InnoJin, Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takenori Inomata), a venture company originating from Juntendo University, announced on February 3 the publication of a protocol paper outlining the implementation plan for specific clinical research regarding their "Program Medical Device for Pediatric Amblyopia Training using VR (Unapproved)," which is currently under development.
The paper was published in the peer-reviewed academic journal JMIR Research Protocols on January 21, 2026. The company is currently conducting specific clinical research to evaluate the efficacy of the program in collaboration with multiple medical institutions.
In the treatment of pediatric amblyopia, "occlusion therapy"—covering the stronger eye with an eye patch—is common. However, this method imposes a significant psychological and physical burden on children, creating a challenge where maintaining continuous treatment is difficult.
The VR program developed by InnoJin allows for natural training simply by wearing VR goggles and playing games such as Kendama, table tennis, and tennis. By enabling children to engage in treatment while having fun, the company aims to improve both treatment adherence and therapeutic outcomes.
The publication of this protocol paper marks an important step in demonstrating the transparency and scientific validity of the research.
The company began recruiting participants for this study at the Toho University Omori Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology on February 1, 2026. They plan to sequentially expand recruitment to other medical institutions that have obtained implementation approval, with the ultimate goal of obtaining medical device approval and providing a treatment program that can be used at home.
■ About ICT Startup League
This support program was launched in FY2023, initiated by the "Start-up Creation-type Germination Research and Development Support Project" by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million JPY in R&D funding is provided in the form of a grant. Additionally, through hands-on support, the evaluation committee members who selected the league members continue to provide support after selection to accelerate growth. A support system akin to "championing" or "fandom" (Oshi-katsu) is established, where committee members who strongly advocated for a company provide ongoing advice on business plans and growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Incubation
The league provides opportunities for learning and networking to promote the business growth of league members.
It also expands the base of the ecosystem by discovering those who aim to start businesses in the future.
3. Competition & Co-creation
The program serves as a positive competitive environment similar to a sports league, where startups learn together and improve through friendly rivalry while competing to win the necessary funding (up to 20 million JPY). It also offers 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
The initiatives of league members are broadcast in collaboration with media outlets. By letting more people know about these businesses, the league aims to expand opportunities for new matching and chances.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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InnoJin, Inc. (Official Site)
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InnoJin, Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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Original Press Release (Japanese)
InnoJin Integrates Telemedicine with Pharmacies: Resolving Fragmentation in Ophthalmology
iiba Signs Cooperation Agreement with Komaki City, Aichi to Develop Digital Childcare Map
For more details on STARTUP LEAGUE's startup support, please see here.