Tokyo, Japan — The general incorporated association WE AT, dedicated to advancing the well-being industry through solutions to global social challenges, will host “WE AT CHALLENGE 2025” on November 27. Aiming to become Asia’s largest festival for well-being innovation, this pitch contest will feature four thematic tracks this year, including the newly introduced Human Well-being. Today, WE AT is pleased to announce the judges for this new track.

About WE AT CHALLENGE 2025

Co-organized in partnership with Temasek Foundation (Singapore), WE AT CHALLENGE 2025 marks the second edition of this international pitch contest celebrating innovation for well-being.
This year, nearly 600 applications from 60 countries were received from startups, students, researchers, and corporate projects proposing bold solutions to global issues.

Building on last year’s three tracks — Planetary Well-being, Human Well-being, and Social Well-being — the 2025 program introduces a new challenge track, Creativity Well-being, to explore the intersection of art, culture, and innovation.

Each track will be evaluated by a panel of distinguished professionals representing diverse fields. Finalists will compete for the WE AT AWARD, and the top teams from each track will be honored with the WE AT BEST AWARD.
The winners of Tracks 1–3 will each receive JPY 10 million, while the Creativity Well-being track winner will receive JPY 2.5 million in prize money.

 

Register to Attend —　https://weat-challenge2025.peatix.com/

 

 

Human Well-being: Broad Contributions to Physical, Mental, Social, and Economic Health

The Human Well-being track focuses on a wide spectrum of wellness, including quality of life, diversity, personal values, sense of belonging, and social connection. It also highlights the rapid advancements in life sciences that are enabling healthy longevity through deep-tech innovation. The track invited healthcare businesses that contribute broadly to physical, mental, social, and economic well-being, and the screening process toward the final presentation has now been completed.

We are pleased to introduce the judges for Track 2: Human Well-being.
This track covers an exceptionally broad range of fields, including healthcare, medicine, drug discovery, and finance. We have invited distinguished experts with deep expertise and global perspectives across these domains. They share the vision of WE AT and will evaluate the finalists from a standpoint that reflects the unique values of our initiative.

 

<Judge Comments>

 

The Head Judge ：Tomoyoshi Koyanagi,  Program-Specific Professor, Kyoto University Hospital 

For decades, Japan’s progress has been guided by a restorative model focused on repairing loss. Now, we are called to build systems that sustain health, wellbeing, and continuous growth. As a nexus of Eastern and Western values, Japan connects people, society, and technology to pursue innovation that leads to inclusive and sustainable prosperity.

 

 

Kazuhiro Ito, Professor, Imperial College/Institute of Science Tokyo 

Through the unique perspective of connecting with the world via “Well-being,” We-AT not only provides a platform where young talents can take on challenges without fear of failure, but also fosters ideas and human resources that can thrive in the global market. I look forward to seeing the innovations of We-AT certified startups expand into the international community.

 

 

Naoko Okumoto, Managing Partner,  Niremia Collective 

WE AT CHALLENGE 2025 embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration essential for shaping Japan’s next generation of global startups. I look forward to seeing founders who address human wellbeing, sustainability, and creativity with courage and vision. This initiative will serve as a bridge connecting Japan with the world — where technology and empathy meet to create a brighter future.

 

 

Raymond Woo, Singapore Office Representative, Kyoto University Innovation Capital   

I am honored to be part of the panel of WE AT CHALLENGE evaluating some of the top tech startups in Japan. I am a firm believer in the global potential of Japanese tech startups due to their excellent technical skills, business models and professional acumen, and I will continue to support them as much as I can.  

 

 

Tomoko Inoue, Managing Partner , Red Capital Co., Ltd.  

Startups have the power to go beyond conventions and shape the future. Even the smallest challenges can eventually move society in profound ways and transform people’s lives. I am truly excited to witness such moments and look forward to seeing many new stories emerge from this program.

 

<Advisor Comment>

Kohei Tsumoto, Ph.D. (Engineering), Professor, Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo / Vice Dean, Graduate School of Engineering / Special Advisor to the President / Professor, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

The total number of undergraduate and graduate students who have great interests in start-up have been exponentially growing up in universities. We strongly believe that WE AT CHALLAGE 2025 accelerates the momentum.

 

Contact

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