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Aiming for a future of 'Voice Cosplay' to enjoy like fashion: The hands-free artificial larynx 'Laryphonix' answers the wishes of people struggling with voice loss【FY2025 ICT Startup League Member Interview: Corroquium Inc.】
Masaki Takeuchi was deeply moved in high school by the reality that people with hearing impairments couldn't enjoy music. In college, he got involved in 'MyVoice,' a support project for ALS patients, and became certain that 'vocalization support' was his path. While communication methods for people who have lost their voice previously had many challenges, 'Laryphonix' by Corroquium is bringing innovation. With its updated stylish design and pursuit of reproducing the user's own voice, it answers the desire to 'speak with my own voice.' We explore the passion of Mr. Takeuchi, who speaks of a future where 'voice' can be enjoyed like a fashion item.
Development scene with the teamFrom Music and Hearing to "Vocalization": The Path that Led CEO Takeuchi to Develop a "Voice" Device
What was the background that led to the research and development of a device focused on the human "voice"?
Takeuchi: The opportunity that led me to seriously start researching the human "voice" was the **"MyVoice Workshop"** I participated in while attending Keio University. **"MyVoice"** is a communication application for patients with progressive neurological diseases like ALS, where muscles gradually stop moving, making it impossible for them to speak with their own voice. After first participating and becoming interested, I got involved in the project's operation, working to deliver the free-of-charge "MyVoice" to the people who needed it. I had many opportunities to meet and speak with patients who were struggling because they couldn't speak.
You mentioned joining the "MyVoice Workshop" right after entering university. Were you interested in developing products or services for people with disabilities before enrolling?
Takeuchi: Yes, that's right. When I was in high school, playing for the basketball club, I had the chance to teach basketball to people with various disabilities. That's when I met someone with a **hearing impairment** and was shocked to learn that some people find it difficult to keep a rhythm with their body, sing, or listen to music because they cannot hear sounds properly. I love music and enjoy it daily, but knowing that this wasn't the case for everyone made me choose the **Faculty of Science and Technology** in university, hoping to create a **"hearing aid that allows people with hearing impairments to enjoy music"** just the same.
So, while I had been focused on the theme of "sound" and "voice" for some time, it was through the workshop and conversations with patients that my specific goal—to **"support human vocalization and communication"**—solidified.
Circuit testing sceneThe Ardent Wish of Users to "Speak Naturally with Their Own Voice" as the Driving Force for Development
Could you tell us more about "Laryphonix," the voice-restoration device provided by Corroquium?
Takeuchi: **"Laryphonix"** is a vocalization aid for people who have difficulty producing sound independently using their vocal cords, for example, due to vocal cord removal from laryngeal or pharyngeal cancer, or a tracheotomy from the use of a ventilator.
When I think of a vocalization aid, the **Electrolarynx (EL)**, which involves holding a device against the throat to speak, comes to mind. What are the key differences from conventional ELs?
Takeuchi: **"Laryphonix"** is **hands-free**. It's a wearable device worn directly around the user's neck, so people can enjoy conversations without one hand being occupied while speaking. Furthermore, we create the vibrational sound based on the patient's own voice data, allowing for more **natural and personalized communication**.
We believe that achieving both **hands-free** use and **voice reproduction** will create a revolutionary device for communication for people who have lost their voice.
Fundamentally, how does an EL produce sound (voice data)?
Takeuchi: Humans have a **larynx** at the junction of the trachea and esophagus (the location of the Adam's apple in men), which contains small muscles called **vocal cords**. Normally, the exhalation from the lungs for speech vibrates the vocal cords, creating the source sound for the voice (**laryngeal sound source**). However, people who have had their vocal cords removed or whose vocal cords don't function properly cannot create this sound source and are unable to speak. The EL transmits a vibrational sound through the skin by pressing a vibrating device against the neck, thereby taking on the role of the vocal cords.
