically interested in advancements in:

Innovative Medicine

• Oncology
  • Breakthrough therapies and transformational approaches for bladder, lung, prostate, and hematological cancers
  • Technologies that improve prognostic forecast
  • Approaches for engaging with aging populations for recruitment to clinical trials
• Data Science & Digital Health Technologies
  • AI/ ML technologies to improve and accelerate therapeutics discovery
  • AI/ML-assisted precision medicine & digital health approaches to advance patient identification and enhance clinical development
  • Holistic evidence generation technologies to augment, contextualize randomized controlled trials to inform decision-making

MedTech

• Vision
  • Cataract Surgery and IOL Technologies:
    • Extending range of vision, improved quality of vision and optical adjustability
    • Novel presbyopia correction technologies/treatments inc. accommodating IOL’s
    • Streamlining cataract surgical workflow for improved efficiency and patient outcomes
  • Contact Lens Technologies:
    • Novel presbyopia solutions for improved range of vision
    • Presbyopia patient screening and fitting methods to improve eye care practitioner (ECP) fitting success
    • Improve patient experience and vision outcomes inc. with multifocal lenses
    • Light management approaches to improve vision and ocular health
  • Ocular Drug Delivery Technologies for anterior and posterior segment diseases and ocular health
• Robotics and Digital: Enabling technologies such as AI, AR, analytics, navigation, robotics and tech-guided, smart sensors, and implants that aim to support advanced visualization and facilitate planning and decision-making in the treatment of complex diseases.
• BioMedTech: Development of biomaterials and biologics to enable early intervention and promote healing.

Criteria

Potential solutions will be evaluated by a panel of reviewers and judges on their ability to meet the following criteria:

• Potential impact and relevance to aging populations
• Uniqueness of potential solution & level of competition in current market
• Quality & feasibility of technology
• Team credibility & capabilities
• Potential solution is validated through data and/or proof of concept
• Innovation is Japan-focused. The submitted innovation must be centered on advancing science within the Japan region and benefitting the Japanese population. Applicants located outside of Japan are eligible to participate, provided they can fulfill one or more of the following criteria:
  • Applicant company has physical presence in Japan (e.g., at least one Founder/Co-Founder(s)/Founding Member(s)/C-Suite Executive located in Japan)
  • Applicant can clearly demonstrate that innovation was inspired by and/or insights gained in Japan
  • Applicant has existing or planned collaborations in Japan
• Ability to take innovation to market in 2 to 3 years

Awards

The innovator(s) with the best potential solutions will have the chance to receive grant funding from a total pool of $200,000, virtual access to the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Asia Pacific ecosystem for one year, and mentorship from experts across Johnson & Johnson.