Connect with us

Technology

Business Plan Contest “Photonics Challenge 2025” was Successfully Held in Hamamatsu City, the Center of the Optical Industry

Published

1 year ago

on

Three companies with outstanding optical technology – 
Beyond Optical Medical Technologies, Ectobrain Devices and Catana Corporation – presented
groundbreaking ideas and are awarded for their business plans

HAMAMATSU, Japan, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Consortium is pleased to announce that Photonics Challenge 2025, a business contest that supports the expansion of optical technology applications by startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide that seek to create new value in society, was successfully held in Hamamatsu City.

The Central Japan Startup Ecosystem is comprised of Aichi prefecture, Nagoya City and Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka-prefecture and provides everything a startup needs – from highly trained workers in many specialized fields to opportunities to conduct feasibility studies with leading companies. There are also accelerator programs, financial support systems, innovative university seeds, and collaborative partnerships with ecosystems outside of Japan and also attract a wide range of entrepreneurs to this region.

Against this backdrop, Photonics Challenge is an annual competition sponsored by the Graduate University School for the Creation of New Photonics Industries. This year marked its sixth year and is the only business plan contest in Japan that specializes in optical technology. Seven finalists, selected from among applicants from all over Japan, presented their business plans at the final judging held on February 27 at Entetsu Hall in Hamamatsu City, after months of mentoring. Beyond Optical Medical Technologies, Ectobrain Devices and Catana Corporation successfully presented their groundbreaking ideas and were awarded for their respective business plans.

The awards were presented by the Chairman of the Judging Committee, Hiroyasu Ito, President of Graduate School for the Creation of New Photonics Industries.

For the 2025 Photonics Challenge, a new category was established for “Best Idea”, and applicable to individuals who have a passionate vision and business idea, including college or technical school students. Three individuals presented their ideas, and the winner will be provided opportunities to hone their entrepreneurship skills.

The 2025 Photonics Challenge winners are as follows:

1.  Best Business Award – prize of one million yen – Awarded to Beyond Optical Medical Technologies

2.  Best Challenge Award – prize of 800,000 yen – Awarded to Ectobrain Devices

3.  Shizuoka SME Excellence Award – prize of 300,000 yen – This award is for applicants whose base of operations is in Shizuoka Prefecture and was awarded to Catana Corporation

4.  Observer Award – prize of 300,000 yen – Awarded to HarvestX

5.  Best Idea Award – prize of 200,000 yen – Awarded to ASA-e

Profile of Award Winners

Best Business Award – Beyond Optical Medical Technologies

Beyond Optical Medical Technologies is developing a new surgical platform that uses near-infrared spectroscopic imaging to see deep inside the body during surgery. This allows surgeons to visualize tissues and structures that are normally invisible, reducing the risk of complications. Nariaki Okamoto of Beyond Optical Medical Technologies said, “Surgery today faces many complications, and fewer young people are pursuing it as a career. I believe collaboration between medicine and engineering is key to advancing surgical techniques, and I hope to create a future where surgeries are safer and more reassuring for everyone.”

Best Challenge Award – Ectobrain Devices

Ectobrain Devices is developing smart glasses to help Parkinson’s patients walk more easily and avoid falls. Parkinson’s patients often suffer from walking difficulties (gait disturbances) that are not effectively treated by existing medications. These glasses will automatically adjust to the patient’s needs, providing real-time assistance. Yu Nagashima of Ectobrain Devices said, “We are planning to launch as a startup from Hamamatsu University School of Medicine and will be registering the company next week, so I am very encouraged to receive this award.”