Besides the EL, there are other vocalization methods for people whose vocal cords don't work, such as **esophageal speech** and **tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) speech**, correct?
Takeuchi: Those methods also have their merits and drawbacks. First, **esophageal speech** involves inhaling air into the esophagus through the mouth or nose and making a sound by vibrating the esophageal mucous membrane, similar to a burp. However, it takes at least about six months to learn. Also, it requires physical exertion to produce sound, making it quite difficult for older individuals.
**TEP speech** is a method where a specialized device is inserted between the trachea and the esophagus in a person who has had their larynx removed, allowing air from the lungs to flow into the esophagus to produce sound. Speaking is not as difficult as with an EL, but the burden in terms of time and cost is significant, as it requires daily cleaning of the device, plus hospital visits for maintenance or replacement a few times a month. However, the voice produced is relatively clear, and it is widely used in Europe.
I see. So, there is room for improvement in ELs in terms of time, physical effort, maintenance, and cost. Were there any challenges in developing "Laryphonix"?
Takeuchi: Unlike conventional ELs where the user presses the device against their throat to speak, ours is designed to be worn. This meant we spent a lot of time adjusting it to ensure sound is produced clearly while being worn. Similarly, we worked to eliminate noise that occurs when the vibration from the device—which creates the laryngeal sound source—leaks out. Also, because it's custom-made, how to **generalize production** and **expand the business** is one of the future themes.
During product development, we regularly had people from vocal assistance groups like **"Ginreikai"** and other users try the device and provide feedback. We received many critical but valuable opinions about the comfort, voice reproduction quality, and design.
Could you give some examples?
Takeuchi: Things like, "It sounds totally mechanical, not like a human voice," "It looks like an eyeball on my neck," or "It looks like a dog collar, I can't walk outside wearing that." Admittedly, the initial design looked like a band with a speaker attached. Based on the feedback, we completely revamped the design into a **stylish look** that blends easily with clothing. We also made the color scheme customizable so it can be enjoyed as a **fashion item**, changing colors according to mood or outfit.
The users have a very strong desire to **'speak naturally with their own voice.'** That's why the expectations for device development are incredibly high. Receiving such frank opinions was extremely helpful as we progressed with development. When we had someone from a cancer center in France try it, we gained technical insights for global expansion, such as the fact that sound transmission was more difficult because their skin was thicker than the Japanese participants'.
Each individual user has their own unique feelings and wishes.
Takeuchi: Even before "Laryphonix" was fully established as a product, a request from a **12-year-old boy** with congenital chronic lung disease still stands out. He had weak lung function and couldn't speak, but he reached out, saying he wanted to **"use the device to answer during his graduation ceremony."** We created the device using the team colors of his favorite baseball team, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp—red and white—and he was thrilled. I felt a surge of emotion when we received an actual audio recording proving he had successfully achieved his dream at the graduation ceremony. It reinforces the profound feeling that this device becomes a part of the users' daily lives, a part of their existence.
Vibration testing sceneAiming for Overseas Sales Within 3 Years. Targeting the US First, then Southeast Asia
"Laryphonix" was incorporated on April 25th, and pre-orders were launched on May 8th ("Voice Day") with a limit of 58 units. What kind of feedback are you getting from the people who have ordered?
Takeuchi: Because it's a completely custom-made product, taking about six months to deliver, we are currently in the stage of producing the orders sequentially. Until delivery, we hold monthly meetings with the purchasers to share progress and communicate. Everyone is looking forward to receiving it.
What are the key points in custom-making the product?
Takeuchi: The optimal position and specifications for sound production when wearing the EL differ greatly depending on the user's symptoms, the content of their surgery, and their surgical scars, so we confirm those details. Another key point is **how they produce sound**. If the person has experience using an EL, they are usually accustomed to the EL way of speaking, so less practice is required. If not, we provide thorough instruction on how to use it. The number of meetings conducted from the request to completion varies depending on the client's situation, but it can be several times.
