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WE AT CHALLENGE 2024 Celebrating One of Asia’s Largest Well-Being Pitch Contest: Winners Announced

WE AT, a general incorporated association committed to building a new startup ecosystem to drive social innovation, successfully hosted the inaugural WE AT CHALLENGE 2024 on November 27. This groundbreaking pitch contest aimsed to be one of Asia’s largest Well-Being festivals.

With applications from 32 countries and over 400 entries, the event featured inspiring pitches from the finalists and engaging discussions on building a Well-Being ecosystem. Thought leaders from academia, government, startups, and investors shared diverse perspectives and insights throughout the day.

The WE AT CHALLENGERS

WE AT strives to create a global innovation ecosystem that bridges academia, government, corporations, and investors to support startups tackling social challenges. As part of this mission, WE AT CHALLENGE 2024 was launched in collaboration with TEMASEK Foundation and VERTEX Group.

During the pitch session, 16 finalists, selected from entries spanning 32 countries, presented innovative solutions addressing global social challenges and advancing Well-Being. The presenters included startups, students, and working entrepreneurs who passionately shared their visions for a better future.

Awards and Recognition

The judging panel, comprising leading professionals from various fields, selected the winners of the WE AT BEST AWARD for each track. Additionally, finalists were honored with the WE AT AWARD to recognize their outstanding contributions. Two special awards, WE AT Selected Student Entrepreneur and WE AT Selected Intrapreneur, were also presented to celebrate diverse and innovative challenges.

All finalists were named WE AT CHALLENGERS, reflecting their shared commitment to addressing social issues and advancing Well-Being. As key players in this ecosystem, they will receive continued support from WE AT to foster collaboration and drive the growth of the Well-Being industry.

One judge remarked, “Sustained efforts like these events and ongoing dialogue are vital for identifying and supporting startups dedicated to solving global social challenges.”

WE AT AWARD 2024 

WE AT BEST AWARD：

Global Liveability Track: 

Blusink.ltd　Chief Growth Officer　Ellie Morris

Developing innovative, bio-engineered carbon removal systems that transform ocean floors into durable carbon storage sites. Our technology ensures reliable carbon capture with added benefits for marine biodiversity and coral reef restoration, setting new standards in ocean-based CDR solutions.

 

Healthy Life Track: 

Physiologas Technologies Inc.　CEO　Kazuyoshi Miyawaki　

Developing a compact, waterless hemodialysis system for home use with groundbreaking technologies. A startup from Kitasato University.

Living & City Track:

Halu Inc.　CEO　Yuri Matsumoto

Promoting the social implementation of inclusive design to create a world without division, inspired by the challenges of children with disabilities and their families.

 

WE AT AWARD：

 

EX-Fusion Inc.　International Relation Department, Executive Relations Manager　Koichi Masuda

Advancing laser fusion technology to create sustainable energy solutions, contributing to a carbon-neutral future and addressing global energy challenges.

 

Planet Savers, Inc.　Founder and CEO　Kei Ikegami

Developing direct air capture (DAC) technology for CO2 removal from the atmosphere using zeolite technology originating from the University of Tokyo.

 

SPACECOOL Inc.　CEO　Masahiro Suemitsu

Developing and distributing the radiative cooling material “SPACECOOL”.

 

TopoLogic Inc.　Chief Executive Officer　Taiki Sato

Improving energy efficiency of memory chips by 10x, and achieving heat sensing speed by 100x using topological material based devices.

 

4kiz Inc.　CEO　Katsuhiro Motoyama

The world’s largest social networking kids’ platform for children under 15 years old, where they can feel safe, be themselves, and connect with friends.

 

Elcyo Co., Ltd.　CEO　Sunri Lee

Providing glasses that automatically focus (autofocus glasses) equipped with liquid crystal lens technology.

 

EverEx Inc.　CEO　Chan Yoon

Leveraging vision AI technology to assess patients’ musculoskeletal function and deliver personalized rehabilitation using software medical devices. 

 

grow&partners Co., Ltd.　CEO　Keiko Sainowaki

A daycare and experiential platform to create free time for mothers and parents and to bring children great experience.

 

JiMED, Inc.　CEO　Jin Nakamura

Development of a wireless implantable brain-computer interface that enables the control of external electronic devices using brain waves.

 

HERALBONY Co., Ltd.　COO　Marie Oshioka

Creating opportunities to encounter the art of people with disabilities through business, aiming not only to change perceptions about “disabilities” but also to build a society where diverse individuals can live with respect and joy.

 

mairu tech Inc.　CEO　Kei Omura

Providing a seamless and reliable mobility service, connecting healthcare and welfare facilities through advanced transportation infrastructure to enhance access and improve well-being for all.

 

SmartCity Research Institute Co.Ltd　CEO　Zhao Boyu

Advancing social infrastructure maintenance and promoting digital transformation.

 

tonari Co., Ltd. 　Co-founder &CEO　Taj Campbel

Building life-sized portals for being in-person — built on next-gen technology with 10x more fidelity than video calls — to provide genuine connection for teams, families, students, creators, and global communities.

 

 

Special Recognition:

 

 

Event Details

Date: November 27, 2024
Venue: Tokyo Innovation Base (1-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station)
Format: In-person with online streaming
Language: Sessions conducted entirely in English
Admission: Free

Website: https://we-at.tokyo/challenge/

 

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