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Smart Opinion Initiates AI Model Proof-of-Concept Experiment with World’s #1 Hospital(1), Mayo Clinic

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Selected for Phase 2 of the HealthTech Gateway “AI Medical in the US” Acceleration Program Conducted by JETRO in Collaboration with Mayo Clinic Platform

TOKYO, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Smart Opinion, Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kenji Yamanami), a company dedicated to developing “Smaopi,” an AI-powered breast cancer screening tool that uses AI technology to analyze ultrasound image of the breast to detect suspected breast cancer through image diagnosis, is pleased to announce that it has been selected as one of five startups to participate in Phase 2 of the HealthTech Gateway “AI Medical in the US” program. This program is organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in collaboration with Mayo Clinic Platform_Accelerate2, a medical technology startup support program within Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, USA.

This program, a collaboration between JETRO and Mayo Clinic Platform, which possesses one of the largest patient data networks in the United States, is designed to provide robust support for startups in the digital health sector and those utilizing AI in their products. The program will facilitate their entry into the US market, as well as provide access to medical data and product improvement opportunities.

In Phase 1, which served as a foundational program, 16 Japanese companies, including Smart Opinion, participated in a 10-week program from the end of September 2024, that included a visit to the United States. This initial phase focused on acquiring foundational knowledge for entering the US healthcare market, establishing networks within Mayo Clinic, providing opportunities for discussion with investors, and formulating effective business strategies.

Following further document screening, presentations, and interviews, along with a rigorous evaluation process, Smart Opinion, along with four other AI-driven digital health companies, has been selected for Phase 2. Phase 2 is a medical data utilization program, spanning 30 weeks, that will provide access to Mayo Clinic’s medical data platform, which holds de-identified data from millions of patients. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in AI model development and validation, receive one-on-one mentoring with experts, obtain feedback from clinical teams, and participate in pitch events targeting the Minnesota ecosystem, including Mayo Clinic, and investors. It is expected that this program will provide comprehensive support for entry into the US market.

By participating in the Phase 2 support program, Smart Opinion aims to leverage the expertise of Mayo Clinic specialists in the regulatory, clinical, technical, and business areas to further its business development. As a medical technology startup, we will validate the effectiveness of our AI technology “METIS Eye” in the US market and explore methods for its implementation in clinical settings. Through the support of many healthcare professionals, we aspire to expand our business and help save more lives from breast cancer.

[1] World’s #1 Hospital
Mayo Clinic was founded to promote patient-centered care and was recognized as the world’s best hospital in the 2024 World’s Best Hospitals rankings published by Newsweek magazine.

[2] Mayo Clinic Platform_Accelerate
Mayo Clinic Platform_Accelerate leverages one of the largest patient data networks in the US and aims to make new knowledge, solutions, and technologies available through collaboration with medical technology innovators to create a healthier world. In collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), it is conducting a two-phase program to enhance opportunities for companies engaged in medical technology development in Japan to apply their products and services in the US healthcare business.

About Smart Opinion
Smart Opinion, Inc. was established in October 2019 as a joint venture between Fixstars Corporation (TSE Prime: 3687) and Prodigy Medical Co., Ltd. Smart Opinion is committed to improving early detection of breast cancer and supporting women’s health. The company is focused on the development and promotion of “Smaopi,” an AI-powered breast cancer screening tool utilizing ultrasound examination that can detect suspected breast cancer through image diagnosis. The company also offers patient support services that promote “patient-centered” medical care through digital and IT technologies, as well as health management support services for women.
https://www.smartopi.com/

About Fixstars Corporation
Fixstars Corporation is a technology company with the corporate message “Speed up your Business.” Through software parallelization and optimization to efficiently utilize multi-core processors, as well as memory technology that achieves low power consumption and high-speed IO, and high-speed software using AI, Fixstars is accelerating the businesses of its customers in various fields, such as medical, manufacturing, finance, and mobility, and is contributing to the realization of green IT.
https://www.fixstars.com/

Media Contact
Company: Smart Opinion, Inc.
CEO: Kenji Yamanami
URL: https://www.smartopi.com/
Email: 389334@email4pr.com
Tel: +81-3-6420-0762

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SOURCE Smart Opinion, Inc.