Shizuoka SME Excellence Award – Catana Corporation

Catana Corporation is pursuing international standardization (ISO/IEC) for their real-time lossless data compression technology, which is designed to reduce storage, bandwidth, and power consumption in industries like automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and infrastructure. While already used in Japan, global adoption, particularly in the automotive sector with the goal of “installation in all commercially available vehicles,” requires meeting international standards demanded by overseas manufacturers. Nobuo Fujita, CEO & CTO of Catana Corporation said, “This is the first time we have participated in a business contest, so I’m very pleased to have won. I’m truly glad I participated because I received ideas and comments on the plan we presented.”

https://www.catana.co.jp/en/

Observer Award – HarvestX

HarvestX developed a system that uses multispectral cameras and AI to monitor strawberry growth, combined with a robot that automatically pollinates the plants. HarvestX plans to expand the technology to other crops. Yuki Ichikawa, Representative Director and CEO from HarvestX said, “I was actually just networking with other companies and had just entered the room when the award announcement was made. That just goes to show how passionate the other companies are, and this is a great opportunity to quickly find potential collaborators.”

https://harvestx.jp/en/ 

Best Idea Award – ASA-e

Yoshihiro Asada is a 1st year graduate student at Toyohashi University of Technology in Aichi Prefecture. Inspired by his grandfather who was diagnosed with diabetes, Yoshihiro is working to control soybeans without raising sugar levels so those suffering from the same condition can enjoy them. By controlling the components of soybeans using sensor data, ASA-e increases the sweetness of soybeans without raising blood sugar levels. Yoshihiro Asada said, “I will make further efforts to become a successful entrepreneur, and I would appreciate your continued support.”

Other Participating Finalists

(Business Category)

Deep Sensing

Deep Sensing is building robots that use AI to automatically scan underground structures without digging. These robots use radar to see inside, helping to identify missing persons during natural disasters or improve aging infrastructure.

SEtech

SEtech is developing a new type of sensor that reduces the burden on AI systems by processing information directly on the sensor itself. This “Anti-Imaging” approach reduces power consumption and data volume with a suite of sensors.

https://setech.co.jp/ 

Three-labs Inc.

Three-labs is a startup from Nagoya Institute of Technology using a new “Pulse Laser Grinding” (PLG) technology to re-sharpen cutting tools. Their laser-based method is more precise than traditional grinding wheels, allowing them to re-sharpen tools that couldn’t be re-sharpened before, saving manufacturer’s cost and reducing waste.

https://three-labs.com/

(Idea Category)

Mirai Iryo Innovators

Working towards a future without nerve damage during surgery through the use of Raman spectroscopy, which is based on the interaction of light with the chemical bonds of a substance.

Ryo Igarashi

Designing glasses for people who suffer from light sensitivity that act as sunglasses but without the dark lenses.  

Other event highlights

During the final deliberations, six of the past Photonics Challenge finalists each presented their business, introduced their current situation, and how far they have come since winning. These companies included: 

WIZRAY
https://wizray.jp/

Photon-Labo
http://photon-labo.jp/

Archilys
https://www.archilys.com/ArchilysCorp/ArchilysCorporation.html

Astech
https://www.astechk.co.jp/

Miibio
https://www.mii-bio.com/

Pi Photonics
https://www.piphotonics.com/en/

About the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem

In July 2020, Aichi prefecture, Nagoya City and Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka-prefecture became one of the four regional Startup Ecosystem Global Base Cities groups designated nationwide by the Japanese Cabinet Office. 

There are 848 startups in Central Japan, of which 209 are university-launched. An estimated 100.8 billion yen (from 2020 to 2024) of funds have been raised, in addition to accelerator programs, financial support systems, and innovative university seeds. 

Collaborative partnerships with Station F, INSEAD, BLOCK71, Paris &Co, Bpifrance, Venture Café, Plug and Play, Israel Innovation Authority, Tsinghua University, China Medical University, National University of Singapore, the University of Texas at Austin, Stanford University, North Carolina State University, University of Nebraska and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad attract a diverse range of entrepreneurs to the region. 

