EQUES Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Naoki Kishi), a startup originating from the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo that promotes the social implementation of cutting-edge machine learning technology, announced on February 25 the launch of "QAI Checker," an AI check tool specialized for Quality Assurance (QA) operations in the pharmaceutical and related industries.
This system uses AI to read multiple quality assurance documents, such as drug approval applications and manufacturing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and automatically detects discrepancies between them. It powerfully drives DX (Digital Transformation) in pharmaceutical manufacturing sites where strict quality control is required.
In pharmaceutical QA operations, significant effort is spent on manually verifying the consistency of vast volumes of documentation. Preventing human errors, such as oversights, has long been a major challenge.
"QAI Checker" comprehensively detects "common errors" such as numerical discrepancies, missing process steps, and inconsistencies in naming or terminology. Because it can pinpoint the exact location of discrepancies at the paragraph level, staff only need to review the specific areas flagged by the AI, drastically reducing review time. Additionally, detection results can be downloaded in bulk in Excel format, making it easy to integrate into existing workflows.
EQUES has been supporting the use of AI in pharmaceutical operations through initiatives such as "QAI-Generator," an AI SaaS for the pharmaceutical industry, and "AI×DX Terakoya Learning," a practical e-learning program.
The company was also selected for the "GENIAC" project by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and NEDO, and is currently developing a Large Language Model (LLM) specifically for the pharmaceutical sector. With the introduction of "QAI Checker," the company aims to boost efficiency across the entire QA process, from document creation to checking and peer review.
■ ICT Startup League
This is a support program launched in FY2023, triggered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Project for Supporting Seed-stage R&D for Startup Creation."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million yen in R&D funding is provided in the form of grants. In terms of hands-on support, selection committee members who participated in the screening process continue to provide guidance and promote growth even after the selection. For companies that committee members evaluated as "must-select," the evaluators themselves provide ongoing support, such as advice on business plans and providing growth opportunities—a support system akin to "fandom-style" advocacy.
2. Discovery & Development
The program provides opportunities for learning and networking to accelerate the business growth of league members. It also works to discover individuals aiming to start businesses in the future to expand the startup ecosystem.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Structured like a sports league, it serves as a venue for positive competition where startups learn together and strive to win the necessary funding (up to 20 million yen). It also provides a space for "co-creation," where league members can collaborate and expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with selection committee members.
4. Communication
The program collaborates with the media to broadcast the initiatives of league members. By raising awareness of these businesses, the program aims to expand matching opportunities and create new possibilities.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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EQUES Inc. (Official Site)
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EQUES Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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QAI Checker (Official Site)
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Original Press Release (Japanese)
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For more details on STARTUP LEAGUE's startup support, please see here.