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Dreame Unveils PowerSight 40V Series at DREAME NEXT Launch Event 2026: Smart Display, Stable Power, Eco-Friendly Garden Care

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SAN FRANCISCO, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dreame Technology, a global leader in high-end consumer electronics and intelligent manufacturing, has kicked off its highly anticipated DREAME NEXT launch event at the iconic Palace of Fine Arts, running from April 27 to 30, 2026. The centerpiece of the showcase includes the PowerSight™ 40V cordless yard tool series, which is currently available for live demonstrations, with the official global unveiling scheduled for the afternoon of April 28.

As a highly anticipated cross-industry feast attracting global attention from the tech community, the event has gathered numerous renowned scientists and leaders in the technology field. Thousands of guests from more than 50 countries and regions around the world have converged at this iconic venue, including senior industry experts, global core distributors, international mainstream media, and key opinion leaders (KOLs). Beyond these distinguished guests, the event has also drawn significant attention from technology enthusiasts, industry professionals, and eco-conscious homeowners alike, who have flocked to the Palace of Fine Arts to experience Dreame’s latest innovation firsthand. Throughout the first day, Dreame’s team has engaged in extensive one-on-one conversations with visitors, demonstrating the full capabilities of the PowerSight™ 40V lineup, including the chainsaw, 21-inch lawn mower, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, string trimmer, and solar charger.

The official presentation on April 28 will focus on three core technological innovations that set the PowerSight™ 40V series apart:

SyncCore™ Brushless Motor Technology: Delivering competitive power-to-weight ratio with minimal energy loss, ensuring longer runtime and quieter operation compared to traditional motors.Dual-Channel Communication BMS: Enabling instant, lossless communication between battery and tool for stable power delivery, real-time monitoring of voltage, current and temperature, and enhanced safety protection.PowerSight™ Intelligent Display: Providing users with intuitive access to battery level, runtime estimates, and performance metrics, revolutionizing how homeowners interact with their yard tools.

Dreame’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the series, with optimized design and enhanced transmission that boost energy efficiency measurably, delivering longer runtime per charge. The system also supports solar charging, allowing users to work with one battery while charging the other with clean, renewable energy—an innovative feature that has resonated strongly with environmentally conscious attendees.

This efficient, cost-saving system represents a great advancement in the field of cordless outdoor equipment, offering a practical, eco-friendly solution for modern garden care needs.

Following the official unveiling, the PowerSight™ 40V series will be available for pre-order, with global availability across major markets expected in the coming months. Detailed pricing and regional availability will be announced later.

About Dreame Technology

Established in 2017, Dreame Technology is a global leader in high-end consumer electronics and intelligent manufacturing with the vision to empower lives through technology. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. For more information, visit https://global.dreametech.com/.

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SOURCE Dreame Technology

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Wilbur Labs 2026 Startup Failure Report Reveals AI Is the Top Threat for Half of Startup Founders

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MIAMI, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Wilbur Labs released their 2026 Report on Startup Failure, showing half of founders (50%) identified technological disruption, including AI, as the top threat to their company. Additionally, 59% of founders said they are concerned about their business surviving the next 12 months.

Click here for more information: https://www.wilburlabs.com/blueprints/why-startups-fail

Startup success stories often dominate headlines, but the reality of entrepreneurship is far less predictable. 81% of founders said their company pivoted from its original idea at least once, while 42% said they wish they had pivoted sooner.

“Startups rarely fail because founders lack ambition or intelligence,” said Phil Santoro, Co-Founder of Wilbur Labs. “More often, early assumptions about the market or product turn out to be wrong. The founders who succeed recognize those signals early and adapt.”

