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University Startup InnoJin Partners with Sumitomo Corporation to Roll Out Ophthalmology Telemedicine Platform ― Deployed at "Tenohira Ophthalmology" to Deliver Specialized Care to Patients with Limited Access ―

InnoJin Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takenori Inomata), a startup originating from Juntendo University, announced on November 18 that it has co-developed an online telemedicine platform specialized for ophthalmology in partnership with Sumitomo Corporation. Operations using this platform have commenced at "Tenohira Ophthalmology" in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo.

This platform fuses medical expertise based on university research results with the business development capabilities of Sumitomo Corporation, a major general trading company. By delivering specialized eye care to patients who find it difficult to visit hospitals, the project aims to contribute to the early detection and treatment of diseases and the maintenance of eye health.

■ Features of the Ophthalmology-Specialized Platform

Image of Ophthalmology Online Diagnosis Usage

Developed under the supervision of ophthalmologists, this platform allows patients to receive a doctor's diagnosis based on a medical questionnaire and photos of their eyes taken with a smartphone. No dedicated app download is required, and the delivery of pharmaceuticals and prescriptions is also supported.

Its primary roles include supporting medically underserved areas, providing care opportunities for busy patients who struggle to visit clinics, and supporting corporate health management (corporate eye exams). It is designed to complement in-person care, and patients will be referred to face-to-face consultations as necessary.

■ Future Outlook

Using this deployment as a starting point, InnoJin plans to expand its network of partner medical institutions and improve the healthcare environment for patients with limited access to medical services.

■ ICT Startup League
This support program began in FY2023, triggered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Startup Creation-type Germination Research and Development Support Project."
The ICT Startup League supports startups based on four pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million yen in R&D funding is provided in the form of a subsidy. Additionally, in terms of hands-on support, the evaluation committee members involved in the selection process continue to stay close to the startups after selection to promote growth. For companies that evaluators are particularly eager to support, a system of "dedicated advocacy" is built where evaluators personally provide continuous support, such as advice on business plans and providing growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Incubation
We provide opportunities for learning and networking to promote the business growth of league members.
We also expand the base by discovering those who aim to start businesses in the future.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Designed as a place for positive competition similar to a sports league, startups learn together and refine their skills while competing to win the necessary funding (up to 20 million yen). We also provide a space for co-creation where league members can collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with evaluation committee members.
4. Dissemination
We collaborate with media to broadcast the initiatives of league members! By making these businesses known to many people, we aim to expand the field for new matching and opportunities.

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