For more information, please visit https://central-startup.jp/en/ 

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2634044/image_1.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2634045/image_2.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/business-plan-contest-photonics-challenge-2025-was-successfully-held-in-hamamatsu-city-the-center-of-the-optical-industry-302392711.html

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Sequel Brands Launches MOVE Powered by SEQUELai, the Company’s Sixth Brand and First Digital Wellness Platform

Published

22 minutes ago

on

July 21, 2026

By

MOVE closes the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it with an AI coach designed for everyone – not just people who already exercise.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sequel Brands today announced the launch of MOVE powered by SEQUELai, the company’s sixth brand and first digital wellness platform. Joining a portfolio that includes Pilates Addiction, BODY20, iFlex Stretch Studios, Beem Light Sauna, and Ultimate Longevity Center, MOVE is available now on iOS and Android for $5/month or $25/year – a price point designed to make personalized wellness more accessible, regardless of fitness background. The platform combines AI-powered coaching, personalized workouts, recovery guidance, nutrition support, and daily accountability to help users build healthier routines that last.

Despite widespread awareness of healthy living, millions of Americans still struggle to consistently put healthy habits into practice. According to the CDC, fewer than half of U.S. adults meet federal guidelines for aerobic physical activity. MOVE was built to close that gap by making healthy movement simple, achievable, and sustainable – especially for those who don’t consider themselves “fitness people.”

Extending Sequel’s Mission Beyond the Studio

For Sequel Founder and CEO Anthony Geisler, who has spent his career building and scaling some of the industry’s most recognizable studio brands – from Club Pilates and Pure Barre to Sequel’s portfolio today – MOVE is the culmination of a belief he has championed for years: movement is the foundation of better health. Through industry stages, interviews, and podcasts – including his keynote at last year’s Athletech News Innovation Summit – Geisler has consistently argued that America’s health challenge isn’t a lack of information; it’s turning knowledge into consistent action.

“Movement is medicine – it’s the catalyst for all other health habits. Get a workout in, and a bowl of ice cream stops sounding like a good idea. Skip it, and the rest of the day tends to follow,” said Geisler. “The goal with MOVE is simple: more people moving more often, in more accessible ways.”

SmartCoach: AI That Adapts as You Do

At the heart of MOVE is SmartCoach, an AI-powered wellness coach that creates a personalized plan based on each member’s goals, fitness level, and schedule – then continuously learns and adapts as they progress. While most wellness apps are built for people who already exercise regularly, SmartCoach is designed for the millions who don’t, meeting users where they are and helping them build sustainable habits over time. Beyond personalized coaching, MOVE delivers programming across strength, cardio, mobility, recovery, sleep, meditation, nutrition, mental wellness, women’s health, GLP-1 companion support, and clinically informed musculoskeletal (MSK) recovery.

The platform will continue to evolve with new AI-powered experiences. Upcoming features include MePod, a personalized weekly podcast that recaps each member’s progress and prepares them for the week ahead, and Daily Recommendations, a dynamic workout feed that updates in real time based on how each person is actually training. Wearables integration follows, connecting with fitness trackers and health apps members are already using.

AI-Powered Innovation Across the Sequel Ecosystem

MOVE marks the beginning of Sequel’s broader AI strategy. The company is already developing the next generation of AI-powered member experiences designed to help people build healthier daily habits that drive long-term health and longevity, while giving franchisees new ways to improve retention, deepen member relationships, and drive more visits to their studios.

“Technology should make healthy living easier, not more overwhelming,” said Alex Isaly, Sequel Brands’ President of Platform and AI Strategy. “MOVE meets people where they are, with coaching that adapts as they do. This is the first step in Sequel’s broader AI strategy to turn education into execution – creating better experiences for members and unlocking new ways to support our growing wellness ecosystem.”

The MOVE Smarter, Live Brighter Challenge

To celebrate the launch, Sequel is introducing the MOVE Smarter, Live Brighter Challenge, starting July 20. Designed for every fitness level, participants complete four sessions each week – including walking, strength, mobility, and sleep – for a total of 16 guided sessions, while a live in-app tracker measures the community’s total minutes of movement in real time. No gym, equipment, or fitness background is required to get started.