Product-market fit remains the biggest challenge
More than half of founders (54%) said their most important lesson from failure was the need to better understand product-market fit. Additionally, 44% cited product or technology issues as the primary cause of failure, and 25% cited running out of money (down from 38% in 2023).

“Even with AI making it easier to iterate than ever, product-market fit is still the foundation of every successful company,” said David Kolodny, Co-Founder of Wilbur Labs. “When founders get that right, a lot of other problems become manageable. When they don’t, challenges like competition, product issues, and capital constraints inevitably follow.”

The human cost of entrepreneurship
Beyond strategy, founders report significant personal strain. Nearly 9 in 10 (90%) said they experienced stress or burnout severe enough to make them consider quitting, while 87% said building a company was lonelier than expected.

Despite these challenges, resilience remains strong. More than 4 in 5 (81%) founders who experienced failure said they would start another company, with 31% motivated to do so immediately.

“Failure is rarely the end of the story. For most entrepreneurs, it’s actually the beginning of the next chapter,” Kolodny said.

Methodology
This study was designed and conducted by Wilbur Labs as part of ongoing research into startup failure and founder experiences. Wilbur Labs engaged Wakefield Research to assist with survey administration. The survey was made up of 200 U.S. tech founders between February 3-12, 2026, via email and online questionnaire. The margin of error is ±6.9 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

About Wilbur Labs
Wilbur Labs is a startup studio that turns bold ideas into market-leading companies. The studio identifies unsolved customer problems, researches solutions, and builds or invests in companies to solve them. Visit www.wilburlabs.com for more information.

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SOURCE Wilbur Labs

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Aligned Fitness Expands Beyond Southeast With Acquisition of Six Club Pilates Studios in Ohio

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ATLANTA, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aligned Fitness Holdings, a leading franchisee of Club Pilates, has acquired CAM Pilates, a Columbus, Ohio-based franchisee operating six top-performing studios. The transaction expands its total footprint to 55 studios.

The acquisition broadens Aligned Fitness’ geographic reach beyond its established base in the Southeastern United States, where it has locations in North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina, positioning the company for continued growth across the region and the Mid-Atlantic. By entering the Columbus market, the firm gains access to a high-demand, high-growth metro area while creating additional opportunities for new studio development.

CAM Pilates was founded and operated by Caitlin McTigue and Jason Tomany, widely respected franchisees known for building high-performing studios and a strong culture. Aligned Fitness plans to work closely with the existing team to maintain operational excellence while expanding access to Pilates across the region.

“This acquisition represents a natural extension of our strategy to partner with best-in-class operators in markets where we can build density and scale,” said Jon Smith, chief executive officer of Aligned Fitness Holdings. “Caitlin and Jason have built exceptional studios with a strong community focus, and we are excited to work alongside their team to continue delivering the benefits of Pilates to more people. Entering Columbus also demonstrates that our platform can successfully expand beyond our Southeastern roots into new, high-quality markets.”

Aligned Fitness has grown through a combination of new studio development and targeted acquisitions, focusing on premier franchisees in attractive markets. The addition of CAM Pilates reinforces the company’s position as an emerging multi-state platform in boutique fitness.

The broader boutique fitness industry continues to experience strong momentum, driven by consumer demand for personalized, community-oriented experiences. According to Allied Market Research, the global Pilates and yoga studios market is projected to reach $521 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 14.3 percent.

Aligned Fitness will continue to pursue strategic acquisitions and organic growth opportunities to expand its footprint and bring Pilates to more communities across its target regions.

Media contact
Thornton Kennedy
E | thornton@prsouth.net
C | 404 210 0363

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aligned-fitness-expands-beyond-southeast-with-acquisition-of-six-club-pilates-studios-in-ohio-302755988.html

SOURCE Eagle Merchant Partners

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