You are considering overseas expansion in the future, correct?
Takeuchi: Yes. We hope to launch a **global crowdfunding campaign** within the current fiscal year. We are considering releasing the product in the **US**, where we currently receive the most inquiries, as well as in **China**, where TEP speech is not as widespread, and in **Southeast Asian countries** like Singapore and Malaysia. Europe poses a higher hurdle since TEP speech is prevalent there, but we plan to approach it later.
Could you share your timeline for release and your vision for production, sales, and distribution to popularize the device overseas?
Takeuchi: Following the crowdfunding, we aim to begin **overseas sales within three years**. Due to regulations and intellectual property concerns in different countries, we plan to start both domestically and internationally with **completely custom-made, build-to-order production**, utilizing connections with reliable channels such as **hospitals and patient organizations**, rather than general sales to the unspecified public. Word-of-mouth and referrals from users are everything for broadening awareness, so we hope to gradually expand our connections in this way.
Will "Laryphonix" require customization based on language differences and features?
Takeuchi: Generally, no. However, since Chinese has words whose meanings change based on the intonation, we apply fine-tuning in those cases.
Looking ahead, as your company's "Laryphonix" becomes more widespread, what kind of world do you hope to see?
Takeuchi: While the current main target is people who have lost their vocal cords or have difficulty with vocal cord function, **"Laryphonix"** can actually be used by **anyone who can move their mouth and tongue to mouth words**. I hope it can be helpful for a wide range of people, including those with **psychogenic aphonia** (loss of voice due to psychological factors), those who can move their mouth but not their body, those with temporary difficulty speaking due to a cold, and even those with **complexes about their own voice**. In the future, I hope to create a world where **"voice cosplay"** can be enjoyed, where voice becomes a **fashion item** that can be changed daily, just like changing clothes or applying makeup.
"Voice cosplay"! That opens up so many possibilities. Finally, could you share your thoughts on participating in the ICT League?
Takeuchi: I feel like this project is truly driven by so many people, and through meeting the other participants, I have a sense of expanding my own community and connections, which is very grateful. I appreciate the opportunity to take on this challenge and want to take steady steps forward toward our goal.
Testing the device on an actual patientEditor's Note
"Voice cosplay"—that was the most surprising phrase in the interview. I am deeply impressed by the idea that development for those who have lost their voice will lead to a future where everyone can enjoy their voice. The willingness to be open about the challenge of general production, combined with the "co-creation" stance of holding monthly meetings with purchasers, is also striking. The anecdote about the graduation ceremony reply encapsulates how the device is not just a tool but "part of a life." I look forward to the day when this world-facing endeavor colors the "voices" of many people.
■ICT Startup League
This is a support program that began in fiscal year 2023, triggered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' **"Support Program for Startup Creation-Type Sprouting R&D."**
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four pillars:
① R&D Funding / Mentoring Support
A subsidy of up to 20 million yen is provided for R&D costs. For the mentoring support, the selection committee members involved in the screening of League members continue to stay close and promote their growth even after selection. A "cheering squad" support system has been established, where the selection committee members who evaluated a company as "absolutely must adopt" continuously provide advice on business plans and offer growth opportunities themselves.
② Discovery and Nurturing
The League provides learning and networking opportunities to promote the business growth of League members.
It also expands efforts to discover individuals aiming to start a business, aiming to broaden the base of entrepreneurs.
③ Competition & Co-creation
It functions as a positive competitive arena, like a sports league, where startups learn and grow together, competing to secure the truly necessary funding (up to 20 million yen). It also offers a platform for co-creation, where League members collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with the selection committee members.
④ Dissemination
The League promotes the initiatives of its members by collaborating with the media! By making their business widely known, the goal is to expand opportunities for new matches and chances.
■Related Websites
Corroquium Inc.
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Corroquium Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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ICT Startup League