To join the challenge, download MOVE powered by SEQUELai, available now on iOS and Android, or visit sequelbrands.com/move-challenge.

ABOUT SEQUEL BRANDS
Sequel Brands is a next-generation fitness franchisor redefining the future of movement, recovery, wellness, and longevity. With an experienced leadership team and a portfolio of high-growth concepts – including Pilates Addiction, iFlex Stretch Studios, Beem Light Sauna, BODY20, Ultimate Longevity Center, and MOVE Powered by SEQUELai – Sequel delivers a scalable platform built for lasting success, cultural impact, and real results in how people move, recover, and optimize their longevity. For more information, visit sequelbrands.com. 

MEDIA CONTACTS
Sequel Brands Communications
E: communications@sequelbrands.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sequel-brands-launches-move-powered-by-sequelai-the-companys-sixth-brand-and-first-digital-wellness-platform-302830078.html

SOURCE Sequel Brands

Continue Reading

Technology

B&R Technology Merger Corp. Announces Pricing of $325 Million Initial Public Offering

Published

1 hour ago

on

July 20, 2026

By

NEW YORK, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — B&R Technology Merger Corp. (the “Company”) announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 32,500,000 units at $10.00 per unit. The units will be listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “BRTMU” commencing on July 21, 2026. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share of the Company and one-third of one warrant, each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share of the Company at an exercise price of $11.50 per share. Once the securities constituting the units begin separate trading, the Company expects that the Class A ordinary shares and warrants will be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols ” BRTM” and ” BRTMW,” respectively.

The Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. It may pursue an initial business combination target in any business or industry.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“Citigroup”) is acting as sole bookrunner and representative of the underwriters. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 4,875,000 additional units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

This offering will only be made by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to the offering and final prospectus, when available, may be obtained from Citigroup, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717 or by telephone at (800) 831-9146.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any State or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State or jurisdiction.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and preliminary prospectus for the Company’s offering filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/br-technology-merger-corp-announces-pricing-of-325-million-initial-public-offering-302830053.html

SOURCE B&R Technology Merger Corp.

Continue Reading

Technology

Paris-Planet Is Back with a Fresh New Way to Explore Paris

Published

1 hour ago

on

July 20, 2026

By

MONTREAL, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Planning a trip to Paris just got a little easier.

Paris-Planet has officially relaunched with a completely redesigned website that helps travelers discover and book some of Paris’s best museums, attractions, tours, and local experiences in one place.

The new site was built for people who want to spend less time jumping between dozens of websites and more time getting excited about their trip. Whether it’s your first visit to Paris or your fifth, Paris-Planet brings together the experiences that make the city unforgettable.

“We wanted to build the kind of website we would actually use ourselves,” said Chaz Desousa, founder of Paris-Planet. “There are so many incredible things to see in Paris, but planning a trip can quickly become overwhelming. Our goal was to make discovering and booking experiences simple, inspiring, and enjoyable.”

Visitors can browse everything from famous landmarks and museums to food tours, river cruises, walking tours, family activities, and seasonal events. Along with tickets and experiences, the site also features destination guides, travel tips, and ideas for making the most of every day in Paris.

The relaunch also includes a faster website, improved navigation, and a mobile-friendly design, making it easy for travelers to plan before they leave home or while they’re already exploring the city.

Activity provider can sign up here to Sell Paris Tours & Tickets Online

Paris remains one of the world’s most visited destinations, welcoming millions of visitors every year. Paris-Planet was created to help those travelers spend less time searching and more time experiencing everything the city has to offer.

About Paris-Planet

Paris-Planet is an online travel guide and booking platform focused exclusively on Paris. The website helps visitors discover museums, attractions, tours, activities, and unique local experiences while making trip planning simple and enjoyable.

For more information, visit www.paris-planet.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paris-planet-is-back-with-a-fresh-new-way-to-explore-paris-302829953.html

SOURCE Paris-Planet

Continue Reading

Trending