Technology
A database of brain MRI images combined with AI technology to analyze and evaluate brain health.
Analysis of brain cognitive functions and the cognitive function evaluation reports provided by CogSmart.
Strength
The ability to analyze various aspects of brain health by using AI to process one of the world’s largest brain image databases.
- By analyzing brain MRI image databases with AI, it has become possible not only to diagnose brain conditions such as tumors but also to assess and evaluate overall brain health.
- Future plans include promoting decision-making for behavioral change by proposing lifestyle and social practices optimized for individual needs based on the database.
Business Model Examples
This section shows examples of companies using this technology for its businesses. The sections is intened for illustrating how the technology is used in the real world as food for thoughs for the applicants. Applicants doesn't necessarily follow the exact business model when developing their own business ideas.
Cog Smart Inc.
Development and operation of the hippocampus measurement MRI test "Brain Suite" and the training app "Brain Up."
- Brain Suite is a service that visualizes brain health by analyzing brain MRI images with AI. It is provided to hospitals offering brain MRI examinations.
- "Brain Up" is an app designed to promote hippocampal development by measuring aerobic exercise with a wearable device and setting the appropriate exercise intensity for each user. (Appropriate exercise intensity refers to aerobic exercises or physical activities aimed at achieving the optimal heart rate for hippocampal growth.)
Business Model
Selling Brain Suite and Brain Up to medical institutions and individuals providing services for hospital patients and general consumers.
Brain suite:
Brain Suite is sold as a system to medical institutions
Brain up:
The following models are being considered for monetizing the Brain up app (under development)
① Direct sales of the app to consumers with a monthly subscription fee
② Offering the app to consumers for free, collecting their data, and selling it to hospitals and medical research institutions.
Social Issues
The absence of services capable of clearly assessing brain health.
- Traditionally, brain health examinations at medical institutions, such as brain checkups, have primarily focused on detecting issues like strokes, brain tumors, or aneurysms caused by vascular abnormalities. However, there is currently a lack of sufficient methods to address the need to understand overall brain health.
Solution
Deployment of a service at medical institutions that enables easy analysis and evaluation of brain health using MRI images.
- Provide suggestions for improving future lifestyle habits.
- Promote behavioral changes toward a healthier lifestyle through hippocampal development.
- Access the latest health information through columns established on personal profile pages.
- Enable online consultations with medical professionals (doctors and nurses) to build a healthier lifestyle.
Value
Promoting brain health awareness and improvement through accessible testing, personalized exercise goals, and visualizing lifestyle impacts via regular hippocampal measurements.
- Enable individuals to easily test their brain health and promote behavioral changes to improve it.
- Strengthen awareness of brain health by achieving individually set exercise goals.
- Regularly measure hippocampal volume to visualize and experience the effects of lifestyle changes on the brain.
Message from the Lab
What I Want to Know
Director, Smart Ageing International Research Center, Tohoku University
Professor, Department of Aging Research and Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University
Co-representative director, Chief Scientific Officer, CogSmart Inc.
Yasuyuki Taki, M.D., Ph.D.
The need for, and business opportunities in analyzing, evaluating, and maintaining/improving brain health in developing countries.
- Compared to Western countries, there are still relatively few advanced medical service providers in developing countries, with their cultural proximity to Japan presenting potential opportunities. We would like to understand the unique local needs and challenges.
- By preparing countermeasures now for the potential issue of aging societies in developing countries, we aim to contribute to solutions for future social challenges.
Desired Candidate Profile
- Individuals who are passionate about healthcare and determined to build a meaningful business.
- Those interested in translating research on the brain and aging into practical societal applications.
- People with a strong sense of challenge who can persevere without fear of difficulties.
- Proficiency in business English (mandatory).
- Programming skills for data analysis (preferred).
- Knowledge in medical fields or physiology (preferred)
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